YBGR is proud of every one of its graduates! This is about a very special one. Several years ago, Jim graduated from the residential program at YBGR and went to college. While working on his graduate degree he learned he was going blind. Jim is a wonderful young man who has developed a "can do" attitude. In April 2010, Jim was a volunteer mentor for CAMP EUREKA! The 2010 SNOW GOOSE WORKSHOP. This photo is of Jim working as a mentor with a young blind girl. As a volunteer staff, Jim provided care, encouragement, instruction and humor, at exactly the right times. We are so PROUD of Jim and the choices he has made with his life and want to recognize him for his exceptional attitude and ability to help others. Thank you, Jim!

Camp Eureka! 2010 Snow Goose Winter Workshop! is an event of the Montana Conservation Science Institute, Ltd. in Missoula, Montana. To learn more about this exciting event provided to blind children, go to http://mocsi.org/campeureka.htm

Edited from four pages of written reflections about arriving at Yellowstone Boys & Girls Ranch...

I had been in a long stream of treatment centers and bad foster homes. I had picked up bad habits and grew up too fast and by the end of the 8th grade, I had hit rock bottom. I had reached a point where nobody knew what to do with me. That is when the decision was made to have me come to Yellowstone.

As I flew over Billings, Montana, I was in awe. My escort and I were met at the Billings airport by two ladies from Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch. They were lovely and were not fake. They welcomed me, and helped me settle in.

At first, it was overwhelming. Anger and depression had filled my days, it had become my horrible norm. But this time it was different. The staff, the teachers, and the doctors were so happy that I was asking questions. I asked about everything and the amazing thing was that somebody answered. I had people in my life that actually cared for me, and they told me daily. This gave me a glimpse of hope and I could see an independent, happy future where I could live my own life.

The staff at Yellowstone really seemed to be interested in not just my present life, but knowing I could succeed in the future. I think that is the main reason I am doing well to this day. I am graduating from high school and am going to college. I feel like my life is mine, and Yellowstone gave it back to me. My name is Winona and I am happy I found Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch. Thank you!

November 2009

"If I were to do it again... I would definitely choose Yellowstone again. I think they care about their kids... they're very family oriented. They're tough, the counselors have to be tough, but they're lovingly tough and they are the ones that care about the kids... they do care. The most important thing about Yellowstone for our familiy including certainly our daughter, is that they do care... it's not just mushy caring, it is solid nurturing... they do want the parents involved and we became very involved."

L.K., Mom of Former Youth

Short excerpts taken from a letter.

"It was a sad day when we had to say good-bye to [our son] and drive away, but we were convinced he was in good hands. Now the day has come when we are taking him home. He has made great improvements under your care and guidance and he has earned the chance to move on to a new phase in his life... it seems as though everything you did promoted self respect and self confidence.

We will always be grateful that [our son] was given the opportunity to participate in the horse therapy program as that played an integral part in changing his young life... The Chapel and the Christian values that are present at Yellowstone Ranch will be forever with [our son] and were instrumental in his eventual emotional healing... with love and profound gratitude.

Mr. and Mrs. "D"
October 2009

"I was at YBGR in the early to mid 80's, and even 26 years later the Ranch holds a special place in my life... lacking my own family, YBGR gave me the self esteem I needed to survive in a great big world; it gave me the vision I have always maintained for my own future, and it left me with fond memories of really good friends; and on those "dark" days, I recall their words of encouragement to carry me through.

Rough times and good times, YBGR has been my foundation and the staff have been my rock!"

Former youth, Diane
March, 2009

"I was at YBGR for 2 years, and it truly did make a difference that I knew someone cared. I wanted to thank everyone for all you've done to change my life.

I am a better person and know I will succeed. I am going to college, and going to an independent living program because of all you've done to teach me a better way of life. Thank you so much!"

Former Youth, "AF"
February 2009

"Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch made a big difference in my life. When I came to Yellowstone in March 2004, I was struggling with many issues. The staff helped me through the rough times. One of those times was on the anniversary date of when my best friend had been shot and killed in front of me. My therapist and Chaplain Jamison were there every step of the way.

Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch did more than help me with treatment issues - YBGR helped me grow up and become a better person. I learned to weld at Yellowstone's vocational program and now welding plays a big part in my current job."

Former Youth, "TE"
October 2008

Dear (YBGR),

As we celebrate the first year of (our son's) return home from YBGR, I wanted to personally thank the staff (at YBGR) for investing yourselves in (our son) and being such a huge part of his success! (Our son) has stayed 100% "clean" for a year, and even made all A's in school both semesters! He has rebuilt his trustworthiness with us, and appears mach happier with life in general. He has a part time job at a sandwich shop, has earned his driver's license, has a girlfriend, is in a rock band, and has gone to church camp and "young life" camp this summer. Life sounds good to him compared to what he called the "living hell" he was feeling before! I've been so proud of (our son) as a Dad and I will always be grateful to the staff at (YBGR) for helping (our son) in his time of need. Please feel free to share this note with any of the (people) who knew (our son), as we hope that they too will be encouraged to work hard and return home to a much better life.

Thank you from "A Dad"
May 2009

[Two years ago] I tearfully admitted my son into your program. I knew it was the right thing to do, even thou he would be so far from home. Two years later... we are celebrating his graduation from the Yellowstone Academy and Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch. What a difference 2 years has made!

[My son] has really matured and has plans for his future which include further education. Thank you! There are so many wonderful staff members, I am afraid to list them for fear of forgetting someone! Thank you! Thank you!

Many blessings. Sincerely,

"S.S." Mom of former youth
August 2009

"Being from Chicago, the thought of sending our child to Montana was shocking enough! We often said with some slight humor, “who lives in Montana???!!!” We did have some underlying concerns but the fact that our Child Advocate Lawyer said that YBGR was really a good place for our child and that was critical.



With a strong Jewish cultural background and from an area with a large concentration of Jewish people we did wonder if YBGR would accommodate our child during important holidays. Not only did YBGR accommodate, the local Jewish (Beth Aaron) Congregation ensured us they had a long standing relationship with the YBGR. This was proven over and over again.



The cooperation between the YBGR and the small Jewish community allowed our family to develop some new strong relationships that will last for a very long time. This bond got very strong when the YBGR hosted our family foundations famous Holocaust exhibition that was open to the public in Billings in December 2008. This was not a publicity stunt but rather a sincere example of how the YBGR tries to embrace all faiths. YBGR attempts to bring out the importance of spirituality and/or ones cultural background as one part of a child’s addressing their personal issues.



Yes, there are some formalities and requirements that might seem different but the ultimate purpose is to instill discipline and respect to everyone in the community within YBGR. The issue of faith is just one piece of the puzzle YBGR incorporates into their great program that will in the end give residents the tools be to a productive/successful when they reenter their own community back home."



Danny Spungen, a dad in Illinois

"When I was first at Yellowstone it was kinda weird because I hadn't really been around anybody that really cared about me, I mean if the people who are related to me don't care about me, how can anybody else? I was at Yellowstone for eleven months. My environment was pretty abusive growing up. It was mentally and physically abusive, I mean I got beat on a regular basis and was always being told I wasn't good for anything. If you want to instill change in somebody you have to care about them first...[the staff at Yellowstone] have a tough job to do and it's not always easy, and [they] don't always get thanked or see the results. It has been close to ten years now since I've been at the Ranch...it sure makes a difference when people care."

Former Student, Jim
Attending College

"Being around him is such a treat. He is so happy and vibrant. I am so thankful that all of you worked so hard and didn't just give up on him. You definitely gave him back some self-esteem. I can see that just in the way he carries himself... I hope you can succeed with most kids that come through YBGR. They all have so much good in them. It's just to get that good out of them. I think you did a tremendous job with my grandson and will always appreciate it."

Letter from P.M., Grandma of a Former Youth

"I truly believe YBGR saved my life. I am still thankful for going there. It helped me become a better person in life, and it gave me a second chance to be a better person. Even today, nearly two years after leaving YBGR, I still sometimes miss Montana. The experiences I was able to have, like camping in Yellowstone, a 50-mile bike trip, White-water rafting in Yellowstone, and countless others, were experiences I will never forget.

YBGR helped me so much. I was really on the wrong path before I came to the Ranch. YBGR changed all of that. I spent most of my stay at The McVay Lodge. The counselors there were so helpful. They really made everything a lot easier. Early on in my stay, I wasn't making any improvements. Soon, I realized I wanted to change. With the help of the counselors, teachers, and my therapist, I became a new person. I quickly matured, and in January of 2007, I went home."


Former youth, S.
“S.” Graduated from high school in June, 2009 and was a member of his high school track team. He plans to attend the University of Oregon, in the fall.

Thank you for sharing your story!

"I am forever grateful and appreciative for helping my daughter... I look at your program as one of the greatest gifts of your love, support, and education. It will possibly take time for (daughter) to fully recognize how this great opportunity has helped to change her thinking about drugs and change her life."

Letter, Mary W., Mother of a Former Youth
July 2008

"I guess I kinda ended up at Yellowstone because I was doing a lot of drugs and my family and I were really not getting along. I was pretty much an angry kid... I got arrested a few times, but I always seemed to get by without [being] charged with anything.

It was kind of a slow transition, I think I was maybe half way through [treatment when] I started feeling a little bit less isolated and alone in the world. I definitely came out of there many more years grown than I would have if I hadn't been there, and looking back I definitely learned a lot of life skills and communication skills that I wouldn't have had without a lot of people and the staff that invested time in me.

I definitely have high hopes for the future... I would like to thank everybody at Yellowstone... there are so many people I would like to thank, but they know who they are."

B.K., Former Youth
2006
College graduate

"Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch's motto still sticks with me today, 'It sure makes a difference when you know somebody cares,' and if there is anybody out there that has any uncertainty about what the Ranch has done for kids like me, or least in my life, it changed me and made me the man I am today."

Vince, Former Youth
2007

"I think Yellowstone is important, it's important because different people need different things. I mean, not everybody needs to go to jail for stupid things that they did as a kid. Some people need a second chance or even a third chance... and you know, to just not have Yellowstone there would have meant that I would have gone to jail... versus continuing my education and graduating from high school and gratuating college... could have been a completely different sort of life story than the one I'm telling now.

Yeah, thanks to Yellowstone and a lot of hard work on my part, things are looking bright. Thanks to Yellowstone I've got my second chance and now my future's looking bright."

J.R., Former Youth
Working on his graduate degree

"You know, I think that part of it for me was I never really thought I would have a problem with drugs because I thought drug addicts came from broken homes and nobody loves them... my mom and dad were both there and loved me... but I lived on the streets... shaved my head. Without Yellowstone, I would not be where I am today... realistically the people at Yellowstone changed my life and still do to this day and I just want to thank them."

J. K., Former Youth
2007

"I used to live at YBGR and I have to say they helped me a lot. Very respectful caregivers, and a wonderful pastor who helped me through very hard stages of my life. I hope to someday go and visit the Ranch. It was a very far away place to be from my house, but they made it feel like home. Thank you YBGR."

From Nicole
Email Message
9-1-2009

"Our daughter left Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch almost three years ago. Her time there was a blessing. We are grateful for the help and kindness that she received... the help from the chemical dependency program was most beneficial... the patience, kindness and the goodwill of so many staff... please accept this donation as a token of appreciation... this program will always be in our prayers."
Sincerely,

Letter from Cathleen B., Mother of a Former Youth

"When I first came to Yellowstone, I was all shut up inside, like I was living in a cave. I didn't care about myself, and I wouldn't come out for anyone."

[She] had never been on a horse before coming to Yellowstone. [She] rode with ease as she carried the YBGR flag on horseback for the dedication of the new Equestrian Center in 2006. "I will never, never forget the horses!"

E.B., Former Youth
2006

"We are so thankful to Yellowstone and its caring staff because it gave our son back to us and helped change his life in a positive way.

Before coming to Yellowstone, our entire family unit had broken down. [Our son] says the time he spent at the Ranch was necessary and helped him grow into the man he is today.

We cannot say enough good things about Yellowstone. We carry a part of Yellowstone in our hearts."

J.S., Mom of Former Youth
October 2008

"Her dress, her attire started changing pretty radically. But when I really, really got concerned and hit the wall [was] when she was beginning to get into self-mutilation... and that's about the time we decided we needed to do something pretty quickly... when we first arrived I remember very clearly after 13-hour drive we were pretty tired... we were welcomed with open arms...I think the strongest endorsement that can be given... is that [daughter] went back and visited afterwards... and was willing to talk to the kids that were there and give them some guidance, and some good advice and that, to me, was wonderful."

Mr. K, Dad of Former Youth
2006