Yellowstone Academy began with salvaged desks, a makeshift classroom, and a simple but powerful vision: a place where every child has the chance to learn, heal, and grow. That first classroom marked a defining chapter in Yellowstone Academy history.
In 1959, inside a lodge furnished with desks from an abandoned schoolhouse, the vision came to life. The small space filled quickly with students who had experienced trauma, struggled in traditional classroom settings, and needed a different kind of learning environment—one grounded in patience, structure, and hope.
Students soon outgrew the space, overwhelming the nearby rural school system. It was clear that a new model of education was needed.
A “School Without Failure”
In 1961, generous local businesses stepped in with time, talent, and donated materials to help create what became known as a “school without failure”—a place where success was possible for children who had long felt left behind.
As one parent shared at the time:
“I’ve seen such a great change in my son. It’s the first time he’s been successful in a classroom—and received an A.”
Laying the Foundation for the Future
By September 16, 1965, School District 58 was officially established, allowing education and healing to grow hand in hand. What began as a four-room schoolhouse expanded through the generosity of caring donors such as Alvy Casper and the Heptner sisters, whose gifts helped create additional classrooms, an auditorium, and space for community day treatment.
In 1962, fifteen students proudly graduated from eighth grade—many for the first time in their lives. It was more than a graduation. It was proof that belief, structure, and opportunity could change a child’s path.
Yellowstone Academy History — A Legacy That Continues Today
Today, Yellowstone Academy continues to carry their original vision forward, writing the next chapter of Yellowstone Academy history each day. With small class sizes, individualized instruction, therapeutic support, and caring adults who meet students where they are, the Academy remains a place where youth rediscover their potential.
What began with salvaged desks and unwavering belief continues to transform lives—one student at a time.
Learn More About Our History
Visit our History page to explore the story—and the caring people—who gave birth to our mission. Their vision continues to touch the lives of thousands of youth across Montana and beyond each year.
Want to dive deeper? You can also find A Legacy of Caring, written by our founder, Franklin Robbie, on Amazon.
Great things come to those who put in focused, strategic effort. And that requires keeping it simple—to practice discipline and say no much more than saying yes.
Below are sixteen quotes illustrating the power of focused effort.
Quotes on the Power of Focused Effort
Quote 1: Productivity is never an accident. It is always the result of a commitment to excellence, intelligent planning, and focused effort. – Paul J. Meyer
Quote 2: Juggling, multitasking, and other forms of “attention shifting” are highly inefficient. Simply, the brain works much faster and more accurately when attention is focused, for a stretch of time, on one thing at a time. – Harvard Business Review
Quote 3: The concept of always being reachable makes us present nowhere. – Peter Arvai
Quote 4: Multitasking takes a toll. At home or at work, distractions lead to poor choices, painful mistakes, and unnecessary stress. – Gary W. Keller
Quote 5: The mind is like water. When it’s turbulent, it’s challenging to see. When it’s calm, everything becomes clear. – Inspired by Prasad Mahes
Quote 6: Complexity means distracted effort. Simplicity means focused effort. – Edward De Bono
Quote 7: Simplicity of approach is always best. – Charlie Chaplin
Quote 8: Doing less is often harder than doing more. – Inspired by Carolyn Rubenstein
Quote 9: You can do anything—but not everything. – David Allen
Quote 10: The art of leadership is saying no, not saying yes. It is very easy to say yes. – Tony Blair
Quote 11: Deciding what not to do is as important as deciding what to do. – Steve Jobs
Quote 12: Time and energy are limited. Any successful person has to decide what to do in part by deciding what not to do. – Angela Duckworth
Quote 13: It’s only by saying no that you can concentrate on the things that are really important. – Steve Jobs
Quote 14: You have to say no to a lot of good things in order to be able to say yes to a lot of great things. – Steve Jobs
Quote 15: You can’t do big things if you’re distracted by small things. – Unknown
Quote 16: Focus is about saying no. And the result of that focus is going to be some really great products where the total is much greater than the sum of the parts. – Steve Jobs
At Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch, we’re committed to transparency and the well-being of the youth in our care. Please see the statement below from CEO Mike Chavers addressing recent media coverage involving former employee John Whiteside:
“Protecting the safety and well-being of the youth in our care is our highest priority at YBGR. Mr. Whiteside was employed by YBGR on April 21, 2025, and was terminated on May 23, 2025.
Mr. Whiteside’s last contact with youth as a YBGR employee was on May 19, 2025. YBGR cooperated fully with all investigative efforts by law enforcement and Child and Family Services. We support appropriate legal action in response to unlawful behavior, particularly when it involves youth.
On May 20, 2025, youth at the ranch made reports indicating that Mr. Whiteside made inappropriate comments. YBGR ensured that Mr. Whiteside would have no other contact with YBGR youth and reported the incident to the appropriate authorities and guardians, per all requirements. We are grateful that the youth felt safe and empowered to report, for the quick action by YBGR staff to ensure safety, and for the thorough investigation by law enforcement.
Prior to employment, Mr. Whiteside was cleared by the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services, a national criminal background check, and received positive references, as required for all YBGR employees. Mr. Whiteside’s 32 days as a YBGR employee included 15 days without any youth contact, and five (5) days of on-the-job shadowing.”
Can a $1 gift make a difference? At Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch, it always has.
From a heartfelt donation in 1964 to the hundreds of meals served each day with care, the story of Donald Nutter Memorial Dining Hall is one rooted in generosity, community, and small acts that build something lasting.
This beloved space at the Ranch stands today thanks to the many who gave—each gift, large or small, helped bring it to life.
A powerful reminder of that came recently from John Whyte, our Admissions Coordinator in Great Falls. John shared a thank-you letter his parents received in 1965 from then-CEO Franklin Robbie, recognizing their $1 donation toward the Dining Hall’s construction.
Every gift matters. Every act of generosity leaves a mark.
A Space Built for Community, Nourishment, and Care
Named after Governor Donald Nutter, a Montana leader instrumental in the Ranch’s early years, the Dining Hall officially opened in 1966. That day, 450 people gathered to celebrate a new chapter—one centered around shared meals, belonging, and care.
Before the Ranch had a chapel, the Dining Hall served as a sacred space where kids gathered for Sunday morning services. It also became a cozy movie theater for monthly film nights, filling the room with laughter and community.
Still Feeding Hearts and Lives Today
Today, the Donald Nutter Memorial Dining Hall remains a cornerstone of daily life at the Ranch. The Sodexo team prepares and serves hundreds of meals each day, ensuring every child in our care is well-nourished and supported.
More than just a building, the Dining Hall is a symbol of what’s possible when people come together to give, build, and believe. It’s a space shaped by love, filled with stories, and sustained by the ongoing generosity of those who stand behind our mission.
Learn More About Our History
Visit our History page to explore the story—and the caring people—who gave birth to our mission. Their vision continues to touch the lives of thousands of youth across Montana and beyond each year.
Want to dive deeper? You can also find A Legacy of Caring, written by our founder, Franklin Robbie, on Amazon.
Some legacies are loud. Others are quietly lived, etched into the lives they’ve touched. Fortin Lodge at the Ranch stands as a tribute to the latter.
Built in 1961, Dorothy Fortin Lodge was the first home constructed at Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch with a house parent model. Named in memory of Dorothy Fortin, the kind and gracious wife of Phillip Fortin, the lodge reflects the couple’s enduring spirit of generosity.
The Fortins were among our earliest and most devoted supporters. Blessed in business, they believed deeply in giving back—and they did so with humility and joy. With open hearts and steadfast faith in our mission, they helped lay the foundation for the work we continue today.
Secret Santas and a Spirit of Giving
From 1959 to 1985, the Fortins quietly served as “Secret Santas” for the Ranch, making sure the children experienced the joy of Christmas through festive shopping trips and gifts. Though many were given anonymously, their impact was deeply felt.
Their generosity extended far beyond Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch, reaching into the heart of the Billings community and beyond. But their giving wasn’t just about resources—it was about creating stability, trust, and the feeling of being cared for.
A Home That Still Holds Meaning
Designed to house up to 36 boys, the lodge became more than a structure—it became a home. Today, Fortin Lodge stands tall as a testament to second chances and quiet generosity.
That legacy continues in the lives of those who once called it home. One former youth shared:
“Every so often, I pass through Billings and stop and say ‘Hi’ to any lodge staff who are there when I was. I feel it is important because they have a very difficult job, and they may not see the reward gained by their hard work. If I can go back ten years later and show them the positive results of their work, it may encourage or motivate them to continue.”
These words are a powerful reminder that the Fortins’ legacy lives on—in every life changed, every step forward, and every moment of hope sparked within those walls.
Learn More About Our History
Visit our History page to explore the story—and the caring people—who gave birth to our mission. Their vision continues to touch the lives of thousands of youth across Montana and beyond each year.
Want to dive deeper? You can also find A Legacy of Caring, written by our founder, Franklin Robbie, on Amazon.
Quotes on Having a Gentle Response to Kids’ Mistakes
Below are fourteen quotes to guide you in having a gentle response to your child when they make mistakes.
Quote 1: Parents have two primary jobs when it comes to keeping their kids safe and making them feel safe. The first is to protect them from harm. The second is to avoid becoming the source of fear and threat. – Daniel J. Siegel & Tina Payne Bryson
Quote 2: Parenting is not about raising children who never make mistakes. It’s about being a safe place for them when they do. – @simplyonpurpose
Quote 3: I think it’s really, really important that our home is not another place where our kids feel like they are failing—like they aren’t enough. – Rachel Macy Stafford
Quote 4: I often wonder if we speak so harshly to ourselves when we make a mistake because that’s how we were spoken to when we messed up as kids. – Shelly Robinson
Quote 5: The patience and kindness you offer your child when they’ve made a mistake will be the patience and kindness they offer themselves when they make a mistake as an adult. Be kind and intentional with your words. – @loveandletgrow
Quote 6: We teach our kids how honest they can be with us based on how we react when they tell us things we don’t want to hear. – Susan Stiffelman
Quote 7: Getting angry and yelling at kids for making mistakes doesn’t teach them not to make mistakes—it teaches them to hide their mistakes. – @simplyonpurpose
Quote 8: I never want my kids to mess up and think, “Dad’s going to kill me.” Instead, I want their first thought to be, “I need to call my dad.” – Unknown
Quote 9: When we make a mistake while attempting to learn a new skill, we don’t like to be isolated and made to feel ashamed for what we did wrong. Neither do children. – Shelly Robinson
Quote 10: When my child has made a poor decision that has led to a painful lesson, the last thing they need is a side of belittlement and condescension from me. – Unknown
Quote 11: When my child makes a mistake, and I feel tempted to scold them, I try to remember how I want to be treated when I make mistakes in my own life—with compassion, curiosity, and grace. – Shelly Robinson
Quote 12: Kids cannot persevere unless they know mistakes are part of life. Talk about your child’s mistakes without criticizing, showing anger, or shaming. Then give constructive feedback on how to improve. – Inspired by Michele Borba
Quote 13: Look for solutions rather than punishments. Children need to learn how to fix their mistakes, not just pay for them. – Rebecca Eanes
Quote 14: One day, your child will make a mistake or a bad choice and run to you instead of away from you. And in that moment, you will know the immense value of peaceful, positive, respectful parenting. – L.R. Knost
Every story has a first chapter. For Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch, Orth Lodge is a cornerstone of that chapter.
In 1959, what began as a leftover machine shed on the old O’Rourke Farm in Billings became something more. Through the generosity of our first donors, that humble structure was transformed into the Ranch’s first building, complete with sleeping quarters, a dining hall, a schoolroom, a kitchen, and staff housing.
It was more than just a place to live and work. Orth Lodge embodied a bold new vision: that Montana’s most vulnerable youth deserve safety, structure, and the chance to heal.
Today, Orth serves a new purpose: it’s a family life center, providing a welcoming space for families to stay while visiting their children in our therapeutic residential care at the Ranch.
What’s endured isn’t just the structure, but the spirit of compassion, stability, and human connection that has lived within it for decades.
As we prepare for this year’s “Living the Legacy” celebration to honor our founding, we’ll be sharing stories from our past that have shaped who we are today.
We invite you to join us on the journey.
Learn More About Our History
Visit our History page to explore the story—and the caring people—who gave birth to our mission. Their vision continues to touch the lives of thousands of youth across Montana and beyond each year.
Want to dive deeper? You can also find A Legacy of Caring, written by our founder, Franklin Robbie, on Amazon.
A Community Partnership That’s Building More Than a Shelter
It began with a simple goal: to help build a shelter and dog park that would serve the community and provide care for animals in need. But long after the construction wrapped up, the connection remained.
Now, each week, youth return to ASCJeffco—not because they have to, but because they want to. They walk dogs, clean kennels, and comfort animals still waiting for a home. Their steady presence has become a source of support that the shelter can count on.
Building Skills at Boulder Group Homes Through Service
This isn’t just about volunteering—it’s about growth. Through their work, youth are learning responsibility, showing up with consistency, and experiencing the power of care in action.
Preparing Youth for Life Through Purposeful Engagement
This is what our mission, “Caring People, Preparing Youth for Life,” looks like in practice.
By creating space for service, our kids are not only supporting the community—they’re discovering who they are and what they’re capable of. This partnership with ASCJeffco is a powerful example of what can happen when care is consistent and purpose-driven, both for the animals and for the youth in our Boulder Group Homes.
Conflict! For many, the word insights extreme discomfort. I mean, hats off to those who navigate relationship tension like a pro. I know I don’t. And I’m not alone.
Friction, particularly in the workplace, is inevitable. Work is where people with diverse backgrounds, values, and personalities congregate. And disputes often arise where differences meet.
Here’s the kicker. While Gottman’s research focused on marriage, his findings ring true for relationships across all settings. Understanding the four horsemen and developing the skills to overcome them is priceless in navigating conflict.
Below is a breakdown of John Gottman’s four horsemen and tips on how to conquer them at work.
Criticism
When we criticize others, we state complaints as a defect in their personality or character. As a result, our communication comes across as a personal attack, causing the other party to become defensive and shut down their desire for mutual resolution.
Frequently, criticism is characterized by universal statements, such as “You never” or “You’re too lazy.”
How to Counter Criticism
Of course, the best counter to criticism is to complain without dishing out blame. To do so, gently express your needs using “I” statements, rather than resorting to “you” statements. Try describing how you feel as neutrally as possible while still making your point.
Before walking into an interaction, think to yourself:
“What emotions do I feel?”
“What do I need from the other person in this situation?”
When countering criticism in the workplace, try to be as general as possible, asking questions such as “Can you tell me what brought you to that approach?”
Contempt
What’s contempt? It’s general meanness, mocking, condescension, and sarcasm. Some examples include eye-rolling, sneering, and name-calling.
Contempt can come across as any statement or nonverbal behavior aiming to elevate you to a higher ground than another person. It’s the ultimate sign of disrespect, and according to John Gottman, it’s the number one predictor of relationship failure.
When we engage in contempt, it often causes the other party to counter with defensiveness and stonewalling, spiraling both parties further down the rabbit hole of conflict.
How to Counter Contempt
Counter contempt by creating a culture of appreciation. For instance, if you admire something about a teammate, tell them. And when they do something great, let them know.
Moreover, try to avoid sarcasm, even through humor. It’s often taken out of context and can result in hurt feelings.
Note for Supervisors
Don’t wait for formal performance reviews to communicate a job well done to your people. Instead, catch them doing good and call it out whenever possible.
Defensiveness
I don’t know about you, but I don’t like feeling attacked, rejected, or criticized. And my first reaction to it, like most of us, is to defend myself.
But that reaction? It can be damaging! And why is that?
Because when we’re defensive, it signals to the other party that we aren’t able to take a hard look at our behavior and execute actions to correct it.
When we act defensively, we counter a perceived attack with a counterattack. Frequently, we take the victim role and refuse to take responsibility for our part in destructive communications.
And that behavior only escalates and spins the interaction out of control.
How to Counter Defensiveness
The counter to defensiveness is straightforward—take responsibility. We can’t mitigate conflict with others unless we take accountability for our part in it.
Yes, you heard me right. You play a role in the negative interactions you have with others. It’s inevitable. We all do.
So, next time you feel attacked, take responsibility by openly acknowledging your part in the exchange. And even if you slip up in your communications, you can still clean it up.
Here’s an example: “Let’s start that again. I might not have expressed that thought very well. I apologize.”
Stonewalling
Stonewalling involves avoiding contact with another person with the intent of making them feel ignored or invalidated. When we stonewall, we shut down and emotionally withdraw from conflict.
Essentially, we close ourselves off from those we’re in discord with, which often leads to noncooperation.
Stonewalling can look like:
Ignoring what the other person is saying
Changing the subject to avoid an uncomfortable topic
Storming off without a word
Coming up with reasons not to talk
Refusing to answer questions
Making accusations rather than talking about the current problem
Using dismissive body language such as rolling or closing eyes
Engaging in passive-aggressive behaviors such as stalling or procrastinating to avoid talking about a problem
Refusing to acknowledge the stonewalling behavior
Here are some reasons why we respond to conflict by stonewalling:
We have a hard time expressing feelings & needs.
We feel pressured or threatened to get our point across
We are flooded with emotion
It’s hard to open up and be vulnerable with feelings, so we push those feelings inward.
We use the “silent treatment” as a control tactic to punish or get back at the person we’re upset with.
We feel the other person won’t understand where we are coming from, so we think, “what’s the point?”
We grew up in an environment where feelings were not openly discussed, and caregivers modeled avoidance.
The thing with stonewalling is we never address conflict when we do it. Instead of fixing the problems at the root of relationship friction, we let them rot, only perpetuating negative feelings.
How to Counter Stonewalling
Stonewalling is tricky. Sometimes, we get so flooded with emotion that we know we’ll become highly agitated or even enraged if we confront conflict head-on. And that’s not good. But disengaging isn’t a solution either.
So, what’s the answer? First, practice open communication by letting the other party know you need a break. Then, use that time to distract yourself from the conflict, explore your feelings, and calm down.
Remember, decompress, but always come back to the interaction when you’re in a space to navigate it constructively. When you return, use empathy and convey that you are listening to understand the other party’s experience, even if you disagree with their viewpoint.
Get ready for an evening full of flavor, fun, and real country music—Yellowstone Foundation is bringing the heat to the Jones Equestrian Center for the 4th Annual Chili Cook-Off at the Ranch!
Put your chili-tasting skills to the test while enjoying live music from www.Twang—authentic country sound at its finest.
When:
Thursday, September 25th | 5–8 PM
Where:
Jones Equestrian Center, Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch 1732 72nd St W, Billings, MT 59106 (on Hesper Rd, West of 72nd St. on the North side)
Your ticket includes:
🍲 Chili, sides, soda, and water 🎶 Live entertainment 🎟️ Access to games and festivities
Available for purchase:
🔥 Collector chili bowls 🐎 Horse rides 🍻 Adult beverages 🎉 Heads/tails game & silent auction fun
