Expanding Care Beyond the Ranch: A Legacy of Community-Based Services

What happens when an idea moves beyond policy papers and becomes real change for kids and families?

In the 1990s, a national movement in children’s mental health began shaping policy around community-based systems of care. For Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch, this was more than a trend—it was an opportunity to extend our mission of caring people, preparing youth for life through community-based services in Montana.

Pioneering Community-Based Care

With foresight and determination, leaders Loren Soft, Ry Sorensen, and David Groot brought the Ranch’s expertise beyond campus walls, directly into local communities. This bold move gave families access to care close to home, often preventing the need for residential treatment.

A Legacy That Continues to Grow

What began as a visionary step has grown into a robust continuum of care reaching thousands of youth and families across the state. In 2024, that reach expanded even further when Youth Dynamics joined our team—doubling our annual impact and extending community-based services in Montana to some of the most rural communities in the state.

Three decades later, that pioneering spirit continues to shape lives across Montana, ensuring that kids and families have access to the care they need, where they need it.

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.