The Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch Expansion in the 1970s Into Therapeutic Care
When hundreds of young lives find healing, you know something powerful is at work.
The Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch expansion in the 1970s marked a new chapter for mental health care.
In 1976, King Lodge opened as the first to include its own kitchen and dining room, creating a space where daily life could feel more like home. Soon after, the Ranch partnered with the State of Montana to serve youth in need of therapeutic care. By 1977, Orth Lodge had launched a pilot program, opening new possibilities for treatment.
Expanding Care, Restoring Hope
By 1978, Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch had built a more comprehensive continuum of behavioral health care, earning accreditation from the Joint Commission of Hospitals. Jessie Grant Lodge welcomed six young girls in 1979, and by 1982, Shumaker Lodge expanded its treatment for girls, while London Lodge provided a supportive environment for boys.
By our 25th anniversary, more than 600 youth had received care through the Ranch. Even the fireplaces in Jessie Grant and Shumaker Lodges—built by a former youth apprenticing under Gene Halone—carried symbolic weight, crafted by hands once in need of healing.
At YBGR, every lodge is more than brick and timber. Each stands as a testament to the work of caring people, preparing youth for life.
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.