Caring for Montana Kids: A Look Back at 2025
What happens when caring people show up for kids, day after day, across an entire state? A lot! Our work shows up in homes, programs, and everyday decisions made with the children and families we serve in mind.
Caring for Montana Kids — 2025 Highlights
Below are a few moments from 2025 that show what caring for Montana kids looked like across our work.
Showing Up for Kids Across Montana
In 2025, we served over 3,200 children statewide, reaching roughly 1,800 kids each day through our community-based services, group homes, Yellowstone Academy, and residential care at the Ranch.
During our Council on Accreditation review, families put that impact into their own words:
“We love how they treat our kids. We know when they’re with Yellowstone, they are safe.”
“I couldn’t do this without them. I’m now proud of myself.”
“My kid wouldn’t be alive without them.”
The voices above guide us more than numbers alone ever could.
COA Seal of Excellence Through 2029
In September, the Council on Accreditation (COA) renewed our seal of excellence after a four-day onsite review. COA affirmed the quality of our services and the integrity of how we care for children and families.
This recognition belongs to our team and everyone who walks alongside us.
7 New Yellowstone Academy Graduates
Last spring, Yellowstone Academy celebrated one of its largest graduating classes, including the first student to complete their full K–12 journey with us.
Each graduate carried a story of perseverance and courage—even when the path was hard.
Hats off to the 2025 Yellowstone Academy high school graduates! 🎓
Investing in the People Who Care for Kids
Our mission doesn’t move forward without our team.
From launching Bucketlist, our peer-to-peer recognition platform, to refreshing core learning, expanding the training team, and strengthening communication channels, 2025 was about investing in culture and in the tools our team needs to prepare youth for life.
In May, we celebrated our graduating MSW class through Carroll College as part of our Grow Our Own program—a milestone that reflects what’s possible when we invest in our own caring people.
Strengthening the Places Where Care Happens
In 2025, we invested in the places where care happens—strengthening the trauma-informed spaces that support our mission.
Here are a few highlights:
- Bathroom upgrades and interior updates across lodges at the Ranch, with work currently underway at Leuthold, Dorothy’s, and Kramlich Lodge
- Major renovations at River’s Edge Group Home in Billings, and bathroom upgrades at Lewis and Clark Group Home in Helena
- Continued investment in our Campus Security Project, now in Phase IV and nearing completion
- Updated signage across our facilities for a refreshed, consistent statewide look
These upgrades were made possible in part by the HB 872 grant and the generous support of donors through the Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch Foundation.
Connecting Faster, Caring Better
We brought all of our locations onto a single telecommunications system through Dialpad, making it easier for families and partners to reach us and for our teams to coordinate in real time.
Better connection means quicker, more collaborative care for kids.
Looking Ahead
As we enter the new year, we want to thank our team for their care and commitment. No doubt, they live our mission, demonstrating what it truly means to be Caring People, Preparing Youth for Life.
And to the families who trust us and the partners who stand beside us—thank you.
Cheers to 2025! And here’s to an even stronger 2026!
Stay Connected
Stay tuned for our latest news updates from across Montana, and follow us on social media. You can find us on LinkedIn at Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch, Instagram at @ybgr_cares, and Facebook at Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch and YBGR.