1956 Marked the Start. 1957 Made It Real. A Legacy of Caring Still Growing
Did you know June marked our 68th year of caring for kids?
In June of 1957, after purchasing the old O’Rourke Farm west of Billings, we welcomed the first child into our care—planting the roots of what would become Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch.
It all began with a bold response to injustice: At the time, young boys—some barely old enough to ride a bike—were being housed alongside adult criminals at the Montana State Industrial School. Franklin Robbie saw it and said, not on our watch. There has to be a better way.
What started as a safe haven soon grew into a therapeutic residential treatment center for youth.
A Legacy of Caring Takes Root
By the fall of 1973, we had already served 400 youth. In 1977, we began transitioning from long-term custodial care to short-term therapeutic treatment, launching our first Pilot Assessment and Treatment programs in Orth Lodge.
In June 1980, The Wrangler announced a historic milestone: the decision to admit girls to our Brekkeflat Assessment and Treatment Lodge. That edition also marked the first time we were referred to as Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch.
The 1990s brought another important step forward. We were approved by the State of Montana to pilot Medicaid reimbursement for Psychiatric Residential Treatment Services—ensuring access to critical care for youth with significant mental health needs.
And in 1999, we expanded into community-based services, stepping outside the walls of the Ranch to meet kids where they live, learn, and grow.
A Mission That Keeps Growing
In our first 14 months, we served just 14 youth.
Today, we reach more than 3,600 kids annually through a full spectrum of mental health services—ranging from our Psychiatric Residential Treatment Facility (PRTF) in Billings, to therapeutic group homes in Boulder, Billings, Helena, and Great Falls, and community-based care that now touches nearly every corner of Montana.
While our reach has grown, our heart has never changed: Caring people, preparing youth for life. We continue to show up for kids when it matters most.
Looking Back as We Look Ahead
Every September, we celebrate our beginnings—the moment we officially filed our Articles of Incorporation in 1956.
As we prepare for this year’s celebration, we’ll be sharing stories from our past and the legacy that continues to shape who we are today.
We invite you to join us on the journey.
Stay Connected
Stay tuned to our news updates for the latest 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.