Category: News

YBGR Celebrates MSW Carroll College Graduates

May 17, 2025NewsKatie Gerten

This spring, we’re celebrating teammates who put in the work—earning everything from professional certificates to master’s degrees, including our MSW crew at Carroll College.

Pictured above with Dr. James Petrovich, Director of the Master of Social Work Program and a YBGR board member, are:

Katon Gerky, Targeted Case Manager in Harlem
Jasmine Hansen, PR Coordinator
Caitlin Cooper, Behavioral Specialist in Dillon
Skyler Carroll, Program Manager at Jessie Grant Lodge

These graduates were recognized at Carroll College’s MSW Hooding Ceremony in Helena on Friday, May 9th.

Balancing Responsibilities & Pushing Forward

Each of these professionals balanced full-time jobs, family responsibilities, and challenging academic coursework—all while continuing to serve youth and families with heart and perseverance.

Their achievement is a testament to what’s possible when education is supported and aligned with purpose. At YBGR, we believe in investing in the people delivering critical youth mental health services across Montana. By creating opportunities for professional development, we expand access to care in our rural communities and strengthen our workforce from within.

Our “Grow Your Own” Program: Advancing MSW Careers & More

YBGR and Yellowstone Academy offer several pathways to pursue an MSW or other academic goals through our “Grow Your Own” initiative:

University partnerships, such as those with Carroll College and Grand Canyon University, offer tuition discounts and flexible degree programs.

Scholarships, provided by the Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch Foundation, help fund degrees and certifications.

Student loan repayment grants support therapists currently practicing at YBGR or the Academy.

These supports help our team grow while expanding the care we provide to kids across Montana.

Grow Your Career While Giving Back

Looking for a meaningful career where you can grow professionally and make an impact? Join our team of caring people, preparing youth for life! Navigate to our Careers tab to explore our open positions.

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.

Tribal Leaders Visit for Closer Look at Native American Services

May 8, 2025NewsKatie Gerten

Tribal Leaders Visit YBGR for Closer Look at Native American Services

In April, we had the privilege of welcoming tribal chairmen and council members from across Montana to the Ranch for a closer look at our Native American Services programming—a vital piece of how we deliver on our mission: Caring people, preparing youth for life.

Native American Services — Cultural Connection in Practice

Our Native American Services program weaves cultural connection into treatment at the Ranch—supporting healing, strengthening identity, and fostering belonging. From weekly smudging and cultural activities to classroom integration, Native heritage is part of everyday life for youth who choose to participate.

We welcomed guests with a smudge prepared for the occasion using a custom blend from Lunar Brambles, a small herbal business that provides ongoing support, free of charge, to Mustang Nation—a key part of our programming.

Shared Conversation and Commitment

The visit was led by Josie Brady, our Native American Services Coordinator, whose work anchors the program and creates meaningful opportunities for cultural connection at the Ranch. Under her guidance, the day included space for honest conversation, shared insight, and reflections on how we can continue to strengthen our work moving forward.

We’re grateful for the time spent together—and for the opportunity to walk alongside youth in ways that honor their culture and identity.

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YBGR Butte Gathers to Honor the Past and Celebrate the Future

May 5, 2025NewsKatie Gerten

In April, our YBGR Butte team came together to mark a pivotal moment—celebrating the rebranding of their Community Office and two legacies now serving under one roof.

In a simple ceremony, we laid the old Youth Dynamics signage to rest—paying respect to the decades of care, connection, and hard work that built the foundation we stand on today at 775 W Gold Street.

YBGR Butte Honors Decades of Service

For years, 775 W Gold Street has been a steady presence for kids and families. Generations have walked through these doors—seeking support, finding connection, and building hope.

Both YBGR and Youth Dynamics have long histories of delivering care in Butte. Earlier this year, those paths officially came together—united under the shared mission: caring people, preparing youth for life.

What we celebrated was not the beginning but the continuation of that work—stronger, together, and reaching more youth and families than ever before.

The work started here is part of a much larger story—one still being written through every youth we serve and every family we support.

Expanding Our Reach Across Silver Bow County and Beyond

Today, our reach is more expansive, and our roots are deeper. From the Ranch to group homes to community-based services, our teams stand with kids at every step—building resilience, delivering hope, and creating strong foundations for the future.

We’re grateful to every team member who makes this work possible. Together, we’re making an impact that will ripple through future generations of children and families.

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Strengthening Families Month— Stronger Families, Stronger Futures

April 30, 2025NewsKatie Gerten

Did you know that April is Strengthening Families Month? It’s a reminder that building a strong, resilient tomorrow starts with investing in families today.

At YBGR, strengthening families is at the heart of everything we do. Every service we offer—whether it’s delivered in the community, our group homes, or at the Ranch—is designed to strengthen connections, build resilience, and equip kids and caregivers with the tools they need to thrive.

Last year, we showed up for more than 3,600 youth and their families—delivering critical care that touched lives across nearly every corner of Montana. Behind each number is a story of hope, healing, and strength—the result of a community rallying around kids and families when it matters most.

Every connection we build today creates a stronger foundation for tomorrow. When kids have stable relationships, practical skills, and caring support systems, they’re better prepared to navigate challenges, achieve their goals, and contribute to stronger communities.

How We Strengthen Families Across Montana

From crisis intervention to ongoing skill-building and beyond, our continuum of care is built to meet families where they are—walking alongside them every step of the way.

Whether we’re supporting a family through a challenging time or helping kids develop skills that last a lifetime, the focus stays the same: strengthening families to strengthen futures.

Our teams work in homes, schools, and communities across Montana, delivering care that helps families stay connected, build resilience, and move forward with confidence.

Learn more about the care we deliver across Montana.

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Butte Community-Based Services Brings Easter Joy to Youth and Families

April 28, 2025NewsKatie Gerten

YBGR Butte Brings Easter Joy to Youth and Families

Earlier this month, our Butte community-based services crew brought Easter to life for the youth and families they serve.

The team organized egg hunts at the park, hosted crafts and games at the office, and even made hand-dyed eggs—courtesy of Madelin Speer, Targeted Case Manager, and her chickens. Our kids spent the day laughing, creating, and connecting with each other and the caring adults around them.

Simple moments like these leave a real impact. They build positive memories, strengthen trust, and remind kids they are seen and valued.

Celebrating Connection and Community

In Butte, our team creates spaces where youth feel connected, supported, and seen.

Activities like these give kids a chance to experience joy, connection, and moments of celebration. They strengthen trust, build resilience, and help youth keep moving forward with confidence.

Beyond the holidays, our Butte community-based services team works daily to strengthen families, build skills, and support youth in staying connected to the people and communities that matter most.

Thank You to Our Butte Community-Based Services Team

We’re grateful to our Butte team for bringing heart, joy, and connection to the kids and families we serve. No doubt, their care and commitment makes a difference.

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YBGR Sponsors Pheasants Forever with Student-Raised Birds

April 23, 2025NewsKatie Gerten

We were proud to sponsor Pheasants Forever this year—supporting wildlife conservation and youth development in a truly hands-on way. As part of our partnership, we donated 50 pheasants raised with care by students at Yellowstone Academy at the Ranch through our Vocational Agriculture (Voc-Ag) program.

Building Responsibility & Life Skills Through Voc-Ag

At the Ranch, our Voc-Ag program gives youth the opportunity to raise pheasants from egg to maturity. With support from staff, students learn how to care for the birds throughout every stage of life—feeding, monitoring, and preparing them for release into the wild. Along the way, they build responsibility, confidence, and life skills that will serve them far beyond the classroom.

This hands-on experience also fosters a deep connection to the natural world and instills a lasting sense of pride in giving back—both to their community and to Montana’s wild places.

Partnering with Pheasants Forever to Support Conservation in Montana

Partnering with Pheasants Forever reflects our commitment to service, stewardship, and creating opportunities for youth to build skills for life. The organization plays a vital role in preserving wildlife habitats, promoting outdoor education, and ensuring that future generations of Montanans can experience the outdoors.

By contributing student-raised pheasants, we’re not only supporting local conservation efforts—we’re empowering youth through meaningful, real-world learning that benefits both people and the land.

It’s an honor to support Pheasants Forever’s mission while helping our students grow, give back, and make a lasting impact.

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Youth Wrap Up Volleyball Season with Match Against Staff

April 18, 2025NewsKatie Gerten

What a match! April 2nd marked the end of volleyball season at the Ranch, and our youth wrapped it up in style—with a spirited game against staff. In a close and exciting match, the staff team edged out a win with a final score of 25–21.

More Than Just a Volleyball Game

While the scoreboard showed a staff victory, the real wins this season came to the kids through the lessons learned on the court. Throughout the season, our youth practiced teamwork, communication, strategy, and perseverance—skills that extend far beyond the game.

From learning to collaborate with peers to encouraging each other through challenges, our volleyball season offered more than just physical activity. It created space for connection, growth, and a whole lot of fun.

We’re incredibly proud of the heart, hustle, and positive spirit our youth brought to every practice and game. And we’re grateful to the staff who stepped up—not just for the final match, but for encouraging and supporting the kids all season long.

🏐 Here’s to a season full of memories, movement, and moments that matter.

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YBGR Shelby Pedals for a Purpose at CycleMT Fundraiser

April 14, 2025NewsKatie Gerten

Shelby Team Pedals with Purpose at CycleMT Fundraiser for Montana Kids

YBGR Shelby recently joined Logan Health’s CycleMT fundraiser, rallying behind a powerful cause: raising funds for Montana children facing serious medical hardships.

The high-energy stationary bike relay brought community members together to support youth across the state—kids whose needs aren’t fully met by traditional funding sources.

YBGR Shelby in Action for Montana Kids

For YBGR Shelby, CycleMT was more than just a fun competition—it was a mission in motion. Funds raised during the event directly support children and families facing the overwhelming costs of medical care, including travel, lodging, and other essentials. These efforts ensure more Montana kids have access to the resources they need to stay healthy.

Events like this create a ripple effect of hope and healing, and we’re proud that our team showed up, heart and soul, to be part of it.

Living the Mission—At Work and Beyond

At Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch (YBGR), our commitment to kids doesn’t end when the workday does. We believe in living the mission—at work and beyond—and that means stepping up for our communities in meaningful ways, like volunteering time and energy to causes that align with our values.

Our Shelby team’s participation in CycleMT reflects that spirit of service. It’s a powerful reminder that the same values guiding our work with youth extend into every corner of our lives. We’re proud to support efforts that make Montana a better place for children and families, one ride at a time.

Thank you, Logan Health, for leading the charge. We’re honored to ride alongside you for a cause that matters.

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YBGR Brings Mental Health Care to Schools Across Montana

April 9, 2025NewsKatie Gerten

Yellowstone Academy Programs and Admissions (2)

At Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch (YBGR), we’re committed to meeting kids where they are—and for many, that means providing support right inside their schools. Through partnerships with 24 school districts across Montana, YBGR delivers school-based mental health services that help students stay engaged, build resilience, and thrive both in and out of the classroom.

What Are School-Based Mental Health Services?

School-based mental health services integrate therapeutic support into the daily school experience. Led by therapists, our teams of behavior specialists work directly in classrooms to deliver targeted interventions and counseling tailored to each child’s needs.

Support doesn’t end at the school doors—our services extend into homes and communities, creating wraparound care that provides stability and consistency for youth and families alike. This model keeps kids in school, reduces disruptions, and builds strong foundations for emotional and academic success.

A Statewide Effort to Support Students in Schools

From small rural communities to more populated school districts, YBGR’s school-based teams are making a meaningful difference across the state. These caring professionals play a vital role in early intervention, helping students navigate challenges before they escalate.

To our school-based community care teams: thank you. Your compassion, skill, and dedication are empowering Montana kids with the tools they need for life.

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6 Months Strong: Reshaping Youth Mental Health Through Integrated Care

April 6, 2025NewsKatie Gerten

Six Months Strong Reshaping Youth Mental Health Through Integrated Care

On October 6, 2024, Youth Dynamics and Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch came together with bold goals—one of them: improving youth outcomes through integrated care.

Today, six months later, we’re not just marking a milestone—we’re seeing real momentum and measurable impact.

That goal isn’t just taking root. It’s reshaping how care reaches kids across Montana.

Before joining forces, YDI and YBGR each served around 2,000 kids a year. Today, together, we’re reaching that many every day.

Integrated Care in Action

Here’s what we’ve accomplished since Youth Dynamics joined the YBGR team:

Expanded Access and Increased Capacity

The majority of our therapeutic group homes are now at full capacity, with efforts underway to reopen additional locations across Montana. This growth allows more youth to receive care closer to home in an environment that bridges higher levels of treatment and community-based support.

By strengthening this key level of care, we’re reinforcing a continuum that helps kids build a stable foundation for long-term success.

Improved Continuity of Care

Integrated care is reducing delays and strengthening transitions between different levels of service. In our second month as a unified organization, nearly 800 youth entered care under YBGR—a milestone made possible by shared systems, strong collaboration, and the combined strengths of both teams.

Youth now move more seamlessly through the continuum—from case management to group homes to residential treatment—receiving timely, connected support with fewer disruptions.

Increased Responsiveness

Our ability to respond to shifting needs has increased significantly with aligned teams and shared systems. Integrated care allows us to move quickly and deliver the right care at the right time.

When 13-year-old Jason’s needs escalated last fall, that responsiveness made all the difference. After transitioning from residential care at the Ranch to a previous Youth Dynamics group home, it became clear he needed more support.

In the past, moving him to a higher level of care could have taken weeks—time he didn’t have. But one call from Program Manager Jennifer Hawks was all it took to get him the help he needed—without hospitalization or disruption.

“Unifying as one provider allowed us to act fast and provide the care Jason needed when he needed it most.” — Jennifer Hawks, Group Home Program Manager

Today, Jason is back on the road to recovery—proof of what’s possible when we remove barriers and align care.

Across Montana—from Billings to Boulder, Glendive to Great Falls, Malta, Colstrip, and beyond—youth are getting help faster, more consistently, and in environment built for healing.

“With the addition of YDI into our ranks, I’m so grateful that YBGR is able to expand more in the Great Falls area!” — Stacey Sullivan, Therapist, Great Falls

Our progress reflects the strength of a unified mission and the dedication of the people carrying it forward. It shows what happens when two teams come together around a shared vision—and lean in to do hard things for the right reasons.

And we’re just getting started.

This progress is only possible because of the people behind it.

To our teammates across the state—thank you for showing up, embracing the vision behind this new path, and helping carry our mission forward: “Caring people, preparing youth for life.”