Category: News

Healing Outdoors Under the Big Sky: Kids at the Ranch Hit the Trails

September 12, 2025NewsKatie Gerten

For kids at the Ranch, time in Montana’s wilderness is more than a day outdoors—it’s a chance to find joy, build confidence, and create lasting memories. Earlier this summer, a group set out on the trails of the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness, many experiencing its beauty for the very first time. It was a powerful reminder of how healing outdoors can help kids see new possibilities for themselves.

Experiencing Montana’s Outdoors for the First Time

Some hiked rocky paths, others spotted wildlife, felt the spray of a rushing river, or paused to take in breathtaking mountain views. For many, it was an adventure that showed not only the wonder of Montana but also the strength and resilience within them.

Why These Moments Matter

These simple but profound experiences give kids a sense of belonging and remind them that joy is possible. They help kids feel connected to the world around them and confident in what they can achieve. With the encouragement of caring professionals, the memories made on these trails will last long after the hike ends.

At YBGR, we believe healing outdoors is just as vital as the work we do indoors—thriving under the wide-open skies of Montana.

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 YBGR and Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch.

Training Strengthens Support for Native Youth in Foster Care

September 8, 2025NewsKatie Gerten

For Native youth in foster care, healing is about more than stability. It’s about belonging—being connected to culture, tradition, and community. Without that, children risk losing not only their sense of place but their sense of self.

That’s why Josie Brady, Native American Services Coordinator, and Kayla Goble, Family Resource Specialist, recently attended the Circle of Keepers Train the Trainer event in Billings, held alongside the Rocky Mountain Tribal Leaders Council’s Walking the Sacred Path Conference. The training provided them with new tools to ensure that Native youth in foster care feel seen, valued, and supported in ways that honor their identity.

A Deeper Understanding of Cultural Healing

The sessions, led by Rita Hart, MSW (Jicarilla Apache and Choctaw) and Kelly Tannehill, MSW, centered on the sacred meaning of the circle in Native traditions—symbolizing protection, belonging, and strength without end. Participants explored how trauma histories intersect with cultural healing practices, gaining insight into the unique challenges Native youth face.

For Josie and Kayla, this was more than professional development—it was a chance to deepen their understanding of how culture itself can be a source of healing.

Strengthening Circles of Care

Through this training, Josie and Kayla strengthened their ability to help create natural, protective circles of care for Native youth in foster care. Their commitment reflects YBGR’s promise to walk alongside every child, ensuring each one feels embraced by a community of caring people. Because when both stability and culture surround Native youth in foster care, they don’t just survive—they thrive.

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Fortin Lodge: Honoring the Fortins’ Lasting Impact

September 6, 2025News, YBGR HistoryElizabeth Campoy

Some legacies are loud. Others are quietly lived, etched into the lives they’ve touched. Fortin Lodge at the Ranch stands as a tribute to the latter.

Built in 1961, Dorothy Fortin Lodge was the first home constructed at Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch with a house parent model. Named in memory of Dorothy Fortin, the kind and gracious wife of Phillip Fortin, the lodge reflects the couple’s enduring spirit of generosity.

The Fortins were among our earliest and most devoted supporters. Blessed in business, they believed deeply in giving back—and they did so with humility and joy. With open hearts and steadfast faith in our mission, they helped lay the foundation for the work we continue today.

Secret Santas and a Spirit of Giving

From 1959 to 1985, the Fortins quietly served as “Secret Santas” for the Ranch, making sure the children experienced the joy of Christmas through festive shopping trips and gifts. Though many were given anonymously, their impact was deeply felt.

Their generosity extended far beyond Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch, reaching into the heart of the Billings community and beyond. But their giving wasn’t just about resources—it was about creating stability, trust, and the feeling of being cared for.

A Home That Still Holds Meaning

Designed to house up to 36 boys, the lodge became more than a structure—it became a home. Today, Fortin Lodge stands tall as a testament to second chances and quiet generosity.

That legacy continues in the lives of those who once called it home. One former youth shared:

“Every so often, I pass through Billings and stop and say ‘Hi’ to any lodge staff who are there when I was. I feel it is important because they have a very difficult job, and they may not see the reward gained by their hard work. If I can go back ten years later and show them the positive results of their work, it may encourage or motivate them to continue.”

These words are a powerful reminder that the Fortins’ legacy lives on—in every life changed, every step forward, and every moment of hope sparked within those walls.

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.

Lasting Legacy of Giving: The Story Behind Donald Nutter Memorial Dining Hall

August 30, 2025News, YBGR HistoryElizabeth Campoy

Can a $1 gift make a difference? At Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch, it always has.

From a heartfelt donation in 1964 to the hundreds of meals served each day with care, the story of Donald Nutter Memorial Dining Hall is one rooted in generosity, community, and small acts that build something lasting.

This beloved space at the Ranch stands today thanks to the many who gave—each gift, large or small, helped bring it to life.

Donald Nutter Memorial Dining Hall - Photo 5

A powerful reminder of that came recently from John Whyte, our Admissions Coordinator in Great Falls. John shared a thank-you letter his parents received in 1965 from then-CEO Franklin Robbie, recognizing their $1 donation toward the Dining Hall’s construction.

Honoring a Tradition of Gratitude

A single dollar and a sincere note of gratitude. It’s a tradition the Yellowstone Foundation proudly carries on today—still sending handwritten thank-you letters to the donors who help power our mission.

Every gift matters. Every act of generosity leaves a mark.

A Space Built for Community, Nourishment, and Care

Named after Governor Donald Nutter, a Montana leader instrumental in the Ranch’s early years, the Dining Hall officially opened in 1966. That day, 450 people gathered to celebrate a new chapter—one centered around shared meals, belonging, and care.

Before the Ranch had a chapel, the Dining Hall served as a sacred space where kids gathered for Sunday morning services. It also became a cozy movie theater for monthly film nights, filling the room with laughter and community.

Still Feeding Hearts and Lives Today

Today, the Donald Nutter Memorial Dining Hall remains a cornerstone of daily life at the Ranch. The Sodexo team prepares and serves hundreds of meals each day, ensuring every child in our care is well-nourished and supported.

More than just a building, the Dining Hall is a symbol of what’s possible when people come together to give, build, and believe. It’s a space shaped by love, filled with stories, and sustained by the ongoing generosity of those who stand behind our mission.

Learn More About Our History

Want to dive deeper? You can also find A Legacy of Caring, written by our founder, Franklin Robbie, on Amazon.

Yellowstone County organizations requesting community help this back-to-school season

August 18, 2025NewsKatie Gerten

YBGR Group Homes Collaborate, Bringing Billings and Great Falls Teams Together

August 13, 2025NewsKatie Gerten

When YBGR group homes collaborate, the impact goes beyond logistics—it strengthens teams, improves communication, and enhances the care we provide to Montana kids.

That collaboration was on full display this month as staff from River’s Edge and STAR Group Homes in Billings traveled to connect with the team at North Skyline Group Home in Great Falls.

A Day of Purposeful Collaboration—and Tacos

Hosted by the North Skyline crew, the gathering included therapeutic discussion, relationship-building, and a taco lunch that brought everyone together. From shared care strategies to laughter over homemade fry bread, the event reinforced the value of taking time to connect as a united team.

Moments like these show how YBGR group homes collaborate not only to solve challenges, but to support one another and align around our shared mission: caring people, preparing youth for life.

Strengthening Teams & Care Across Montana

Teammates in attendance included: Jessie Wilson, Michelle Mouat, Lori Kapphan, Chloe Foster, Dani Miller, Brittany Olson, Zander Mathis, Richard Heusel, Jennifer Hawks, Alycia Hall, and Mariah Lefebre.

As YBGR continues to grow across the state, collaboration between group homes plays a critical role in maintaining consistency, trust, and mission-focused care. When we invest in each other, everyone benefits—especially the youth we serve.

At YBGR, the strength of our teams is the foundation for the care we provide.

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Amazon Brings Pizza, Smiles, and Care to the Ranch

August 8, 2025NewsKatie Gerten

When Amazon brings pizza to the Ranch, it’s more than just a delivery—it’s a show of noteworthy support for the kids at Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch (YBGR).

During a recent visit, six Amazon employees arrived on campus with 42 pizzas, drinks, and snacks in hand, ready to make the day unforgettable for students at Yellowstone Academy.

Delivering Pizza and Encouragement

Fresh off a four-day regional tour, the Amazon team made a stop at YBGR to deliver an afternoon of fun and food. Every classroom was included, from our youngest learners to high school students. They offered each child as much as they wanted—yes, even seconds and thirds.

Amazon didn’t stop there. They also stocked the chapel with extra snacks, extending the impact of their visit beyond the day itself.

A New Partnership Making a Difference

While new to supporting YBGR, Amazon is already making a measurable impact through monthly in-kind donations and campus visits. When Amazon brings pizza to the Ranch, it’s not just about the food—it’s about showing up for kids in meaningful ways, even if just for the day.

Thank you, Amazon, for your generosity and commitment to Montana youth. Your contributions help meet daily needs and strengthen the foundation of care we provide.

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Museum Trip Celebrates Growth for Kids in YBGR’s Community-Based Services

August 5, 2025NewsKatie Gerten

Kids in YBGR’s community-based services in Butte recently took a special trip to the Museum of the Rockies to celebrate the progress they’ve made in their treatment plans. The outing blended learning, exploration, and was a powerful reminder of how far they’ve come.

For many, it was their very first museum visit. As the kids explored towering dinosaur fossils, hands-on science exhibits, and interactive displays, their curiosity sparked in real time.

This wasn’t just a field trip; it was a meaningful experience that promoted healing, connection, and a sense of accomplishment.

First-Time Experiences That Matter

For the kids in our care, experiences like a day at the Museum of the Rockies can be especially meaningful. This field trip became a milestone moment filled with awe, discovery, and the kind of wonder that makes learning come alive.

Each exhibit explored was a reflection of the progress they’ve made. Each question asked showed just how far they’ve come on their journey, and how much possibility still lies ahead.

Gratitude for an Experience That Inspires

We’re deeply grateful to the Museum of the Rockies for welcoming the kids in our care and helping create a day they’ll never forget. Experiences like this are one of many ways YBGR’s community-based services helps kids build confidence and discover what’s possible.

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Update from CEO Mike Chavers Regarding Former Employee John Whiteside

July 28, 2025NewsKatie Gerten

At Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch, we’re committed to transparency and the well-being of the youth in our care. Please see the statement below from CEO Mike Chavers addressing recent media coverage involving former employee John Whiteside:

“Protecting the safety and well-being of the youth in our care is our highest priority at YBGR. Mr. Whiteside was employed by YBGR on April 21, 2025, and was terminated on May 23, 2025.

Mr. Whiteside’s last contact with youth as a YBGR employee was on May 19, 2025. YBGR cooperated fully with all investigative efforts by law enforcement and Child and Family Services. We support appropriate legal action in response to unlawful behavior, particularly when it involves youth.

On May 20, 2025, youth at the ranch made reports indicating that Mr. Whiteside made inappropriate comments. YBGR ensured that Mr. Whiteside would have no other contact with YBGR youth and reported the incident to the appropriate authorities and guardians, per all requirements. We are grateful that the youth felt safe and empowered to report, for the quick action by YBGR staff to ensure safety, and for the thorough investigation by law enforcement.

Prior to employment, Mr. Whiteside was cleared by the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services, a national criminal background check, and received positive references, as required for all YBGR employees. Mr. Whiteside’s 32 days as a YBGR employee included 15 days without any youth contact, and five (5) days of on-the-job shadowing.”

Kids at YBGR’s Boulder Group Homes Make a Lasting Impact at Local Animal Shelter

July 14, 2025NewsKatie Gerten

What began as a one-time service project has grown into something much deeper. For over a year, kids from our Boulder Group Homes have partnered with Animal Shelter and Care of Jefferson County (ASCJeffco)—and the impact continues to grow.

A Community Partnership That’s Building More Than a Shelter

It began with a simple goal: to help build a shelter and dog park that would serve the community and provide care for animals in need. But long after the construction wrapped up, the connection remained.

Now, each week, youth return to ASCJeffco—not because they have to, but because they want to. They walk dogs, clean kennels, and comfort animals still waiting for a home. Their steady presence has become a source of support that the shelter can count on.

Building Skills at Boulder Group Homes Through Service

This isn’t just about volunteering—it’s about growth. Through their work, youth are learning responsibility, showing up with consistency, and experiencing the power of care in action.

With the guidance of our Boulder team, they’re developing real-world skills and growing into leaders. They’re learning what it means to contribute, to connect, and to show up for something bigger than themselves.

Preparing Youth for Life Through Purposeful Engagement

This is what our mission, “Caring People, Preparing Youth for Life,” looks like in practice.

By creating space for service, our kids are not only supporting the community—they’re discovering who they are and what they’re capable of. This partnership with ASCJeffco is a powerful example of what can happen when care is consistent and purpose-driven, both for the animals and for the youth in our Boulder Group Homes.