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.
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.
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
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.”
March’s delivery from Amazon brought more than just snack bags to the Ranch—it brought joy, excitement, and a wave of gratitude from the kids we serve. As part of a generous donation, Amazon provided individually packed snack bags for every child on campus.
The response? Pure happiness. The smiles, laughter, and energy in the lodges made it clear—this simple gesture made a big impact.
Supporting Youth with More Than Just Snacks
We’re incredibly grateful to Amazon for their continued support of our mission. Donations like these go a long way in making our kids feel cared for and seen. While the snack bags were a hit, the real impact was in the message behind them: you matter.
At Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch, we know that meaningful experiences like this can leave a lasting impression. When kids experience generosity and community support firsthand, it helps reinforce their sense of worth and belonging.
From all of us at YBGR, thank you to Amazon for investing in the well-being of youth at the Ranch. Your support helps us continue our work in preparing them for life.
Get Involved
Want to learn more about how your organization can support our kids? Visit Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch Foundation at yellowstonefoundation.org.
See the signs that Jennifer Bauman and Stacey Sullivan, Therapists, are proudly showcasing at our Great Falls Community Office? They’re among the first in a statewide signage rollout happening now through early summer.
These new signs represent more than a visual update—they bring a clean, consistent, and unified face to the brick-and-mortar spaces where caring people at YBGR prepare youth for life.
From our community offices to group home campuses, the fresh new look ensures each site is easily recognizable and welcoming, reinforcing our commitment to youth where our mission hits the pavement in the areas we serve.
As installations continue across the state, keep an eye out for new signs going up in a community near you. Each one is a visible reminder of the hope, healing, and connection happening within.
Earlier this week, students at Yellowstone Academy participated in the ACT exam—a crucial academic milestone and a step forward on the path to college and future opportunities.
ACT Prepares Youth for What’s Next
The ACT, administered on the Ranch campus in Billings, helps students explore post-secondary options and set goals for what comes next. For the kids we serve, it’s more than just a test. It’s a chance to think beyond today—to imagine possibilities and take tangible steps toward them.
Education is provided through Yellowstone Academy, working hand-in-hand with the therapeutic support students receive through YBGR. This experience highlights the strength of that partnership—helping kids stabilize, heal, and re-engage with learning in a way that prepares them for life, not just school.
A Shared Commitment
Moments like this bring our mission to life: Caring people, preparing youth for life. They also align with Yellowstone Academy’s mission: To provide excellence in education through trusting, positive, and supportive relationships.
We’re proud of our kids for showing up, setting goals, and stepping into their future with purpose.
Big changes are underway at River’s Edge, one of our therapeutic group homes serving youth in Billings. With generous support from the Charles M. Bair Family Trust, renovations have officially begun—starting with brand-new, energy-efficient windows.
River’s Edge provides essential mental health support and safe housing for youth in need of stability, structure, and care in a family-style environment. These renovations are part of a more significant effort to strengthen the environment where healing happens every day.
Investing in the Future of River’s Edge
Thanks to HB 872 grant funding through the State of Montana, the next phase of improvements at River’s Edge includes new roofing, siding, and doors. These upgrades enhance safety, reduce energy costs, and support long-term sustainability—ensuring the home can continue to serve Montana kids for years to come.
Renovations like these reflect our commitment to building safe, welcoming environments where youth can thrive. As we continue improving our facilities across the state, the work at River’s Edge marks a meaningful step forward in strengthening access to care.
How much do you know about the history of Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch (YBGR)? The timeline above brings it to life.
Tucked behind the dining hall, the Ranch library holds more than just books—it showcases a powerful visual display of our history. This timeline reflects decades of impact, growth, and transformation.
In the photograph above, Jake Mullins, HR Recruiter, stands beside this timeline, underscoring its significance. More than just a collection of dates, it tells the story of the mission that has guided us for over 67 years. Through challenges, growth, and change, our commitment to youth and families has remained steadfast.
More Than a Timeline—A Legacy of Caring That Stands the Test of Time
Much has changed over the years, but our historic slogan continues to ring true. Still painted on the back of the sign above the entryway to campus, it serves as a lasting reminder: “It sure makes a difference to know someone cares.”
We are grateful for the many caring individuals across YBGR who continue to carry our mission forward: “Caring people, preparing youth for life.”
Your work makes a lasting impact—just like the history we continue to write every day.
Recognize this little lady? It’s Laurie Moore, Program Manager at the Ranch! Last month, Laurie celebrated an incredible 43 years at Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch (YBGR).
When asked for a photo, Laurie opted for a baby picture over a recent one—so we’re rolling with it! But don’t let that sweet face fool you. Laurie is tough as nails when it comes to serving kids with integrity and standing by her team. She embodies our mission: Caring people, preparing youth for life.
A Lifelong Commitment to Kids and Community
Laurie’s dedication runs deep. Over the years, she has not only invested in the lives of countless youth but also mentored teammates as they grow into caring professionals. She has watched YBGR evolve—from a small refuge in Billings to a statewide network delivering mental health care across Montana.
Thank You, Laurie!
Laurie, your commitment to our mission, your crewmates, and the kids we serve is nothing short of inspiring. Your work has shaped lives, strengthened our purpose, and left a lasting impact on countless youth.
Words can’t express our gratitude for your sacrifice, service, and loyalty over the years. We are so fortunate to have you on our team!
At the heart of our work lies a deep commitment to healing—not just in mind, but in body, spirit, and community. This morning, youth in our Wellbriety program at the Ranch created a powerful symbol of their journey: a Medicine Wheel.
More than just a recovery program, Wellbriety integrates culture, spirituality, and personal growth. Each week, youth participate in smudging ceremonies, talking circles, and reflection—fostering balance, strength, and long-term sobriety.
These traditional practices reconnect them to their roots while providing a strong foundation for lasting wellness.
The Power of the Medicine Wheel in Recovery
The Medicine Wheel is a sacred symbol in many Native traditions, representing balance and the interconnectedness of life. The four directions (North, South, East, West), are often used as a guide for living a balanced life and achieving spiritual harmony.
In Wellbriety, it serves as a visual guide to healing, mapping emotional, mental, physical, and spiritual well-being across all four directions. By incorporating these teachings, youth gain a deeper understanding of their journey toward sobriety and personal growth.
