Investing in the caring people who invest in our kids matters. Over the weekend, YBGR staff from across Montana participated in Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) training, gaining tools to help teammates process secondary trauma after delivering crisis care to youth.

CISM Training Equips Staff to Support Each Other

At YBGR, we know that a strong team means stronger support for youth. Our work with kids is meaningful and comes with heavy moments, too. No one should carry that weight alone.

CISM training equips staff with the tools to recognize signs of stress and process crisis events with others—so they can continue providing the care kids depend on.

Strengthening Our Team for the Work Ahead

This training is one of the many ways we’re building a culture of care and resilience—ensuring our team has the support needed to keep showing up for Montana’s youth.

Join Our Community of Caring People, Preparing Youth for Life

Looking for a job where you can make an impact while being part of a strong, supportive community? Visit our Careers page today to learn more about our open positions.

Stay Connected

Stay tuned to our news updates for the latest from around the state, 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.

See the crafts above? On Friday, the kids in our Butte community-based services celebrated Valentine’s Day with our local team. Their time together went beyond fun—it was an opportunity for connection, creativity, and growth, reflecting our mission: Caring people, equipping youth for life.

Through activities like the ones pictured, kids build relationships and gain skills in creative expression that serve as coping tools they can lean on throughout their lives.

A big thank you to our Butte team for making Valentine’s Day therapeutic and special!

Stay Connected

Stay tuned to our news and events page for the latest YBGR updates from around the state, 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. 

Did you hear the news? Renovations at McVay Lodge are complete—with new bathrooms, thanks to HB 872 grant funding.

While this may seem like a small upgrade, facility improvements like this are critical to expanding our capacity to care for kids who need the structured treatment we provide at the Ranch. These updates allow us to put an additional lodge to use, increasing the number of kids we can serve.

Built to stand the test of time, the new bathrooms are easy to maintain and give the lodge a warm, inviting feel. They help create a space residents can call home—a clean, cozy environment where caring people can prepare youth for life.

Last Thursday, McVay Lodge reopened, welcoming boys from Jessie Grant Lodge while their space undergoes similar renovations.

Expanding Access to Care for Kids

Why does this matter? Because kids deserve access to care in a comfortable place they can take pride in that’s close to home.

Too often, youth needing higher levels of treatment must travel out of state for support—or don’t receive the care they need at all. Through HB 872, the State of Montana is helping change that—allowing providers like us to expand access to care right here in Montana.

By enhancing our facilities, we’re strengthening our ability to provide a structured, supportive environment where kids can stabilize, heal, and grow—without the added burden of being far from home.

Want to Learn More?

Stay tuned for more updates on how we’re working to strengthen care for kids—because they deserve family, support, and hope for the future.

See these tiles? They’re part of the incredible Yellowstone Academy student artwork collection—painted by past students during art class. It’s just one way the school fosters creativity and connection.

Yellowstone Academy provides K-12 education and vocational classes for kids in residential care at the Ranch and its Day Treatment program. With small classes and personalized support, the school helps students overcome emotional, educational, and behavioral challenges—empowering them to thrive.

As one of the West’s few accredited public schools located on a residential treatment campus, Yellowstone Academy combines learning and healing on our historic 410-acre ranch, nestled in the countryside of Billings.

These tiles are just a glimpse of the Yellowstone Academy student artwork showcasing the creativity and growth happening daily with the kids.

Learn More About Yellowstone Academy

Visit our Yellowstone Academy tab to learn more about the creative, therapeutic, educational programming they deliver daily.

Stay Connected

Stay tuned to our news and events for the latest YBGR updates from around the state, 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.

Recognize this outstanding woman? It’s Lisa Frazier, retiring Director of Recreational Services. And after 42 years of dedicated service, her impact will be felt for many years to come.

Lisa Frazier’s 42-Year Journey of Recreation and Healing

Lisa joined us in 1982, and from the beginning, she embodied our mission: “Caring people, preparing youth for life.” Her passion for investing in kids was evident.

From spearheading our dog therapy program to teaching recreational activities that help youth develop healthy coping mechanisms, Lisa played a key role in shaping the wellness initiatives we hold dear today.

Lisa is deeply ingrained in Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch’s long legacy of care. Her wealth of knowledge and countless memories of the youth she’s helped along the way make her a true historian of our journey over the decades.

Lisa Frazier’s Impact on Youth at Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch

Lisa’s favorite memories during her career at YBGR? Each surrounded time spent with kids at the Ranch:

• Camping in Yellowstone National Park
• Trips to Hedges Lake in the ’80s
• Outings to Box R Ranch in Wyoming
• Biking trips to Red Lodge

When asked what she loved most about YBGR, Lisa shared it was her work with kids and the team approach to care. She saw the value of getting youth outdoors and engaging in healthy activities as part of holistic wellness—mind, body, and spirit.

Lisa enjoyed watching youth travel the path of healing toward resilience—seeing them learn, grow, and begin to thrive.

Lisa—thank you for your unwavering commitment to our mission and the youth we serve. Your work has shaped countless lives, leaving a lasting impact on generations of Montanans. We wish you all the best in your well-deserved retirement.

Pictured is Lisa through the years at YBGR, along with some snapshots from her retirement party on campus and her beloved canine therapy pros.

Stay Connected

Stay tuned to our news and events page for the latest YBGR updates from around the state, 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.

See the handprints on this tipi liner? Each represents a child who has successfully graduated from our Native American Services Program at the Ranch, marking their journey of healing, growth, and resilience.

Josie Brady, Native American Services Coordinator, began this project in January 2024, and as the year comes to a close, we want to take a moment to reflect on the magnitude of our work.

Over 3,600 Kids Served in 2024

Through our mental health programming statewide, we provided care to more than 3,600 children this year—helping them build resilience and equipping them with the skills to thrive. Every life we impact creates a ripple effect, shaping not just the youth we serve but their families and communities for generations to come.

Looking Ahead to 2025

As we celebrate an impactful 2024, we look forward to the year ahead with a renewed commitment to serving Montana’s kids and families.

Thank you to our staff, partners, and supporters for making this work possible. Here’s to another year of hope, healing, and transformation!

Stay Connected

Stay tuned to our news updates for the latest from around the state, 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.

Did you know that in 2024, we reached a peak of 91 kids in our care at one time at the Ranch in Billings? That’s our highest census in years. It reflects the growing need for therapeutic residential treatment (PRTF) in Montana and our teams’ critical role in delivering lifesaving care.

Providing Hope When Families Need It Most

Families seeking PRTF treatment are often in crisis, looking for a safe, healing environment for children struggling with unsafe behaviors stemming from trauma and mental health challenges. With limited in-state options, families are often left with impossible choices—send their child out of state, far from home and family, or go without the care they desperately need.

At Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch, we work to ensure Montana kids have access to high-quality mental health treatment close to home.

Breaking Barriers to Care

This year’s census peak is a testament to our collective commitment to breaking down barriers and providing trauma-informed, wraparound support for youth who need it most.

To our residential teams—your dedication makes a difference every single day. Thank you for going above and beyond to ensure kids in crisis find hope, healing, and a path forward.

Looking Ahead

As we move into 2025, we remain committed to expanding access to lifesaving mental health treatment for Montana’s youth—because every child deserves the care and support they need, right here at home.

Stay Connected

Stay tuned to our news updates for the latest from around the state, 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.

Governor Greg Gianforte and First Lady Susan Gianforte took time away from the campaign trail to visit Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch (YBGR), where they toured the campus and engaged in discussions about youth mental health in Montana.

During their visit, the Governor and First Lady participated in a panel discussion with YBGR team members, who shared their experiences working with youth at the Ranch:

• Natalie Nickisch, Lead Mental Health Worker
• Jake Mullins, HR Recruiter
• Juletta Gilge, Director of PRTF
• Lacey Jones, Therapist
• Skyler Carroll, Program Manager

These caring professionals highlighted success stories from their work, emphasizing the impact of mental health support on youth and families across Montana. Their insights showcased the critical role of YBGR in providing mental health care to youth in need.

A Commitment to Montana’s Youth

YBGR has been a leader in children’s mental health care in Montana since 1957, offering PTRF residential treatment, therapeutic group home care, community-based services, and school-based programs with locations across the state. The visit from Governor Gianforte and the First Lady reflects the importance of supporting mental health initiatives that help children build brighter futures.

We appreciate Governor Gianforte and the First Lady for their time and interest in learning more about the mission of YBGR. A special thank you to our dedicated team members for sharing their passion, expertise, and the purpose behind their work in youth mental health.

Stay Connected

Stay tuned to our news and events page for the latest YBGR updates from around the state, 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.

Did you hear the news? Youth Dynamics and Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch are joining forces to address the growing mental health needs of Montana’s kids and families.

With a vision of a seamless, comprehensive children’s behavioral health continuum, our union will bring together 100+ years of combined experience, over 3,600 children served annually, and nearly 800 caring individuals delivering our mission.

Expanding Mental Health Care Across Montana

Operating as Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch, we’ll offer tailored care to meet each child’s unique needs across nearly every county statewide. From community and school programming to therapeutic group homes and PRTF residential treatment, we’re committed to providing the right service at the right time—at the lowest level of care possible.

Together, we’ll enhance our capacity to serve and provide efficient, trauma-informed, wrap-around care that ensures better outcomes for kids.

Learn More About Our Partnership With Youth Dynamics

Visit our YBGR Partner Facts page to learn more about how Youth Dynamics and Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch are working together to strengthen mental health care for Montana’s kids and families.

Stay Connected

Stay tuned to our news updates for the latest from around the state, 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.

Welcome to The Yellowstone Conference: Community Strategies to Prevent Youth Violence! Join us on Thu Oct 10 2024 at 08:30 AM for a day of learning and collaboration at 1701 Ray of Hope Ln. Billings, MT. This event will bring together community leaders, educators, and youth advocates to discuss effective strategies for preventing youth violence. Come share your ideas, network with like-minded individuals, and make a difference in your community. Let’s work together to create a safer and more peaceful environment for our youth. We look forward to seeing you there!

Panel Topics & Descriptions:

• Strengthening Family’s in Preventing Youth Violence ~ Moderator: Mary Hash, Administrative Director for Community Based Services. What can we do to help prevent adverse childhood experiences and help create a safe, stable, and nurturing environment for our children to help them reach their full potential? Nearly one in six adults have experienced four or more types of ACEs. This diverse panel will provide the audience information regarding protective factors, resiliency, and resources to help families achieve optimal success.
• Panelists
  • Brian Dennis, President & CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Yellowstone County
  • Carrie Porter, Program Manager and Intake Specialist for CASA of Yellowstone County
  • Laura Narum, Family Programs Resource Coordinator and Interim Director of Emergency Services at District 7 HRDC
  • Jen Daniels, Supervisor of the RFS (Resource Family Specialists)

• Partnering With Schools ~ Moderator: Kristin Mathison, Administrative Supervisor in Community Based Services. During this panel we will discuss the importance of creating strong partnerships with schools to assist and support students and staff. Fostering effective collaboration between schools and community health and behavior health partners have significant benefits that include improved academic performance, physical and psychological safety, reduced disciplinary action, lower dropout rate, lower substance abuse and less involvement in the criminal justice system. Each panelist will have an opportunity to speak to why these partnerships are important, how they have seen the systems work together or even what they would like to see improve.
• Panelists
  • Randy Shipman, Superintendent of the Dillon Elementary School District #10
  • Regina Griemsman, Head of School for Grace Montessori Academy (GMA)
  • Christina Peterson, Director of Student Services at Laurel Public Schools.
  • Amity Burkhardt, Coordinator of the Wellness and Resiliency Grant for Billings Public Schools

• Counteracting Drug Culture ~ Moderator: Jessica Kiedrowski, LAC, BS, MCRMHC. During this panel we will discuss the warning signs and appropriate interventions that come with childhood substance use. This includes the importance of creating strong connections with family members and community resources to help keep the public informed on what is being advertised to our youth, how it affects the body, and why youth are drawn to it. Staying away from substance use has shown to be directly tied to improvement on grades, school attendance, career progression, and developing healthy relationships with their peers. Youth who struggle with substance use will report troubles with breathing, coping with anxiety, being alone with their thoughts, joining activities that do not allow them to use, and increased emotional dysregulation. Each panelist will have an opportunity to speak to on the different warning signs, how to intervene, what the consequences of use are, what we are seeing used the most often in our communities, where to receive support, and answer questions given by the crowd.
• Panelists
  • Bryn Kojetin, Juvenile Probation Officer
  • Dr. Malcom Horn, Clinical Supervisor for Rimrock
  • Stacy Zinn, Retired Head of the Montana DEA office
  • TBA

• Collaborating With Government and Institutional Responses ~ Moderator: Mike Chavers, CEO of Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch. Collaborating with government and institutions is an important factor in providing services for at-risk youth and their families. We will focus on the impact to Montana youth and families.
• Panelists
  • Sierra Riesberg, Executive Director of Behavioral Health Alliance of Montana
  • Michael “Mike” Yakawich, Montana House of Representatives from the 51st district
  • Pat Cates, Senior Manager for Student Support Services for the Montana Office of Public Education
  • Meghan Peel, Deputy Administrator for the Children’s Mental Health Bureau

Special Keynote Speaker, Dr. Erwin Garcia, Billings School District 2 Superintendent

To purchase tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-yellowstone-conference-community-strategies-to-prevent-youth-violence-tickets-1004714647557

5.75 CEUs and 6 OPI credits are available upon request and the conference will be offered both in-person and virtual. Lunch will be included for in-person attendees!

Conference Agenda:

o Registration 8:30am-9:00am

o Welcome 9:00am-9:15am

o Strengthening Family’s in Preventing Youth Violence Panel 9:15am-10:30am

o Break 10:30am-10:45am

o Partnering With Schools Panel 10:45am-12:00pm

o Lunch 12:00p-1:00p

o Counteracting Drug Culture Panel 1:00pm-2:15pm

o Break 2:15pm-2:30pm

o Collaborating With Government and Institutional Responses Panel 2:30pm-3:45pm

o Keynote Speaker-Dr. Erwin Garcia, Billings School District 2 Superintendent 3:45pm-4:30pm