Youth Dynamics of Montana

Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch! 🦃 We are truly grateful to everyone who helps breathe life into our mission, "Caring people, preparing youth for life," and to the youth and families who allow us the honor of walking alongside them on their journey. Wishing you and your loved ones a day filled with gratitude and warmth.

It’s Native American Heritage Month, and we’re honored to introduce Josie Brady—a guiding force in connecting youth on our Billings campus to their heritage and fostering cultural awareness across YBGR. As our Native American Services Coordinator, Josie works with heart and purpose, helping youth reconnect with their roots and find belonging within our community. Since joining us in 2023, she’s brought meaningful traditions to life—from weekly smudging ceremonies and beading workshops to Mustang Nation, a club that fosters pride and connection. Josie’s commitment extends beyond our campus; she serves as a bridge to Montana’s tribes and supports youth through aftercare, ensuring they feel grounded and supported on their journey. Thank you, Josie, for your dedication. You bring depth to our mission, “Caring people, preparing youth for life,” and we’re grateful to have you on our team!

See the words below? “I could not be where I am today without you and all the wonderful people working there. I miss my staff and counselors—the angels who helped me.” — Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch Alumni They speak to the heart of our mission. For over six decades, Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch has been a place of hope, healing, and transformation, where caring people prepare youth for life, fostering resilience and equipping kids with the tools they need to thrive. From our humble beginnings in residential care at our main campus in Billings, our footprint today stretches wide—reaching youth in every corner of Montana through comprehensive PRTF treatment, therapeutic group home care, and community-based support. Ready to make a difference? Join us in our mission at www.ybgr.org/careers, and explore additional ways to give back through Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch Foundation at https://lnkd.in/gEFX76Jj. 

Meet Jestin Streib, a behind-the-scenes powerhouse driving our mission forward. As the Maintenance Technician at our Boulder Campus, Jestin may not work directly with our kids, but his impact is undeniable. Lately, he’s been hard at work preparing our homes—polishing every detail to make sure they’re ready for kids who turn to us for the structured mental health treatment that our group home care provides. His commitment builds the foundation our teams rely on to focus on what matters most: supporting youth—expanding our capacity to keep Montana kids in need close to home, close to their communities. Thank you, Jestin, for your dedication. No doubt, you bring definition to our mission, “Caring people, preparing youth for life,” and we’re grateful to have you on our team!

Meet Richard Heusel, Assistant Program Manager at North Skyline Group Home! Richard’s dedication to our mission runs deep. Whether he’s leading his team, supporting the kids in our care, or stepping up to help another home in need, his focus is simple yet powerful: helping youth heal and build resilience, empowering them to step confidently into the future. Thank you, Richard, for bringing our mission to life with such care and commitment. We’re lucky to have you on our team!

Giving our kids the best doesn't always mean giving them more 'things.' It's about equipping them with skills, values, and knowledge that last a lifetime. At Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch, we're committed to helping the youth we serve develop the tools they need to thrive—not just today, but well into the future. The most valuable legacy we can pass on is a foundation of care and resilience. #CaringForMontanaKids #ChildrensMentalHealth #BehavioralHealthMontana

November is Native American Heritage Month—a time to honor the strength, culture, and resilience of Montana’s Native communities. We began our celebrations again this year with a tipi-raising ceremony on campus—a powerful symbol reflecting a deep connection to nature, community, and spirituality. These photos are from last year when the Billings Campus of Adult and Teen Challenge Pacific Northwest joined us in tipi-raising at the Ranch. Stay tuned for photos of happenings in the coming weeks to honor Native American Heritage Month.

See the words below? "I feel like my life is mine, and Yellowstone gave it back to me." They speak to the power of our work. Since welcoming our first child into care in 1957, we’ve impacted countless young lives. At Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch, we’re more than a place — we’re a community of caring people, preparing youth for life. We help young people find hope and healing, empowering them to face tomorrow with resilience and purpose. Curious about who we are and what we do? Visit us at www.ybgr.org/about-ybgr.

Governor Greg Gianforte took a break from the campaign trail to visit YBGR. Alongside the First Lady and his team, the Governor toured our campus and then joined a panel discussion with: Natalie Nickisch, Lead Mental Health Worker Jake Mullins, HR Recruiter Juletta Gilge, Director of PRTF Lacey Jones, Therapist Skyler Carroll, Program Manager Each of these amazing individuals shared their ‘why’ and success stories from working with youth over the years. Thank you, Governor Gianforte and First Lady, for taking the time to learn more about who we are and the kids we serve. And a special thank you to our teammates for sharing their passion for our mission and the purpose behind our work.

Pictured, Bryce Clifton, our Training Specialist, is working with our Miles City, Colstrip, and Glendive teams to bring them up to speed on VIP Response training. This training equips our teams with trauma-informed strategies to support youth experiencing mental health crises, prioritizing their safety, dignity, and well-being. Thank you, Bryce, and to our community-based service and residential crews statewide for your commitment to delivering our mission to children and families.