Wrangler: 2023 Summer

For a small group of youth in YBGR’s Intensive Outpatient Addiction Counseling Program (IOP), Friday is Equine erapy day. Licensed Addiction Counselor Vanessa Bell and the kids join Equine Specialist Mackenzie Warren and the YBGR horses at the Bill & Anita Jones Equestrian Center. Together, Vanessa and Mackenzie help the youth develop tools and techniques to help them better manage their mental health issues to avoid relapsing after they discharge from YBGR. “We provide programs addressing the entire spectrum of addiction, from prevention services for youth who are feeling pressure from friends or are dealing with addiction at home, to those who have experimented with substances, the most common of which are alcohol, nicotine, and marijuana,” says Walter Shore, Director of the Chemical Dependency Services at YBGR.

When Emily came to the Ranch last summer, she didn’t feel like she had a problem. She thought her parents sent her to the Ranch as punishment, but after several weeks, she started to see that maybe they were right.

“I struggled with depression and anxiety. I didn’t fit in with my peers and didn’t think that life was ever going to get better. Getting high or drunk let me escape. I felt like I was making friends and fitting in, and I thought that is what you do in a small town when there isn’t anything else to do. I now know that my parents sent me here to save me,” says Emily.

Emily worked hard in the IOP program, and things really started to improve when she bonded with Archie, one of the Ranch horses. “It was so easy with Archie. It was like he knew what I was thinking and feeling even before I did. We just clicked,” explains Emily.

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It was so easy with Archie. It was like he knew what I was thinking and feeling even before I did. We just clicked. Emily

Montana’s state income tax

CREDIT for gifts to qualified endowment funds of Montana charities just got better! e 2023

Montana Legislature passed amendments to the Montana Endowment Tax Credit to increase the amount of the available credit, and to make it permanent. Starting in 2024, individuals, business entities and even estates can all benefit.

Attention Montana Taxpayers

When an individual Montana taxpayer makes a planned gift to a qualified endowment fund, he or she is entitled to a dollar-for-dollar credit against that person’s Montana state income tax liability. e maximum amount of the credit for individuals has now been increased from $10,000 per taxpayer to $15,000 per taxpayer. A husband and wife filing jointly can each claim the credit, up to a total of $30,000 as an offset to the couple’s Montana state income taxes. Folks, these tax credits are dollars in your pockets, and a way to make lasting and impactful gifts to your favorite qualifying charities.

Both planned gifts and outright gifts from business entities and beneficiaries of estates can also qualify for the credit when gifts are directed to a Montana charity’s endowment fund.

Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch Foundation joined with other Montana charities nearly thirty years ago to help create the tax credit to encourage endowed philanthropy. e credit has proven popular and, although initially it was only temporary, it has been extended a number of times by the Montana Legislature. In 2023, state lawmakers, with the encouragement of Montana Governor Greg Gianforte, agreed in a strong and bipartisan voice that the tax credit should not only be increased, but should also be made permanent. Senate Bill 506 made its way through the legislative process and was signed into law by Governor Gianforte.

On behalf of all Montana charities working to build financial security for the future through the wise and disciplined use of qualified endowments, Yellowstone Foundation thanks our citizen legislators and elected officials for passing this important legislation.

officials for passing this important legislation.

We are always on standby to visit with donors and their Endowment Tax Credit through wise charitable gift

We are always on standby to visit with donors and their advisors about taking advantage of the Montana Endowment Tax Credit through wise charitable gift planning. Many of the planned gift “tools” in our tool kit work seamlessly with the state tax credit, including immediate and deferred gift annuities, charitable remainder trusts, charitable lead trusts, life estate agreements, and even paid-up life insurance. Of course, the federal tax benefits available to all Americans under these gift plans are off the chart!

Several other states have Endowment Tax Credits as well. If you don’t call Montana home, reach out to us anyway to see if your state has a similar tax benefit!

to see if your state has a similar tax benefit!

Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch Foundation

New EquiLateral erapy

Spring at YBGR is always a thing of wonder and beauty. e trees start budding and the grass begins to green. It can be 75 degrees one day and snowing the next, but eventually the flowers find their way up from the dirt. It’s a season of renewal and awakening – for the farm and ranch and for the kids we serve.

For the farm and ranch, pheasant chicks have been hatching, and the kids have been helping with the sorting of the birds. We have added some chickens to our brood and gathering eggs is on the horizon. In late April, kids and staff gathered to help with calf branding. e training of Presley, our young filly, is continuing. Spring is a very busy time at YBGR.

“Busyness” has its own benefits – idle hands, as they say – but these activities aren’t just about staying busy. ey are an important part of the learning, treatment, and selfdiscovery that occurs at the Ranch. rough these activities, kids learn that behaviors are connected to outcomes, and that they can make a difference in the lives of others. ey practice how to live, work, and deal with challenges. ey explore and expand their own capabilities. ey often find out they are stronger, both mentally and physically, than they ever imagined. ese activities can be transformative in the lives of youth.

e opportunities of ranch life are what sets YBGR’s Psychiatric Residential Treatment Facility apart from many others. We are constantly looking for ways to improve the care and treatment of those youth entrusted

to our care. is year, we’ve been implementing a new therapeutic model, combining Equine-Assisted erapy with Eye Movement

Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy, called EquiLateral erapy. We’ve seen some amazing results from this unique comprehensive and integrative treatment model. We are very excited to learn more and expand the approach during the coming year.

We simply could not provide any of these life-changing activities without your support. ank you for embracing our mission: Caring People, Preparing Youth for Life.

Winter Young Life Camp

And Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”

Winter Young Life Camp was celebrated this year on the YBGR campus over the second weekend of March. Daytime hours were filled with activities like rolling down the Chapel hill in giant hamster balls, sumo suit wrestling, carnival-style games in the Dining Hall, and more, while evenings were reserved for discussions around “Who is Jesus?” and “Why does Jesus care about me?”

All Spiritual Life Programs at YBGR are voluntary, and 68 of the 72 residential youth chose to participate in at least one of the Camp’s activities. Young Life Camp is a “mountain-top experience” that is celebrated only twice a year, but the camps often serve as an introduction to other SLP activities like weekly Chapel services, bi-monthly Young Life Club, and one-on-one counseling sessions.

A MESSAGE FROM CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER MIKE CHAVERS

Youth heading to the sanctuary for evening discussions.

Matthew 19:14

Sumo suits during the day were a big hit!

Hooves, Hands, & Heartbeats

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Vanessa and Mackenzie would set up scenarios with the horses to help the kids think about what life after discharge might be like. One of Emily’s favorites was to imagine the gate out of the arena was ‘relapse,’ and they would draw a line between the gateposts. Emily had to work with Archie to keep him from crossing that line and going back to his herd. She had to figure out what worked for him, and it allowed her to think of things that would help her not cross that line. Emily loves to paint, take pictures, and read, and those are all better ways for her to manage her emotions.

Working with Archie, Emily created a plan for herself with things that she could do when she was depressed or anxious. Yet the thought of discharging and leaving Archie was scary for Emily and for her parents.

“Emily had such a good relationship with this horse, and every time she called home, he was what she wanted to talk about. We could tell that she was worried about being home and not having Archie to rely on. We had the land for a horse and wanted to give Emily the best chance at success so we offered to buy Archie, but of course, he still has a lot of work to do at YBGR and other kids to help, so we couldn’t,” says Emily’s mother, Tana.

e family was able to work with Mackenzie and Vanessa and visit the Ranch before Emily discharged. ey took a ton of photos for her so she could remind herself why she wants to stay sober. Emily’s parents are also looking into getting her a horse of her own.

Emily’s current plans are to finish high school and go on to college to be an LAC, specializing in equine-assisted interventions. “I want to give other kids the help and the hope that YBGR gave me. I will be back, but as a staff member, not a patient!”

More SMART Staff E

arlier this spring, three YBGR staff completed the requirements to be certified as SMART Trainers, and upon being certified immediately conducted a 5-part series to train 17 additional YBGR staff as SMART clinicians.

SMART (Sensory Motor Arousal Regulation erapy) is a comprehensive treatment approach using a variety of treatment and therapy expertise including trauma-focused psychotherapy, sensorimotor psychotherapy, sensory integration, play therapy, attachment and family therapy, developmental psychology, and human development. Clinicians using SMART work with the child (and hopefully the caregiver) to nurture healing and growth.

anks to this latest series of trainings, made possible by a grant from the Offutt Family Foundation, SMART is now available to YBGR youth in Yellowstone County, Livingston, Lewistown, Dillon, the Flathead Valley, Missoula area, Harlem, and Deer Lodge.

YBGR Licensed Addiction Counselors

On average, half of all youth served by YBGR need Chemical Dependency Services (CDS), either for a diagnosis of addiction or for prevention services. YBGR has o ered CDS to youth in the Psychiatric Residential Treatment Facility (PRTF) and in the middle and high schools in Yellowstone County for many years. In the last few years, CDS expanded to include Beaverhead, Park, and Fergus Counties and is now expanding again to include Flathead and Blaine Counties.

Youth in the PRTF are o ered individual and group therapy as well as a biweekly Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) meeting held on campus. When youth are getting closer to discharge, they will attend AA meetings in the community so they can experience what they are like before attending on their own after being discharged. Youth can also self-refer to the program if they have concerns, even if they have never used.

Youth in the school setting also self-refer, and can be referred by friends, family, and school sta . The school programs focus mainly on prevention and can be a resource for youth who have questions about things they have heard or seen.

YBGR currently has six Licensed Addiction Counselors (LAC) on sta and is hiring two more with the expansion of services to the new counties. YBGR would like to add more as these services are needed by Montana youth.

“I grew up with a supportive family who was able to help me, but not all my friends were so lucky. I went into the LAC program with the intention of going back to Harlem, MT once I had my license to help my community,” says LAC Vanessa Bell. “YBGR has been amazing in giving me the skills that I need and is helping me to make my dream come true. As an LAC for YBGR, I will be moving back to Harlem and providing CDS to a community that has a lack of these kinds of services for youth.”

YBGR sta being certified in SMART practice with the equipment.

Presley – Learning the ropes

In the Winter Wrangler, we introduced you to the Equestrian Program’s latest edition, a six-month-old quarter horse filly who arrived at the end of 2022. The kids held a naming contest, and “Presley” was the winning pick. After being at the Ranch for five months, Presley has made YBGR her home. Initially, she was kept in a separate pen and was introduced to the rest of the herd one at a time, but now she is out with the herd and fitting right in.

When not grazing or engaging in mutual grooming with the rest of the herd, Presley has been assisting in therapies with the youth. At first, it was all about showing Presley that people are trustworthy. She quickly warmed up to being petted, brushed, and loved on. With guidance from Mackenzie, YBGR’s Equine Specialist, the youth have helped Presley learn appropriate boundaries and a few new skills like allowing her feet to be picked up.

She approaches the youth and waits to be loved on almost every time one of the kids enters the pasture. She has a very gentle demeanor which is helpful in training. Presley often joins the groups in the arena during recreational riding which has helped her learn to be still while being tied and groomed. When set free, she loves rolling around in the indoor arena and following the horses that are being ridden. Working with the young animal has been a real highlight for many of the youth at YBGR.

CBS Expansion

YBGR’s Community Based Services have grown exponentially over the last year, from serving a total of 1,153 children in 2021 to a total of 1,695 in 2022, a 47% increase! YBGR felt a call to action when another mental health center in the state closed its doors last spring. With that closure, YBGR acquired several additional school districts, and approximately 35-40 additional staff, primarily in the Western part of Montana. In addition, Targeted Case Management, Outpatient erapy, and Home Support Services continue to grow using both telehealth and in-person services. YBGR’s overarching philosophy of, “If there is a need, we want to try to partner to fulfill that need for youth and families.” is the driving force behind the expansion of services.

The first Basic Automotive Care and Maintenance Class (BACMC), offered to high trust youth in the Psychiatric Residential Treatment Facility, was held earlier in the Spring. e seven-class series was held once a week, after school, and covered key topics like tire care, checking and changing the oil and other fluids, understanding how an engine works, battery care, and more.

Nine youth started the classes, with three completing the entire series.

e start of girls’ volleyball practice accounted for five of those who didn’t complete the classes, with one exit being due to behavioral issues. e two classes that the girls were able to complete were tire care and checking and changing the oil – car care fundamentals that they will now have in their “toolbox.”

e class will be offered again later this year, so some of the six youth who weren’t able to complete all the classes the first time around may get another opportunity. Of the three youth who completed the series, two are giving serious consideration to a career in the automotive industry.

Instructor Tim Gilge going over the car’s braking system with the students.

Presley with her bestie, Archie.

Presley greets YBGR Equine Specialist Mackenzie Warren.

HOMES FOR HEIFERS CALF ROUNDUP

A special thanks to all the donors listed below whose generosity support the vo-ag program.

GREEN MOUNTAIN ANGUS RANCH

Green Mountain Angus Ranch, located near Ryegate, Montana was born of humble beginnings in the early 70’s when Gale Todd purchased his first cows. In 1973, the ranch held its first production Bull Sale, which still takes place every year. The original ranch was nestled at the base of Green Mountain in South Dakota and expanded to Montana in 1981. In 1991, Tim Todd and his wife Kris took over the operation of the ranch and have grown it to around 1,100 head with locations in Ryegate, Musselshell, and the Grass Range area.

Tim and Kris knew YBGR Director of Ranch Operations, Gary Adams, from the cattle business. “We got along well with Gary, and he has an infectious passion for the work done at YBGR, and we knew we needed to give back and support the Ranch,” said Tim. “Gary’s glass is always half full, and you can’t help but want to be a part of the good work happening at YBGR.”

In 2013, the Todd’s and Green Mountain Angus Ranch started donating the proceeds of the sale of one of their bulls to YBGR. They have also been Homes for Heifers donors over the years, running YBGR calves with their own until they are ready to go to market. “Kris and I enjoy helping kids. We have done scholarships and things and donating to the Ranch is a great way to give kids a chance and help them out. Kids today need all the help that they can get in the crazy, messed-up world, so we are doing our part to try and give them a better chance,” explains Tim.

Thank you to the Todds, Green Mountain Angus Ranch, and all Homes for Heifers and Calf Roundup donors!

Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch Foundation

Remember Us in Your Will and Leave a Lasting Legacy

By

January 15, 2023 – June 15, 2023

A special word of thanks to all donors listed here who support Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch Foundation through their memorial and honor gifts.

YBGR Prayer Chain

IN HONOR OF:

At every SLP activity, youth are asked if they would like to write down any prayer requests for themselves or others. Those requests are emailed to churches who have opted to be a part of the YBGR Prayer Chain. The congregations then pray for what the youth have requested.

Kids in the residential treatment program have all had a diagnosis of Seriously Emotionally Disturbed, and many deal with additional mental health issues and a host of other traumas. Still, so many of their prayer requests are not for themselves but for others: family, friends, and peers at YBGR. If your church would like to be part of the YBGR Prayer Chain, simply email info@yellowstonefoundation.org with the subject line YBGR Prayer Chain.

Memorial and Honor Gifts Form

Girls

FIXED AMOUNT: I give the sum of $ to Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch Foundation.

SPECIFIC PROPERTY: I give my to Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch Foundation.

PERCENTAGE OF REMAINDER: I give % of the remainder of my estate to Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch Foundation.

CONTINGENCY: In the event does not survive me, I give to Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch Foundation. ese samples are suggestions only. Legal documents should always be prepared by your attorney.

Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch Foundation’s legal address is 2050 Overland Avenue, P.O. Box 80807, Billings, Montana 59108.

Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charitable organization. Gifts are tax deductible.

naming Yellowstone Boys and

Ranch Foundation in your will, you can guarantee that your legacy of caring for troubled and abused children will continue for generations to come.

Hope in ConTEXT Samantha’sStory

Thanks to you, our generous donors, YBGR is now helping over 1,200 youth daily. Hope in ConTEXT is a new initiative to share their stories with you through monthly texts. Samantha’s Story was sent in May. To get signed up, simply scan the QR code or text Yellowstone to 406-308-1050 for monthly stories of hope and promise, focusing on Yellowstone’s kids.

We know everyone receives A LOT of texts these days, but wouldn’t you enjoy receiving a text, just once a month, with an inspirational youth story that you had a part in making happen? No sales pitch, no ask, just a heartwarming story of how these at-risk children are working toward a brighter future.

Sign up today!

Just scan this code to start receiving YBGR youth stories.

Samantha*struggledinschool.Herbodyseemedtohave amindofitsown,oftenresultinginexaggerated gestures.Shewasthat“weirdkid.” Thankstoareferral,Samanthastartedworkingwith Tammy,aYBGRtherapistatherschoolwhowastrainedin SensoryMotorArousalRegulationTherapy(SMART). Using SMARTmodalitiesandequipment,Samanthaquickly learnedthatsheneededhelptoregulateherbody. WhenSamanthawasfeelingoutofcontrolandmaking biggestures,usingabodysockoraweightedblanket helpedhertocalmdown.Usingfidgetspinnersandother sensoryobjectsalsohelpedSamanthatorelaxandshare emotionsmoreopenlysosheandTammycouldexamine whattriggeredhertofeelthingsinthatbigway. AfterseveralmonthsofworkingwithTammy,Samantha wasbetterabletoregulateherselfandrelylesson outsidetools. Samanthaisnowdoing wellinschool,hasmade friends,andevenjoined thesoccerteam. She stillhashermoments, butsheisbetterableto workthroughthemand askhernewfriendsto helpher,eitherwitha firmhugorsomespace, dependingonwhatshe needs.

*Notherrealname

YBGR/Carroll College Partnership Yields Results

On May 12th, YBGR staff Alexis Freydenfelt and Emily Lelm completed the requirements at Carroll College to receive their Master’s of Social Work (MSW). anks to the partnership between YBGR and Carroll College to increase the number of therapists with their MSW, both entered the program with advanced standing and have spent the last nine months working full-time for YBGR while completing the accelerated program and are working towards their clinical hours for licensure.

“ e partnership with Carroll College for this program has been extremely manageable. Classes happened after 5 PM on Monday’s and every other Tuesday so I could work and still attend class. I was also able to travel to Helena for the 5 intensive weekends to get that classroom experience and network with others in the program,” said Alexis of the program. “I was able to do my practicum and internship at YBGR in the course of my daily work. Now I will work towards my hours and get my supervision while getting to stay a part of the YBGR team.”

Congratulations on your achievement, ladies!