Billings, Montana
Seeds of Hope and Healing Bear Fruit
For the staff at YBGR, working with the youth can be a lot like being a farmer or a gardener. They plant and nurture the seeds of hope and healing while youth are at the Ranch, but unlike farmers or gardeners, they often do not see the fruits of their labor until years later when youth reach out to share how they are doing.
Such is the case with Shawn Bassinger, a former YBGR youth who is now in his thirties and a successful financial planner with New York Life.
Shortly before Shawn’s seventh birthday, his life was turned upside down. His dad was arrested and sent to prison, and he and his sisters were removed from his mother’s custody. The kids were placed in foster care while his mom started to put in the work that she needed to get her kids back.
Shawn was angry and, at seven years old, didn’t know what to do with that anger, so he found himself at YBGR. YBGR staff (Shawn specifically remembers Pearl and Corbin) worked with him, helping him to develop coping skills and find healthy outlets for his anger. After a year, he went back to foster care.
“I stopped counting foster placements after the eighth one, but I think I stayed in a total of nine or ten places. I was never at them for very long, and I eventually found myself back at YBGR when I was nine. I still had work to do, especially if I wanted to be reunited with my mom and sisters,” Shawn recalls.
Those early lessons from the first stay took deeper root during the second. Shawn learned that if he wanted respect, he needed to give it. “Getting up early to help with chores like folding the laundry and having coffee with Pearl, the lodge overnight staff, contributed a lot to my success,” said Shawn. “I not only learned
how to talk to people respectfully but how to listen to them and really hear what they were saying.”
One of the other key lessons Shawn learned was to consider the consequences of his actions before he acted. He realized that adults can be your friends and can help and support you. Most importantly, he learned that treating people with respect, whether peers or adults, usually resulted in being treated respectfully in return.
One of the long-standing traditions at YBGR is when a youth is successfully discharged, they receive a rock, a small memento of their time at YBGR to remind them of lessons learned. Shawn still remembers Jennifer, one of the staff, giving him his rock, which he still carries over twenty years later.
After his second stay, Shawn was reunited with his mom and sisters, but his
Continued on page 5
Shawn Bassinger, successful financial planner and former YBGR youth
HA Simple Gift with a Lasting Impact: Naming Your Favorite Charity in Your Will or On Your Accounts
ave you ever wished you could do more for a cause close to your heart? The truth is, you can – and it’s easier than you might think. Including your favorite charity in your will or as a beneficiary on financial accounts is one of the most meaningful ways to leave a legacy of kindness and impact.
Many people are surprised to learn how simple it is to make this kind of gift. A few thoughtful steps – often just a few lines in your will or a form from your bank – can ensure your values continue to make a difference long into the future. Whether it’s your church, a local nonprofit like Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch Foundation, or a national organization doing work you believe in, you can help sustain their mission with just a bit of planning.
One common option is to include a charitable bequest in your will, which your attorney can help you add with a quick update or addendum. Another easy route is naming a charity as a beneficiary on your bank account, retirement plan, or life insurance policy. Known as a
Remember Us in Your Will and Leave a Lasting Legacy
naming
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. These 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.
“pay-on-death” or “transfer-on-death” designation, this option allows your gift to go directly to the charity –simple, direct, and often avoiding probate.
Yellowstone Foundation has complimentary tools to share. Request a free copy of our comprehensive Guide to Planning Your Will and Trust. We can also send our Personal and Financial Recordbook which will help you compile all of your financial and estate-related information in one place – a crucial resource for your survivors. Explore our website, YellowstoneFoundation.org, which is rich with information and helpful forms which can be easily downloaded.
Anne Frank wisely said, “No one has ever become poor by giving.” That’s the beautiful truth about generosity – every gift, large or small, has the power to create change, bring hope, and support the work you care most about.
If you’re considering how your values might live on through your legacy, we would be honored to support you in that reflection. Whether you’re ready to take the next step or simply explore your options, we welcome the opportunity to answer your questions and offer thoughtful guidance, always at your pace and always without cost or obligation.
Contact us today to learn more – we’d love to hear from you. Call 406-656-8772.
By
Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch Foundation in your will, you can guarantee that your legacy of caring for troubled and abused children will continue for generations to come.
Taking Brave Steps Forward
As the snow melts and the green grasses of summer start to take root, there’s a hum of life returning to the Ranch. New calves have been born – wobbly-legged reminders that every season brings its own kind of hope. Spring is passing the baton to summer, and with it comes renewed energy at Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch.
Our mission – Caring People, Preparing Youth for Life –guides everything we do. Just like ranching, this work takes grit, patience, and a whole lot of heart. It’s not always easy. There are long days, unexpected challenges, and moments when progress feels slow. However, just like the new calves finding their footing, the young people we serve are also learning to stand strong. Whether they are with us at the Ranch or in communities across Montana, each youth is walking a hard but hopeful road. Many come to us carrying heavy burdens – trauma, anxiety, depression – but through the care of our staff and your unwavering support, they discover that healing is possible. Like a new calf rising for the first time, when we see a young person take a brave step forward, it’s all worth it.
We believe that every young person has value and potential, and we’re honored to be part of their journey. As summer stretches out before us, we are reminded again that new life, new growth, and transformation are not only possible – they’re happening every day here at YBGR. Your generosity, your prayers, and your belief in these kids make this work possible. You are part of every success story, every healing moment, and every future that is being rewritten. Thank you.
Fun, Faith, and Firsts
The 2025 Young Life Winter Camp, celebrated in late February, was an unforgettable experience for youth at YBGR – full of fun, connection, and moments of real growth. Friday night kicked off in the Robbie Chapel with music, games, raffle prizes, and a message from guest speaker Theresa Lauvre on “Who is God?” Lodges ended the night with Taco Bell and discussion questions to take the message deeper.
Saturday was packed with high-energy activities: sledding behind an ATV driven by Ranch Manager Gary Adams, inflatable games in the gym, and Pool Olympics led by our new Assistant Chaplain, Rich Lutton. That evening, the Chapel was filled again with laughter during messy games like Jello tug-of-war and pie-eating contests, followed by Theresa’s second talk, “Why Would I Need Jesus?” Lodges ended the night with pizza and meaningful group conversations.
On Sunday, youth enjoyed a movie matinee with popcorn, soda, and seasoning stations. That evening, Theresa spoke about God’s love, forgiveness, and acceptance. Afterward, everyone headed outside for a magical sledding party on a decorated hill, complete with lights, music, fire pits, and s’mores.
Monday night’s final Chapel featured games, prizes, and Theresa’s final message on building a relationship with God. Youth were invited to take a sticker if they wanted to grow in their faith – and 35 stepped forward. The weekend closed with a high-energy dance party under lights and falling snow inside the Chapel.
Throughout the weekend, youth opened up, shared first-time experiences, and encountered God in a personal way. As one youth shared, “We prayed for the first time yesterday.” It was a powerful weekend of joy, reflection, and transformation – one that won’t be soon forgotten. Taking advantage of
the Chapel sledding hill.
Chaplain Boeder leading the kids in song.
2024 Annual Report Highlights
Psychiatric Residential Treatment Facility (PRTF)
The PRTF is the highest level of care offered at YBGR, serving youth diagnosed with Serious Emotional Disturbance. During their 4-6 month stay, residents receive traumainformed care that supports their mental, physical, emotional, educational, cultural, and spiritual needs. PRTF services include individual and family therapy; 24/7 medical clinic with board-certified psychiatric providers; secure, supervised lodges; chemical dependency support; recreational, occupational, and equine therapy; and ranch work crews and community involvement.
Tom & Joan Scott Clinic
The Clinic offers 24-hour nursing care to youth in the Psychiatric Residential Treatment Facility and to staff as well.
7,752
Therapeutic Group Homes (TGH)
YBGR’s therapeutic group homes provide a nurturing, structured environment that bridges the gap between outpatient Community Based Services and the Psychiatric Residential Treatment Facility.
YBGR has 10 group homes in four Montana communities (4 in Billings, 4 in Boulder, 1 in Great Falls and 1 in Helena) providing a variety of home care services for youth ages 8 to 18. Each home has 24-hour awake supervision, treatment, advocacy, and family-style care. The length of stay is determined by the child’s progress and is typically 6 to 9 months.
The focus is to create a supportive atmosphere for healing and growth. By fostering a safe, engaging environment, staff help youth build resilience, develop essential life skills, and attain their goals for a brighter future.
Yellowstone Boys & Girls Ranch Operational Income Sources
Native American Services (NAS)
This year, the NAS program launched a powerful new tradition. Native American youth who complete their time at YBGR leave a painted handprint on the NAS tipi. Started by NAS Coordinator Josie Brady, the tipi now displays 18 handprints.
NAS continues to integrate cultural healing into treatment, offering Wellbriety Talking Circles, sweat lodges, and the Medicine Wheel & 12 Steps for Youth, helping Native youth reconnect with their identity and choose healthy, hopeful paths forward.
Nurse Mike meeting with a PRTF youth.
Community Based Services (CBS)
With Youth Dynamics, Inc. joining YBGR in late 2024, YBGR’s Community Based Services is serving more youth and families in more communities around the state than ever before. With the PRTF, TGH, and CBS, YBGR is ensuring that kids and their families get the right support at the right time at the right level of care.
CBS Assessment
CBS IOP Therapy
CBS Outpatient Therapy
Chemical Dependency
Child Wealth Prevention & Support Services
Day Treatment - Boulder
Family Treatment Court
Therapeutic Group Homes
Home Support Services
Individual Placement & Support
Private Pay Visitation
Project AWARE
Community Based Psychiatric
Rehab & Support – School Based
Comprehensive School & Community Treatment
Targeted Case Management
Therapeutic Foster Care
Therapeutic Youth Mentor
Unique Clients
Yellowstone Academy (YA)
At Yellowstone Academy, in addition to core curriculum, students gain life skills through hands-on Vo-Tech programs that build confidence and curiosity. In the Broken Spoke Bike Shop, students learn bike repair, while the Small Engine Class offers experience with tools and machinery, including car maintenance. Welding introduces metalwork, safety, and fabrication, while horticulture (dirt therapy) teaches students to design and maintain a greenhouse, fostering responsibility and patience. These programs not only provide technical training but also boost self-esteem and open doors to future career opportunities.
Spiritual Life Program (SLP)
In 2024, YBGR expanded its Spiritual Life Program with the addition of a second Chaplain, increasing their ability to offer support, faith-based mentoring, and guidance to youth across campus.
Seeds of Hope and Healing Bear Fruit
Continued from page 1
connection to YBGR didn’t end there.
Ron O’Leary, longtime teacher of Art and Music at the Yellowstone Academy, was a family friend who gave Shawn private music lessons through high school, continuing the lessons and support received at YBGR.
Shawn had a few bumps along the way and, in his late teens, made decisions that he would later regret, but the lessons learned ran deep and kept him from fully traveling down the wrong path. Shawn was able to turn things around for himself and, at 23, bought his own home. He helped to open and run Fred’s Appliance in Billings and, four years ago, transitioned to sales and financial planning with New York Life.
Much like a thriving garden that has grown and borne fruit, Shawn has seeds of wisdom to share with youth currently staying at YBGR. “Whether you realize it now or not, one day, you will look back and be grateful for this time, for the staff that cared and planted seeds to help you become successful,” Shawn added, “Focus on you, on what makes you unique. Foster that and let it grow.”
School letting out for the day.
Chaplain Boeder meeting with youth in the Stephen Paul Healing Plaza.
HOMES FOR HEIFERS & CALF ROUNDUP
If you visit cooperherefords.com and click on the History tab, you will see the following quote: “Our greatest reward has been knowing the great people we have met through the years.”
At YBGR, they feel the same way about getting to know the Cooper’s. The Cooper family has been a Homes for Heifers donor for as long as anyone in the family can recall. “We all have fond memories of Gary visiting us, gathered around the table, drinking coffee, and having homemade cookies, listening to all the good work that is done at the ranch,” recalls Mark Cooper.
Cooper Hereford Ranch is nestled in the foothills of southwest Montana near Willow Creek. The Cooper family has worked the land for over 100 years, and the ranch is now being run in partnership with the 3rd and 4th generations of Coopers. The land’s draw is the living water, a beautiful creek running year-round through the nearly 4,000-acre ranch. When the family was asked why the tradition of donating to YBGR, Mark’s daughter Kelsy explains, “It is the family’s relationship with Gary and YBGR’s relationship with the land, keeping agriculture a part of what they do to help kids heal. That is something that we really believe in, and hearing how it helps the kids to work the land. Their stories of success are inspiring, and it is great to be a part of keeping that going.”
Memorial Listings
January 15, 2025 – May 15, 2025
A special word of thanks to all donors listed here who support Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch Foundation through their memorial and honor gifts.
Memorial and Honor Gifts Form
Welcome Rich Lutton!
As YBGR has continued to grow, so has the need for spiritual guidance, and in October 2024, YBGR was excited to announce the addition of a second Chaplain, Rich Lutton. Rich brings extensive experience in both nonprofit organizations and youth spiritual care, including fifteen years of involvement with YoungLife. The expansion reflects YBGR’s commitment to providing personalized, faith-based support to the youth and families served. Through Chapel services, Bible studies, one-on-one counseling, and YoungLife Club and Camp, the Chaplains can offer more opportunities for youth to explore their beliefs and build a foundation of values and purpose. This addition also enhances YBGR’s ability to extend outreach through its programs and into the communities they serve, providing tailored support for diverse spiritual needs.
Coming Home to a Place He’d Never Been Before
Please join us in welcoming Charles “Chas” Sanders as Yellowstone Foundation’s new Chief Financial Officer! Chas’ first day with the Foundation was October 1, 2024.
Born and raised in Northern California, Chas attended California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo where he obtained his Bachelors of Science in Business Administration/Accounting in addition to being a multi-sport athlete. He went on to become a CPA, and has served as a Senior Accountant, Controller, and CFO during his 31 years of living in Bakersfield, CA while raising three sons. His longest tenure of 21 years was as the Controller, and later the CFO, with Centre for Neuro Skills, nationally recognized for their treatment and rehabilitation of individuals suffering traumatic brain injury.
Chas first visited Montana while attending a yoga retreat at the Featherpipe Ranch in Helena in 2017 and again in 2018, driving from Bakersfield to Helena both years. Upon arriving in Montana and witnessing its majestic beauty, Chas said it felt like the mothership was calling him. From then on it became his passion to move and live the rest of his life in Montana. He started his plan in the fall of 2020 when he purchased a home in Emerald Hills, and, four years later, in the fall of 2024, he and his wife Brandy realized their dream and relocated to Billings.
GENE GLIGOREA
Charles “Chas” Sanders Chief Financial Officer Yellowstone Foundation
Chaplain Rich Lutton
the Sunset
ichigan native Lisa Frazier was first introduced to Montana by her brother Ken who moved to Billings, MT in 1979. At the urging of her brother, Lisa, who was attending Central Michigan University at the time, took a summer job at the Beartooth Ranch near Nye, MT in the summer of 1980. “When I arrived in Billings and we drove out to Nye, I thought, ‘Where in the world are they taking me? It’s the middle of nowhere!’” recalls Fraizer.
Middle of nowhere or not, she fell in love with Montana and returned for an internship at YBGR in January of 1982. She officially became an employee in August of 1983, and there she remained until her retirement in December 2024. Lisa started her career as a Recreation Specialist and later got certified as a Recreational Therapist in the late 80s. She went on to become the Director of Recreation Therapy where she remained until her retirement. Over the years, recreation therapy experienced many iterations due to changes in the Ranch’s treatment offerings, and Lisa looks back fondly on taking kids to the Box R Ranch in Pinedale, WY and Yellowstone Holiday Resort near Hebgen Lake, MT, backpacking trips, cross country skiing, snow shoeing, kayaking at Lake Elmo, biking trips in the Paradise Valley, coaching the girls volleyball team, and so much more.
When asked about working with such a challenging group of kids for so many years, Lisa responded, “Watching the kids learn and grow is why I enjoyed my job all these years. Not all therapies are done in an office. Sometimes facing fears in a non-traditional setting is so productive.” Lisa was also the trainer and host for YBGR’s therapy dogs, an offering at YBGR since the late 1990s. As Lisa explains, “Having every youth who walks into the Uihlein Recreation Center met with unconditional love is a therapy all its own.”
Thank you, Lisa, for your 42 years of service to YBGR, and best wishes for a rewarding retirement!
Stepping into Big Shoes with Confidence
Congratulations to long-time YBGR employee Lori Hanson, the new YBGR Director of Recreation Therapy! Lori, who has been with YBGR since September of 2001, started her career at YBGR as a Recreation Specialist before moving to Recreation Therapist, a position she held for 21 years. When reflecting on her time at YBGR thus far, Lori explains, “I am a lifeguard instructor, pool operating, bowling alley and bike ‘mechanic,’ and so much more. Every day, I am both a teacher and student, meeting so many young people and staff year after year, often learning as much from them as they do from me.” At YBGR, every day is a new challenge, but Lori’s 23+ years of experience will serve her well in her new role.
To update your mailing address, please call 406-656-8772 or email us at info@yellowstonefoundation.org.
Author/Photographer: Jasmine Hansen | Author: Katie Gerten Author/Photographer: Abigail Uhrich | Design Editor/Photographer: LeAnn Bennett
Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch
Lisa with Emmy Lou, one of the current therapy dogs.
Lori Hanson (far left) with Lorilee Rosales, Kari Mees, Lisa Frazier, and Vanessa Grossman at the UC rec room.
Rafting with Cooper, the newest of the YBGR therapy dogs.
Carroll College Graduates
Nearly 47% of the US population does not have access to mental health providers, and while the bigger cities in Montana may not feel the lack as severely, our rural populations do. It can be hard to find and recruit providers to Montana, especially in the more rural areas, so YBGR and Carroll College have partnered to address the need. “YBGR already employs mission-minded people who want to serve kids, so partnering with Carroll to help them become therapists is a perfect match. We have tuition reimbursement available thanks to Yellowstone Foundation to help these employees achieve their goals,” said Director of HR Lance Moyer
This spring, Carroll College’s Social Work program had 30 master-level clinical social workers graduate, four of whom are current YBGR employees: Katon Gerky in the Hays area, Caitlin Cooper from Dillon, and Skyler Carroll and Jasmine Hansen from the Ranch campus in Billings. They all worked full-time while attending Carroll’s hybrid program for the last two years and did their internship hours at YBGR.
“This is the third cohort to graduate from the Carroll program. We have three employees who were a part of the first two cohorts that spoke highly of the program and how well the education aligned with YBGR’s mission and values, so it was an easy choice to go to Carroll,” said Jasmine Hansen.
In addition to the four grads from Carroll, three other YBGR employees graduated from different programs around the state. Cassie Francisco graduated from MSU-Billings, and Cathy Schaub and Danielle Grimley are graduating from Walla Walla’s Billings Campus.
Congratulations graduates! We are so glad that you are a part of the YBGR family and are making a difference for youth and families dealing with mental health challenges.
Christina’s Journey
Christina entered foster care at age six after enduring abuse, trafficking, and homelessness. Diagnosed with PTSD, she and her siblings were removed from their biological mother and placed in state care. The YBGR Community Based Services team in Dillon wrapped their arms around her, providing therapy, case management, and in-home support, helping Christina find stability despite multiple moves.
At nine, she was placed with Tina, her now adoptive mother. Still, Christina struggled to feel secure. When her baby sister joined the household, she feared being replaced, asking, “When do I need to pack my bags? I know when a baby comes, there’s not enough love to go around.”
Supported by her care team, Christina began expressing herself through art and music. As her confidence grew, she transitioned to case management and therapy only. But when she opened up to friends about her trauma, it strained relationships and triggered emotional setbacks.
Now in the residential program at YBGR, Christina is receiving intensive therapy. She’s reconnecting with art as a healing outlet and preparing to return home this summer, continuing her journey with ongoing support.
Walla Walla graduates Cathy and
DILLON
Faith & Strength
At fifteen, Faith’s strength is shining through. Faith came to YBGR through school-based services in Great Falls a year ago, carrying the weight of deep scars. She struggled with trust and ADHD-like symptoms tied to PTSD. Being around other kids often felt overwhelming, and even simple connections sometimes meant stepping away to regroup.
Faith’s early years were shaped by instability – exposure to substance use, domestic violence, and multiple removals from home. Her father’s battle with life-threatening health issues added another layer of uncertainty. Today, with her father on the path towards healing and the stability of living with her aunt, Faith is building a different foundation.
Learning to Trust
With ongoing support from her YBGR team, Faith has grown more focused, insightful, and connected to the people around her. She’s developing coping skills, building friendships, and gaining confidence, now equipped with more tools to meet life’s challenges with hope and resilience.
At just six years old, Molly had already endured more than most. She came to YBGR’s Livingston Community Based Services for therapy – beginning the work of untangling layers of trauma and hurt.
Developmentally much younger than her age, Molly struggled to connect – carrying the weight of early abuse, a difficult removal from caregivers, and the reality that many of the adults in her life had let her down. When she first arrived, her emotions overwhelmed her. Sessions were filled with screaming and destruction – her way of expressing what words couldn’t yet hold. But slowly, with consistent care and a safe therapeutic relationship, things began to shift. Molly is starting to trust. She’s learning new ways to release her feelings – ways that don’t leave her more isolated. Her progress is slow but steady. The big outbursts are less frequent now, and she’s beginning to open up. Healing will take time, but with YBGR’s support, Molly is gaining the foundation for resilience.
Where There’s a Will
hen Will first came to YBGR’s Community Based Services in Miles City, he struggled with boundaries, clashed with adults, and had difficulty connecting with other kids at school. Impulsiveness and frustration often got the best of him.
Through therapy, Will began building new skills. He learned to pause before reacting, take time to cool down and practice social tools that helped him communicate and connect. Over time, he began to rebuild trust. “He used to come in and say, ‘I’m dead inside.’ That doesn’t happen anymore,” shares his therapist. Now, nine months later, Will is getting ready to graduate from YBGR’s services. At fifteen, he has renewed confidence from his family, helping his uncle with construction work – washing tools for cash and learning how to manage money. He walks into therapy glowing with pride, gaining a sense of purpose and the skills he’ll carry throughout life.
MILES CITY