From Grief and Guilt to Acceptance and Healing
Rodney tragically lost his mother when he was in sixth grade. “I went to school, and everything was fine. Mom kissed and hugged me like she did every day, and when I got home, she was gone,” recalled Rodney. His mom had suffered a heart attack and from that day on, he hated school or even leaving the house. He couldn’t help but think if he had been there, he could have saved her. He became terrified to leave his dad and siblings, thinking that
Cast your burden on the Lord, and He shall sustain you; He shall never permit the righteous to be moved.
Psalm 55:22
the same thing might happen to them.
The grief and turmoil following his mother’s passing began to affect Rodney’s grades, and he fell behind in school. He struggled socially as well since he was afraid to be away from his house and loved ones. Fears turned to guilt, and Rodney began to think that he was the cause of his family’s loss. He started to self harm. After several trips to the hospital, his family tried outpatient therapy, but Rodney needed more. His dad reached out to YBGR for help. Once Rodney was accepted and a bed opened, his family made the long
drive from northern Montana to Billings.
“I was terrified to be leaving my family and be so far away. I was positive that something terrible was going to happen because I wasn’t there to prevent it. I knew that I needed help but was afraid that I was only going to cause more pain to my family,” Rodney said.
During the first few weeks, staff struggled to reach Rodney, but eventually, he started to engage in treatment and school. Rodney’s family had a small farm operation, and he began to feel at home in the Vo-Ag classes, tending to the pheasants and working on small engines. The longer Rodney stayed without anything tragic happening at home, the more comfortable he became, and with that came improvement and a chance to join work crews to help with the cows.
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WHonoring Earl and Evelyn Taylor
ith this article, we honor and say “Thank You” to our dear friends, Earl and Evelyn Taylor. The Taylors are major benefactors of Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch Foundation, and their generosity for troubled kids will have an impact for generations.
Earl and Evelyn never knew anything but hard work. While still in grade school, Earl milked cows for the neighbors and built muscle and character pushing wheelbarrows full of concrete for a local construction firm. Earl was recruited at age 18 by Continental Oil Refinery in Billings where he became a master welder –a skill he turned into an artform. Earl dedicated many years to serving as the President of the local Oil, Chemical, and Atomic Workers Union, representing laborers at the Conoco, Exxon and Cenex refineries in Billings.
No grass grew under Evelyn’s feet either. In addition to raising three children and maintaining a household, Evelyn drove school bus and helped design and build each of the homes they lived in. In time, Earl and Evelyn built the Little Bears Drive-In in Cooke City, MT, at the entrance to Yellowstone National Park. Between Memorial Day and Labor Day, Evelyn and the kids operated the Drive-In seven days a week, going in before it opened at 10am and staying late after it closed at 10pm.
One day while traveling in north-central Minnesota, Evelyn saw a farm for sale and said “I want it!” And with the savings from the Drive-In, she bought it! For nearly 50 years, while still working at the refinery and Drive-In, Earl and Evelyn managed to run the farm and even expand it. As if they didn’t have enough to do, Earl also built and operated a mobile home trailer court for his mother’s retirement income. Earl was known to quip, “Hell, we never worked a day in our lives! It was nothing but pure enjoyment.”
Father Time crept up on the Taylors, and the farm became a burden, as did management of the trailer court. Earl and Evelyn shared many times that they wanted to leave a substantial part of their estate to help the kids at Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch, so a Charitable Remainder Trust came to mind as a solution to their need to shed the burden of the farm and trailer court, and yet still have an income stream for life.
With the assistance of Yellowstone Foundation, their attorney, and their accountant, the Taylors placed both
properties into trusts, thereby preserving the full earning power of the assets by avoiding up front capital gain and recapture taxes and created a comfortable income stream for life. Earl and Evelyn were satisfied, having completed their estate planning and knowing that one day a substantial part of their estate would go into an Endowment Fund at Yellowstone Foundation, generating earnings in perpetuity to help troubled kids.
Sadly, we lost Earl in July 2024. I was blessed to visit his bedside in his final hours, assuring him Evelyn would be well-cared for, and thanking him for his generous heart for kids. Be at peace and rest, dear friend, and know your work here is done.
Earl Taylor, 1937 – 2024.
“Quite a trip, Earl, quite a trip.”
The Taylor farm in Minnesota – classic Americana.
Earl and Evelyn Taylor. Grade school sweethearts, married in 1955.
The Taylors had “his-n-hers” combines on the farm in Minnesota.
Summer is winding down, and we are preparing for Fall at YBGR. Fall is my favorite season, and I look forward to it every year. Pretty soon, the cottonwood leaves will be turning gold, and the evening air will have a bit of a bite. Who doesn’t love breaking out a cozy flannel shirt and thinking about some hot apple cider?
Your Gifts Change Lives Pens, Pencils, and Notebooks –Oh My!
Fall doesn’t mean things slow down at YBGR, however. There are still kids that need YBGR and our Caring People, Preparing Youth for Life. As summer ends, so does the “carefree” season of summer vacations. The pressures of school, work, and life return, resulting in an increase in calls for help. After a summer in which we served record numbers of youth and surpassed our highest average daily census at the ranch in over 20 years, we are still expecting this Fall to be no different than those of the past. Our phones will be ringing off the hook with families needing our help.
We will be ready to answer these calls because of you. Your prayers and support are what allows us to carry out our mission. Whether it is a small gift such as a few dollars that help send a meal home with a hungry child, a quilt sewn with love and given to a youth on their first day at the Ranch, or a larger gift that helped to repair a roof on a building essential to taking care of these kids, you made a difference. Your gifts change lives.
I welcome the crisp air of fall, all the beautiful colors, and, most importantly, the opportunity to continue to fulfill our Mission. I’m grateful for you. Thank you for being Caring People, Preparing Youth for Life.
Stockman Bank has once again demonstrated their commitment to the community by providing a Challenge Grant to raise funds to purchase back-to-school supplies for Yellowstone Academy students. Thanks to the generosity of businesses and individuals alike, the challenge was met and over $10,000 was raised. This incredible support will ensure that children from low-income families have the necessary tools to start the school year prepared and confident.
This is the fourth consecutive year that Stockman Bank has provided this Challenge Grant, highlighting their ongoing dedication to supporting education and fostering a brighter future for our students. The overwhelming response from the community underscores the collective effort to invest in the education and well-being of our children. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Stockman Bank and all the donors who contributed to this cause!
(L to R) YBGR CEO Mike Chavers, Stockman Bank Billings Market President Spencer Frederick, and YBGRF EVP of Development Kristi Farver Oaks
The first day of school sets households across the country abuzz with nervous anticipation and a flurry of activity. Summer and vacations wind down, and the rush is on to get new school supplies, clothes, vaccines, and sports physicals. Parents and kids alike scramble to check off every item on the long to-do list in preparation for the new school year.
For many kids, the first day of school is filled with questions and excitement: Will I like my teacher? Will they like me? What did my friends do all summer? What will I learn? What’s for lunch? Parents snap pictures of first-day outfits, eager to hear about their child’s experiences when they return home from work.
However, the days and weeks leading up to the first day of school look a little different for most youth at Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch.
A Yellowstone Academy
t Yellowstone Academy (YA), students don’t need to worry about new backpacks or school supplies—a relief for many, as the majority come from families living far below the poverty line. YA provides not only school supplies but also breakfast, lunch, and snacks for all students. Additionally, a backpack meal program ensures that these youth have food to eat on weekends and during long breaks.
“These programs are vital for our kids,” says YA principal Cass Cole. “We are incredibly grateful to the donors who help keep these programs running as the need grows each year. Often, our kids have good families where bad things have happened, and they need a hand up to help their kids succeed. Our parents provide what they can, and we fill in the gaps with clothes, food, and supplies so the kids can learn, heal, and grow.”
Jaxon, who is autistic, already struggled in school. When CoVid happened, the lockdowns, masking, and other restrictions made school almost unbearable. Then his mom Amber got CoVid, lost her job, and money became even tighter. Jaxon started getting bullied at school, and it just became too much. The school suggested the YA Day School Program, but Amber remembers thinking, “Is it really going to be any different? Will he still be bullied because we can’t afford everything?” She quickly learned that yes, it is different, and no, he isn’t bullied because they have less. Her son has a level playing field and is not only healing but thriving at YA.”
Amber added, “My husband was a YBGR residential youth and knew that things would be good for Jaxon, but I had to see it for myself and experience the YBGR difference before I became a believer.”
Community Based Services
Many of the youth served through Community-Based Services (CBS) also receive help with their back-to-school needs. With approximately 80% of all youth served by YBGR living at or below the poverty line, assistance is crucial for ensuring they have what they need to succeed in school. CBS staff collaborate with community partners to help families access resources such as backpacks filled with supplies and free or low-cost vaccine clinics. They also use grants and donated funds to purchase additional supplies, snacks, and clothing.
Emily, a CBS school therapist, emphasizes the importance of these efforts. “When youth have the same things as their peers— new crayons, colored pencils, and everything else on the school supply list—they feel less anxious and are better prepared to learn,” explains Emily.
PRTF
Fand Guilt to Acceptance and Healing
Continued from page 1
or the youth living on the YBGR campus as part of the residential program, the first day of school is mostly like any other day. They wake up, follow their morning routine, and head off to school with their lodge mates and staff. There are no new outfits, no backpacks, and no parents snapping pictures to mark the occasion. Unlike most students, these youth have been in school almost all summer, with only a few weeks off in early June and mid-August. During those breaks, they enjoyed the various outdoor adventures offered by the recreation center and lodge staff.
The start of the school year may look different for YBGR youth, but thanks to the hard work and dedication of staff, community partners, and the generosity of grantors and donors, the youth served across Montana receive the tools and supplies they need to succeed.
The Franklin & Merle Robbie Chapel, the heart of YBGR’s Spiritual Life Program (SLP), recently benefited from new siding on the front of the building and a fresh coat of paint. Inside, new chairs now stand at the ready for weekly Chapel services, YoungLife Club, and other gatherings. Thank you to the McCauley & Hamilton families and all supporters of the SLP!
Rodney, a great student before his mother’s untimely passing, was able to get caught up at school. During the summer session, he took mostly electives and spent his days working in Vo-ag.
“Working with the animals was a great way to help Rodney understand what he could and couldn’t control. If a cow didn’t take during the Artificial Insemination process or if a pheasant got hurt fighting in the pen, those were things out of Rodney’s control. He had done everything right, but things just didn’t work out. We have been able to build on that, and he is making great progress catching the ‘thinking errors’ that tell him things are his fault,” explains Rodney’s therapist Lacey.
Rodney still has some work to do, but his goal is to be home by Christmas and start the new year with classmates in his hometown. He now wants to be a teacher, come back to YBGR, and help others.
“Maybe one day I’ll take over the Vo-ag program from Mr. Klempel when he decides to retire,” says Rodney with a smile.
This past summer at Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch was truly remarkable, filled with a variety of outdoor activities that have inspired, challenged, and supported the youth in YBGR’s care. From camping and hiking through Montana’s stunning landscapes to fishing and biking, each experience has provided valuable opportunities for growth and healing.
A highlight of the summer were trips to Yellowstone National Park, where the youth connected deeply with nature’s beauty. Back at the Ranch, they enjoyed camping under the stars, hiking, biking, and fishing, all of which fostered confidence, teamwork, and a sense of accomplishment.
Kids also had the unique experience of caring for three calves, with our Ranch Manager and Ranch Hand, bottle-feeding them. This hands-on involvement taught an important lesson: just as the calves need support to grow, we all need help to thrive. This message aligns with the mission at YBGR, where everyone strives to provide the care, guidance, and opportunities our youth need to build brighter futures.
These summer adventures wouldn’t have been possible without the generous support of our donors and community partners. Your contributions help the youth at YBGR heal, grow, and look forward to brighter tomorrows. Thank you for being a part of the YBGR family and making a difference in the lives of these incredible kids.
• Leslie Jochems and Melissa Brumit from Scheels (left) visit with Foundation staff Abigail Uhrich and UC Director Lisa Frazier (right) while therapy dog Emmy Lou guards her chew toy. Scheels has been a long time and generous supporter of YBGR, particularly the recreation program. • Taking in the scenery while hiking through Yellowstone National Park. • Dropping lines in Wild Bill Lake near Red Lodge, MT. • Youth pausing during a bike ride to appreciate the beauty of the Billings Rimrocks. • Foundation President Bill Hritsco (left) and UC Director Lisa Frazier (middle) accept a gift from US Bank Senior Vice President Bill Davies. US Bank’s Play Grant has provided YBGR with essential apparel and equipment for the recreation program for many years.
Native American Services Program Update
Over the summer, the Native American Services Program at the Ranch provided students with enriching experiences that connected them deeply with their heritage. As part of the Yellowstone Academy summer session, students participated in a Montana History class led by Sam Sheets, a dedicated educator from Shepherd. The class offered an in-depth exploration of Montana’s rich Native American history, with a special focus on traditions of the Cheyenne, Lakota, and Crow peoples.
One of the program’s highlights was the hands-on experience of setting up a traditional tipi. The students worked together to raise the structure, which remained up throughout the summer break. The tipi even withstood an intense storm which felled many large trees throughout the Billings area, showcasing the durability of these traditional designs.
In addition to history, the students engaged in a Sports History class where they learned about and played traditional games like double ball. This activity not only provided physical exercise but also a deeper understanding of Native American sports and their significance in cultural history.
Beyond these educational activities, the program has seen other significant milestones this summer, including a couple of successful discharges. Additionally, they’re excited to announce the launch of a Wellbriety Talking Circle on campus, a new initiative that aligns with the commitment to the holistic well-being of the youth. One of YBGR’s staff members recently received certification from the White Bison Organization to facilitate the Medicine Wheel and 12 Steps for the Youth program. The Talking Circle now meets every Tuesday morning in partnership with the Chemical Dependency department.
The Native American Services Program at the Ranch continues to thrive, providing students with valuable opportunities for cultural education, personal growth, and community building.
The tipi stands strong on the northeast corner of main campus.
When a Native American youth discharges from the residential program, they leave a handprint on the tipi – a new tradition.
Making ribbon dresses as part of Mustang Nation club.
L-R:
Memorial and Honor Gifts Form
Remember Us in Your Will and Leave a Lasting Legacy
By naming 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.
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.
Answering the Call
Many children who arrive at YBGR come from the foster care system. Because of the effects of past trauma and attachment difficulties, these children struggle to find a permanent placement. Often, they have very few possessions and what they do have gets moved from place to place in garbage bags. When these children complete treatment at YBGR, the goal is to send them to their next home or group placement with actual luggage.
In 2022, a plea for new or gently used luggage was sent out in the Wrangler, and Del and Cheryl Wade answered that call. They have been supplying YBGR with luggage obtained from friends, family, and even garage and estate sales ever since. The Wade’s have a long history with YBGR. They worked in the school and around campus in years past and have been long-time supporters and donors to Yellowstone. Thanks to their efforts, youth leave campus with dignity and esteem, no longer feeling like they and their things are trash.
Program Manager Jerry Nash assists with a successful youth discharge.
& Laura Kinsella
How You Can TransformHelp Young Lives
YBGR brightens futures and kindles hope for over 1,200 children and families each day, and it is supporters like you who make this lifeline possible.
From educational programs to therapeutic services, your contribution can directly enhance the quality of care and opportunities we provide to these deserving children. Join other supporters in making a real difference! Your gift can be directed to a project of your choice like the immediate needs listed here, or it can be used for other immediate needs.
Please consider donating by visiting yellowstonefoundation.org/donate or returning the enclosed form. If you would like to select one of the projects, simply note that on the form or the online donation form. Together, we can continue building a bright future for every child at Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch!
SCHOOL SUPPLIES
Students often come to Yellowstone Academy mid-year and need supplies. To help, you can send school supplies directly to the Foundation or donate funds for their purchase.
PRTF TRAVEL FUND
All youth in YBGR’s Psychiatric Residential Treatment Facility have a diagnosis of Seriously Emotionally Disturbed, and family counseling is often critical to the youths’ healing journey. The PRTF Travel Fund assists low-income families with the costs of visiting their children and participating in family therapy.
GOLF CARTS
YBGR is seeking a new or gently used golf cart (4 passenger preferred) to assist with the on-campus transportation of youth, staff, and donors. Oftentimes, staff and youth need a faster way to get across campus, and some donors have mobility issues and need assistance when touring campus. If you are interested in donating a cart, please contact the Foundation.
CBS EMERGENCY FUND
The CBS Emergency Fund allows CBS staff to assist low-income families with wide range of challenges from a warm coat to a new pair of glasses to assistance with the electricity bill. This is not intended as a long-term solution, but as a stop gap until other assistance can be procured.
CAMPUS SECURITY PROJECT – PHASE 3
Thanks to both grants and donations, YBGR has completed Phase 1 & 2 of the Campus Security Project which enhanced security for key buildings on campus like the school buildings, dining hall, Chapel, recreation center, and medical clinic. Phase 3 will improve security for the remaining campus buildings that include but are not limited to the youth lodges, Vo-Tech building, Art Barn, and Equestrian Center.
To update your mailing address, please call
info@yellowstonefoundation.org.
Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch