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how we help through Partnerships

HRDC is committed to leveraging partnerships to build a better community. By collaborating with organizations that bring unique strengths to the table, we can amplify our collective impact and better address the diverse needs of Southwest Montana. Our current partnership with the Gallatin Behavioral Health Coalition (GBHC) and Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch (YBGR) exemplifies this approach.

The Gallatin Youth Behavioral Health Campus

The Gallatin Behavioral Health Coalition (GBHC) is partnering with HRDC to purchase the future site of the Gallatin Youth Behavioral Health Campus. Formerly known as the Boot Strap Ranch and located at 8977 Dry Creek Rd in Belgrade,  this 33-acre campus to provide behavioral health crisis stabilization services to between 8 and 16 young people in the first phase of campus operations. The campus has youth dorms, staff housing, an activities building, an activities building, gymnasium, cafeteria, commercial kitchen, barn, and outbuildings from the original homestead. The campus will be operated by the Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch (YBGR).

The Critical need

This campus is envisioned as a place where children and adolescents from throughout the region can have their behavioral health needs met, enabling them to thrive as individuals, with their families, and in their community.

The need for such a facility is urgent, given the high rates of mental health challenges among youth in Montana, including alarming rates of suicide, depression, anxiety, and substance misuse. In the last 12 months over 14% of Gallatin County teens have attempted suicide and 21% say they are seriously considering suicide. Bozeman Health treats an average of 23 children and adolescents each month for behavioral health crises in the emergency room, while YBGR receives 150 referral calls monthly. 

HRDC's Involvement

HRDC is proud to support this critical project through temporary land acquisition, addressing one of the top community needs identified in our most recent assessment: behavioral health. Our expertise in land acquisition is a vital asset to the GBHC, enabling this project to move forward effectively. 

This project aligns perfectly with our mission as a community action agency to respond to our community’s greatest needs. By entering this crucial partnership with YBGR and the GBHC, we are taking a significant step towards addressing the critical behavioral health needs of our youth, ensuring they have the resources and support necessary to build brighter futures.

What funding is needed

In this first phase, we are seeking funding to purchase the campus, invest in modest improvements to make the campus safe for young people in care and staff members, and have sufficient programming funds to ensure no child is turned away because of insufficient insurance coverage or other financial concerns. We need to raise an initial $4 million to purchase the property. Gallatin County has invested an initial $1.5 million towards the project.

If you would like to donate to this project, please fill out the donation form at the bottom of this page. We are incredibly grateful for your support. 

Request a tour or ask a question

Interested in learning more about this project? We’d love to hear from you! Whether you’d like to take a tour of the new property or have a question about the project, we are here to help.

Please fill out the form below. All inquiries will be directed to Kirsten Smith, who will respond as soon as possible.

Request Info

Photos courtesy of Coldwell Banker Distinctive Properties

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Brooke Poole

Public Sector

Since 2015, Brooke has been working with Allergan Aesthetics, Body Contouring. In 2018, Brooke began her role as Senior Manager of Training. Brooke graduated with a Bachelor’s of Science in Commercial Photography from Appalachian State University in 2011.

Brooke began her role on our Board in 2019. However, she feels it’s more fitting to say that she gets to serve on our Board. For Brooke, an evening at our Fork & Spoon was her first glance into our organization’s powerful work. As Brooke states, joining the Board has only expanded her appreciation for the caliber of people leading our mission and the impact of our vast ecosystem of services. While metrics alone are impressive, Brooke likes to visualize each number as an individual example of support – an extension of a helping hand, a moment of relief – given to one of our neighbors. She is grateful for the opportunity to participate in shaping HRDC’s future.

Although Brooke spends most of her volunteer time with HRDC, she was fortunate enough to build with Habitat for Humanity over the course of the summer in 2020. Her favorite place to spend time is anywhere under the Big Sky, although Hyalite may be her favorite place on Earth.

Ron Brey

Public Sector

Ron served as Bozeman’s Assistant City Manager from 1990 to 2008. After retiring, Ron joined our Board in 2011. Ron received his Bachelor of Arts in History from the University of Montana in 1977, and his Masters in Science in Rural, Town, and Regional Planning from the University of Montana in 1987.

During his time with the City of Bozeman, Ron saw the important role that HRDC has played in our community. Ron has seen that HRDC provides necessary social services to assure that all Bozeman residents could obtain housing, food, training, employment and the other necessities of life. He also came to understand that HRDC was always able to respond immediately as new community needs arose. Ron believes that the dedication, hard work, and compassion of HRDC’s staff make it a real honor to serve on the Board.

Ron also serves on the Trails, Open Space and Parks Committee for the City of Bozeman, and as a volunteer with the Red Cross. One of Ron’s favorite activities is walking his beloved dog every day, enjoying many of Bozeman’s trails and parks, like Burke Park, Bozeman Creek, and the Hyalite and Mount Ellis areas. Ron and his wife Claire enjoy spending their days with family, friends, and time outdoors.