New Lighthouse Ranch Gains Fundraising Momentum
Lighthouse Ranch, a new solution to prevent teen suicide in Southwest Montana, is approaching a significant milestone in its fundraising efforts. More than $2.5 million has already been raised toward the $6.5 million needed to purchase, renovate, and provide mental health crisis services to teens and their families on a 30-acre ranch near Bozeman. HRDC, Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch (YBGR), Gallatin County, and the Gallatin Behavioral Health Coalition need the community to help close the gap.
Addressing a Critical Need
Montana continues to lead the nation in the incidence of youth suicide. In Gallatin County, 14% of teens reported attempting suicide in the past year, and 21% seriously considered it. In 2023, Bozeman Health’s emergency department treated 267 youth for mental or behavioral health crises, while the Help Center received more than 170 youth-in-crisis calls, roughly 75% of which involved suicidal ideation.
Despite the substantial need, there is a glaring lack of age-appropriate solutions within 150 miles of Bozeman, causing teens and their families to either go without quality care or travel many hours or days to find it. Lighthouse Ranch aims to fill that gap by providing expert, supportive, and confidential help for teens and their families – right here in Gallatin County.
Committed Gifts Bring the Campus to Life
Recently, Lighthouse Ranch received some generous contributions, helping to get closer to our launch milestones:
- Gallatin County contributed $1.5 million
- Bozeman Health donated $550,000
- Yellowstone Club Community Foundation donated $300,000
- And multiple private family foundations have donated $50,000 to $100,000 each.
Your Help Will Make the Difference
To get fully operational in early 2026, Lighthouse Ranch is seeking to raise $4 million over the next few months. Every contribution brings the project closer to opening its doors and transforming mental health care for teens and their families in our community. More information can be found at LighthouseRanch.org, where you can learn about the ranch, our in-progress renovations, the plans for care services, and our partners. Organizations or individuals interested in helping can attend one of our upcoming events in Bozeman or Big Sky, schedule a tour of the ranch, or get further information. Donations are fully tax-deductible and much appreciated.
About Lighthouse Ranch
Lighthouse Ranch is a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit collaboratively led by HRDC, Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch, the Gallatin Behavioral Health Coalition, and a group of community volunteers. The campus will offer a range of care tailored to youth in crisis, from in-home visits to outpatient therapy programs to short-term residential care. By 2028, we plan to offer longer-term residential services. Rooted in compassion, confidentiality, and evidence-based care, Lighthouse Ranch is designed to help young people heal and build brighter futures – close to home.
