Ranch Ehrlo, a non-profit, was founded by the late Dr. Geoff Pawson in 1966. It started as a single home for six boys with significant complex needs and grew to a multi-service agency delivering a wide range of accredited mental health and developmental services delivered in southern Saskatchewan and in and around Saskatoon and Prince Albert.
Our services include assessment and psychotherapy for members of the broader community, family treatment and reunification, early learning, counselling, emergency receiving, specialized foster care, affordable housing, group care treatment and education for children and youth with mental health, behavioural, and addictions needs, and group care and vocational services for older adolescents and adults with pervasive and complex developmental disorders, and community recreation and sports programs for at-risk youth. Our participants are referred from across the country.
Mission, vision, and CARE model
Mission
To provide quality preventative and restorative services to, and advocacy for, individuals and families through highly engaged and professional employees.
Vision
We envision a future where all individuals and families achieve their full potential.
As a CARE certified agency, we are guided by the CARE model, which is a multi-level program aimed at improving services for children and youth in care based on six guiding principles (developmentally focused, family involved, relationship based, trauma informed, competence centred, and ecologically oriented). In 2023, Ranch Ehrlo joined over 600 youth organizations in adding Ukeru, an innovative crisis prevention program to our model of care. Ukeru will provide a new tool alongside our CARE principles and Therapeutic Crisis Intervention techniques to improve the quality of life for our participants.
Our strategic plan
We are pleased to announce the completion of a new five-year strategic plan. The plan was created through collaboration with employees, senior leadership, feedback from referring agencies, and the Ranch Ehrlo Society board of directors.
History
Dr. Geoff Pawson founded Ranch Ehrlo Society in 1966, growing the concept from a single home to a multi-service agency. Geoff was an instrumental advocate for children and youth; he was one of the founding members of the Child Welfare League of Canada, past president of the Saskatchewan Association of Social Workers, and served on numerous committees at the municipal, provincial, national, and international levels. In 2000, Geoff was named to the Order of Canada, in 2001 he received the Saskatchewan Order of Merit, in 2003 he was awarded the Family Service Canada Award, and in 2005 he received an Honourary Doctorate of Law from the University of Regina—all of these awards were in recognition of Geoff’s unwavering commitment to helping youth and their families become healthier and contributing members of society. Geoff passed away in January 2012 after a brief battle with cancer. Despite his passing, his passion for helping young people, families, and the community continues.
Official patronage from the office of the Lieutenant Governor
We are honoured to receive official patronage from the office of the Lieutenant Governor of Saskatchewan, Her Honour the Honourable Bernadette McIntyre.
Patronage is a symbolic honour that highlights organizations making a meaningful impact in their communities. We are grateful for this recognition and will continue our mission to provide exceptional care, create opportunities for growth, and build brighter futures.
For more information about the office of the Lieutenant Governor of Saskatchewan, visit www.ltgov.sk.ca