The majority of residents who come to Ranch Ehrlo Society begin living in an intake unit located on one of our three campuses at Corman Park, Buckland, or Pilot Butte.

During this stabilization and assessment period, youth become familiar with the routines and rules of the Ranch; they meet their staff and get to know the other nine youth living in the home. This living environment is highly-structured as the days are filled heavily with programming to meet the needs of the youth.

The residents require step-by-step transitioning throughout the day to establish a predictable structure routine, said unit manager Daren Haygarth.

“The clients feel safer when they are busy and engaged in programming,” he explained. “When youth are left with a lull in the day, they typically exhibit increased anxiety or poor behaviour.”

All of the programs and activities are thoroughly and intentionally planned as they contribute to the development of relationships; the expression of feelings, social skills, and education; and help to refocus energy, fun, and development of reason.

The daily schedules are packed with programming and activities, but may not reflect the frequent transitions that occur throughout daily routines (things like morning wakeups, hygiene, breakfast, school transitions, after-school routines, etc.).

“These established routines are the real heart and soul of the intake programs. They allow clarity and predictability for the staff and clients,” said Daren. “If routines are not well established and clearly communicated then the program will struggle.”

Check out what a day of living at Jordan House and a regular weekend at Rever House looks like: