Orion Marcinkiw arrived at Ranch Ehrlo as a 14-year-old quick-to-anger youth on a bad path.

He moved to Jewison house on the Pilot Butte campus in 2014 before moving to MacKay where he lived for two years.   

Aside from not seeing horses or a farm at “the Ranch”, Orion said he wasn’t overly shocked by life at Ranch Ehrlo.

“By the time I got to Ranch Ehrlo I had already been in six placements – foster homes and other group living programs across the province,” he said. “Prior to coming here, I was living in an abusive home, so while I felt relief in moving to Ranch Ehrlo it was still an upheaval to my entire life.”  

It was the compassionate staff and new friendships that helped ease the transition and gave Orion the sense of hope he had missing.  

“Coming to the Ranch and having such supportive staff helped me embrace an environment where I could grow as a person.”

“It was the first time in a long time that people had my back and would pick me up when I fell down,” he explained. “I finally had people in my life who were inspiring me to do better.”

Orion fondly remembers his time at Ranch Ehrlo, benchmarked by admirable achievements like MCing the southern Awards Night, being awarded the President’s Trophy for Overall Development, and placing first and then second place in the annual Three Mile Race. Orion also proudly achieved “employee of the month” and received a promotion at McDonalds, his first job and one he worked part-time while living at the Ranch.

“My whole reason for coming back to Ranch Ehrlo is to pay it forward to the next generation of kids and give them the same compassionate care that I had growing up.”

Orion has worked at the agency for two years and said every day has been an opportunity to make a difference.

“I share my story with the kids and show them that anyone can come from the foster care system, turn their life around, and achieve anything they want. While I haven’t walked the same path in life, I’ve certainly been in their shoes.”

Orion has completed a certificate in youth care work and has plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree in social work. He said working on the other side of the coin has been a fulfilling experience, and one that he doesn’t take for granted.

“This job is everything I expected it to be, and more,” he said cheerfully. “I’m learning everyday and seeing the long-term growth and successes of the youth has been incredibly rewarding.”