Ranch Ehrlo’s financial stability has allowed the agency to invest in its future, continually fulfilling its long term capital plans.

In 2010, group home renovations at our Pilot Butte campus was identified by staff as the agency’s top priorities. Now, three years later, Ranch Ehrlo has opened two brand new group homes (Jordan and Mitchell) and two fully-renovated group homes (Rorison and Jewison).

Ranch Ehrlo President and CEO Marion MacIver said the completed projects reflect the quality residential living that the agency expects of its facilities.

“These group homes are not only beautiful but they also offer quality living standards equal to or surpassing those of other facilities constructed/renovated over the past decade,” she said. “Each resident will now have their own bedroom (whereas the previous Mitchell and Rorison required youth to share bedrooms) in addition to all of the amenities of your home and mine.”

The interiors of Rorison House and Jewison House were completely gutted and rebuilt. The design of Rorison transitioned from a 10-bed residential group home to a spacious six-bed emergency receiving services unit. Jewison House remained a 10-bed unit, but was expanded with an 800 square-foot addition.

“Both Rorison and Jewison are like new,” said Gord Swystun, director of property management. “We’ve put in new insulation, brand new windows, all new appliances, and new mechanical systems. These homes are 40 years old, but they’re like new now that they are renovated.”

“I would be remiss if I did not take this opportunity to thank Gord Swystun for his leadership and direction throughout all four projects,” said Marion. “Gord has a true gift for providing quality, first class facilities and Jordan, Mitchell, Rorison, and Jewison are certainly that. In addition, a big thank you needs to be shared with the staff in all four of these group homes as their patience, input, and willingness to be ‘displaced’ for a time certainly contributed to allowing us to provide them with the beautiful facilities they now have.”

The renovation and reconstruction projects were awarded to Quorex through a tender process. True to their word, they have delivered quality facilities. All four renovation/reconstruction projects were completed in a timely manner, with the renovations of Jewison House being completed in November 2013, nearly two months ahead of schedule.

Renovations of Rorison House were completed in January 2013, along with the construction of Mitchell House. The reconstruction of Jordan House was completed in May 2012. The final piece of the puzzle; renovations of Jewison House were completed this week.

“It is a pleasure to walk through these four projects; and with confidence,” said Marion. “I believe they will allow both staff and youth alike to ‘Go Forward with Pride’!”