Staff have found the key to unlocking the potential of two youth at the Corman Park campus.

The girls, ages 12 and 14, were both unmotivated to attend school and participate in classes until staff introduced an unconventional course that played to their strengths and interests in aesthetics.

“These two girls struggle immensely, and I wanted to do something that was special and just for them,” explained Tandi van Tol, director of group living at Corman Park. “They really, really love makeup and so I knew that was going to be the key in motivating them and inspiring them.”

Tandi began researching Saskatoon-based makeup artists and connected with Holly Decker, a professional makeup artist with more than 25 years of experience and a household name in film and television.

When Holly learned about Ranch Ehrlo and the story of the girls she was keen to share her skills.

"This is something that I’ve wanted to do for quite some time – to be involved, to be connected, and to give back to the community,” said Holly.

 “I have a ton of empathy and compassion for the road these girls have walked, and I think it’s our job as a community to help and guide them as much as possible,” she continued. “For me, the experience was much more meaningful and impactful than I ever expected.”

In their first session, Holly and the girls learned more about one another, building trust and bonding over their mutual love for makeup. The first session was successful and led to a second class where Holly presented both girls with a starter makeup kit, complete with palettes, brushes, magnifying mirrors, and more.

Holly was eager to share her expertise with the youth, building their engagement and further encouraging, inspiring, and empowering the youth to follow their passion for art.

“This is about so much more than makeup,” said Holly. “For these girls, makeup is just a way to express themselves, to escape and cope with the things that are happening in their lives. When people hear ‘makeup’ it comes with a stigma of superficiality, or that it’s just a beauty endeavor, but makeup is more than that, it’s an art and a tool.”  

Building on the success of the first few sessions, staff are actively exploring ways to ensure the makeup course can continue to inspire and empower the youth. They are seeking grants, sponsorships, or other funding opportunities to keep this meaningful program as part of the girls’ journey.

“There’s great value in the fine arts,” said Tandi.  “It may be a little unconventional, but the potential impact this makeup course could have on the girls’ treatment is undeniable. These are two of the most complex youth on campus and we found something they like; we need to pour into them now and invest in them while they’re young because this could lead to something really great for them in the future.”

While the fate of the course is unknown, Holly is committed to continuing her relationship with Ranch Ehrlo and the girls whom she met.

The Saskatoon/Montana-based artist recently cast a net on her social media platforms, calling for the community to contribute gifts or donations for the girls to make the holiday season a little brighter. People donated generously, helping Holly put together a special bundle for the holidays, complete with beautiful blankets, journals, makeup, and beauty products for each of the youth.  

“I want the girls to know that people do care for them, and that there are good people in the community who want to see them succeed and do positive things with their lives.”

If you’re interested in supporting or sponsoring the makeup program for the Corman Park campus, please contact Tandi van Tol.