At Ranch Ehrlo we have a compass that charts the course but also illuminates the path forward to help individuals and families achieve their full potential. This isn't a conventional map with geographical coordinates, but rather a blueprint that unfurls our collective vision and purpose.
Our strategy map was first unveiled in 2020 after a robust strategic plan consultation process, looking at the history of the agency as well as the direction we see for the future.
The resulting plan was to guide the work of the agency over the next five years using four strategic themes: program excellence, quality workforce, effective/efficient governance and working environments, and strong stakeholder partner relations.
With 2023 wrapping up, this seems the best time to review some of the progress the agency has made in those areas and how the map continues to guide us through a sea of challenges and opportunities.
Program excellence
This year Ranch Ehrlo became a CARE-certified agency and completed the COA reaccreditation process. There are only 16 other CARE-certified agencies worldwide; Ranch Ehrlo is the third in Canada and the first in Saskatchewan.
While family involvement has always been important, the agency officially formed family advisory committees for more input into our services.
The agency launched its Indigenous Speaker Series, with former Cowessess Chief Cadmus Delorme as the first guest. We also partnered with Piapot First Nation to host four sweat ceremonies with approximately 80 youth, adult participants, and staff taking part.
Quality workforce
We rolled out a work-from-home policy and procedures for employees in certain support positions.
We continued the implementation of the learning and development strategy, adding new e-courses including trauma-informed care, Indigenous awareness, fire warden, and boat safety training.
Effective /efficient governance and working environment
We revised our information security policy and usage standards, to better protect the integrity, confidentiality, and availability of the agency’s information and network system.
We implemented a new scheduling and attendance system to improve our scheduling issues and a new intranet for our staff.
Strong stakeholder/partner relations
We held an engagement session with the Metis Nation of Saskatchewan to explore the implications of Bill C-92 for MN-S citizens, families, and youth.
We partnered with the National Music Centre in Calgary to expand music therapy at the agency.
We offered support and helped explain best practices to Indigenous communities who reached out to explore their options regarding control of their child welfare and family services.
Ongoing initiatives
2024 is around the corner and we are excited for some of the exciting and innovate initiatives we have planned. We look forward to sharing more details as th
