For the last 50 years, Ranch Ehrlo Society has worked to carve its niche in the world of restorative and preventative services for children, youth, and families. So far, it’s worked.
“We’ve really got this great foundation for the quality of the work that’s done here at the Ranch,” said Debbie McKague, current chair of the Ranch Ehrlo Society board of directors.
“I think we recognize that it’s a good time to step back and look at all the things that we do – the clients we serve and the different programs we offer, to ensure we are focused in the right areas,” she added.
Debbie (l) and Andrea
With that in mind, the Ranch has found itself in a period of review.
“It has become clear what our strategic focus is moving forward, and we are in the process of ensuring that all of our programs and services are aligned to this strategic vision,” explained Andrea Brittin Ranch president and CEO.
“We are building on what has worked for the agency in the past and introducing some new processes to help us make good, solid business decisions moving forward.”
Moving forward and continuous improvement is what Andrea has encouraged all agency staff to focus on.
“Focusing on the past is productive insofar as there is always something to learn from history,” she explained. “However, the world around us is changing – the needs of our clients change, the expectations of our referring agencies change the communities around us change, the priorities of governments change, and the economy changes. Thoughtful planning and forward thinking is critical to ensure Ranch Ehrlo Society remains relevant into the future.”
Debbie believes that Ranch Ehrlo is moving toward focusing more resources to working with families and keeping their children out of residential care.
Regardless of where the Ranch goes in the future, we will continue to ensure that our services are what is needed by engaging with the communities that we serve. We will continue to foster meaningful connections with other service providers, various levels of government, and First Nations communities to ensure that we are aware of their changing and emerging needs, and they are aware of what it is our agency can offer.
While things may look different in five or another fifty years, both Andrea and Debbie believe that Ranch Ehrlo Society will continue to provide the right services, for the right clients, at the right time, and in the right way. The agency will continue to ensure that all programs and services are aligned with the strategic plan that sets out the mission, vision, and values of our organization and that we are following best practice in all that we do.
In 2016, Ranch Ehrlo Society is commemorating 50 years and welcoming the future. A celebration event is planned for September 29th at the Queensbury Convention Centre in Regina.
