As Ranch Ehrlo’s programs and services continue to grow, their integration becomes ever increasing.

The Working towards Independence and Nourishing Growing Skills (WINGS) program has launched the Ranch Closet, an in-house initiative which collects gently used clothing and household items for donation to Ranch families and clients.

“The purpose of the program is twofold; it’s about developing skills for the young women in our WINGS program and to provide clothing donations to the clients who need them,” explained organizer and WINGS program manager Victoria Reiman. “We’re really excited about it.”

The WINGS program participants operate the Ranch Closet by collecting, sorting, washing, and folding clothing donations. The Ranch Closet “store” helps WINGS participants develop life skills, job skills, communication skills, and confidence.

“We work on a rotational basis but it’s a real team effort,” said Victoria. “Some have skills better served in the pick-up and delivery area, while others excel in sorting and washing. The ultimate goal is for them to take ownership of this program and to really work on developing those necessary life skills.”

“Our ladies really enjoy sorting out clothing and visiting with the Ranch staff as they pick up the donations at our locations,” said Monique Boyko, therapeutic worker with WINGS. “The Ranch Closet is still a work in progress…but we’re working towards getting everything sorted and hung up.”

The accumulation of donations is used to benefit Ranch clients in the Family Programs and those associated with the agency through Ehrlo Housing. Donation surpluses are forwarded to other non-profit causes in and around Regina at the end of each season.

The Ranch Closet is not intended to be a competitor for retail consignment stores and only accepts and distributes donations to those associated with the Ranch either by employment or client services.