Each summer, Ranch Ehrlo Society offers a seven week work training program for current and former Ranch Ehrlo clients.

Much of the summer work crew is made up of clients in the Ranch’s Community Vocational Education Program (CVEP). CVEP is designed to assist people with mental and/or psychological disabilities develop and improve work skills and work attitudes. Some, like Peter A., have been on the crew for many years.

“We cut grass, move branches, build stuff, do dishes, clean classrooms,” Pete explained. “I get up in the morning to get here on time,” he added with pride. “I’m working full time.”

“Pete is really good with the whipper snipper, and the carpet cleaners,” work crew supervisor Ian MacLellan said. “He’s one of our best guys on the crew.”

“Carpets is my favourite thing to do, because it makes them look better,” Pete added.

Others are both current and former Ranch Ehrlo clients, as the only caveat to participating in the summer work program is that participants must be at least 16 years of age. Justin A. is a former Ranch client who found himself laid off from his regular job.

“I was looking at my references and I saw Ian, so I called him up and asked if I was able to come back,” Justin, who spent two summers on the work crew during his admission at Ranch Ehrlo, explained.

The work crew is a positive experience for all involved. Staff see growth in all the clients, whether it be mastering a new skill or a change in their mindset.

“You see a lot of change in attitude from the beginning of the summer to the end,” supervisor Randee Patton described. “We have youth who come in with a poor attitude or an inability to work with others, and throughout the summer you see them grow.”

“You see the long-term clients really step up,” she added. “They’re helping others, and as staff you may hear that they were struggling at CVEP or their unit and they come here and you see that growth happen. For our long-term clients, you see them definitely take a leadership role with the new guys coming in.”

And the clients can see growth in themselves as well.

“I’ve learned a lot of stuff. The motto here is to take pride in our work,” Justin explained, noting that during his time at Wilson House he became a leader, and he continues to show leadership within the work crew he’s now on. “I’ve learned a great work ethic as well.”

“You can’t go wrong with working and learning new things every single day. You learn, every day.”