The Supported Employment Program (SEP) and Vocational Training Employment Program (VTEP) have relocated, bringing participants and staff together again.
SEP and VTEP are two of five vocational programs offered by Ranch Ehrlo to provide meaningful education and work experience to people with developmental and cognitive disabilities in a warm, nurturing, and supportive environment.
Plans for the programs’ relocation began one year ago when Ranch Ehrlo took possession of a property at 2112 Turvey Road, Regina. The building, equipped with a beautiful commercial kitchen, became home to the agency’s in-house caterer, Sweet Grass Café. One group from VTEP and another two groups from SEP moved to the Sweet Grass Café while the remaining participants remained at the programs’ “home base” on 12th Avenue East.
“So, for the past year we had programs running from both properties,” explained John Fraser, manager of vocational programs. “In the fall, we received news that Ranch Ehrlo took over another space right beside Sweet Grass Café which was perfect for us. We were looking for a new spot to bring everyone together and meet our growing needs.”
On November 1st all 26 participants were reunited and moved to the space.
“It’s worked out really well for us,” said John. “It’s nice to have everybody back together again. The atmosphere is really good, and it’s been a nice transition.”
Not only does the new building have greater capacity, but having all participants under one roof reduces unnecessary travel and interruption to daily routines.
The participants arrive at their vocational programs each weekday at 8:30 a.m. and participate in community-based vocational programs until 3 p.m. Adult participants gain experience through work projects including cooking, catering, snow removal, grass cutting, and lawn maintenance. A work group also collects, splits, sells, and delivers firewood for people in the community.
“The vocational programs are designed to build skills that will foster independence and success for participants at home and in their community,” said John.
Learn more about Ranch Ehrlo’s educational and vocational programs here.
