Mary Jane has worked at the Ranch Ehrlo Society for 21 years in a variety of positions.  Sixteen years of her career have been dedicated to the supported independent living program (SILP).

Mary Jane (MJ) started out her Ranch career as a housemother at MacKay house for five years. She also did some childcare worker shifts and acting youth care leader shifts during her early career at the Ranch.  MJ then transferred over to the Ranch's SILP as a personal support worker and has been there for 16 years. While at SILP, she became a clinical support leader.

Our SILP program is designed to provide a series of developmental activities and supportive services that provide residents with an opportunity to develop skills to live more independently in their community and to achieve the goals they have set for themselves.

“A typical day in my job includes organizing quarterly reports, contacting residents’ case managers, and communicating with their school or work. There are various reports and assessments I have to complete and hand in at specific times. This role also trains staff on ETO, providing consultation to them. I often attend psychiatric meetings with residents and take them to other appointments. It is more administrative type of work than working on the front line with the residents,” outlined MJ.

MJ talked about the growth in every area of the Ranch since she started working here, especially in the persons with disabilities programs.

The fact that MJ ended up in a career at Ranch Ehrlo helping persons with developmental disabilities is quite fitting; advocacy for persons with developmental disabilities has always been a cause near and dear to MJ. Her brother had epilepsy and in the late ‘60s and early ‘70s he had a very hard time finding employment. Employers weren’t willing to employ him because on the job application form it asked if applicants had a medical condition and he would have to check it off. “Unfortunately, he passed away from a grand mal seizure,” said MJ. “That was the first person I was always trying to advocate for and help.”

Additionally, MJ’s daughter was born with occipital encephalocele. “So of course, when she was born, immediately as a parent, you get involved with early childhood intervention programs, the Allan Buckwell Centre, and you start to get very active in what you want for your child. I guess that kind of led into my current work with the Ranch,” said MJ.

Recently, Ranch Ehrlo was named as one of Saskatchewan's top 20 employers for 2012. MJ explained that she has always felt, without it even being validated, that she is employed by a top employer. “To see that in print, that some outside people had decided that Ranch Ehrlo was a top employer, I was just so overwhelmed. I was so full of pride.” added MJ.  

In September 2011, MJ commenced her semi-retirement.

“My son also started working at the Ranch after I announced my semi-retirement and I see his passion for what he does combined with the fact the Ranch is a top employer and I could not feel more proud to be a part of Ranch Ehrlo. I know he works for an amazing agency and will be supported and validated.”

Learn more about a career at Ranch Ehrlo.