You know what they say – when one door closes, another opens. This has exactly been the case for the Ehrlo Counselling True Colours group, which is a space for LGBTQ2S+ (lesbian, gay, bi-sexual, transgender, queer, and two-spirit) youth to discuss important issues that matter to them. Despite COVID-19 closing in-person meetings, virtual sessions have allowed youth from across…
Encased with artistic creations and photographs, a simple scrapbook can go a long way when it comes to helping young children form their identities. These scrapbooks, developed by Rheyn Luha, a childcare assistant in the Family Treatment Program (FTP), not only give the child a piece of their experience to cherish but also models supportive caregiver/parent relationships within the program.…
Regina and Pilot Butte youth received a surprise before the start of their February break. Just in time for Valentine’s Day, each youth received a comfort kit backpack filled with items such as fuzzy blankets, stuffed animals, MP3 players, nightlights, bath bombs, sketchbooks, pencils, toothbrushes, and snacks. Organized by the Children’s Aid Foundation’s Ted and Loretta…
Safe spaces are important for youth, especially when they need a temporary place to stay. At Ranch Ehrlo, our emergency receiving services help youth on a short-term basis get their footing while the Ministry of Social Services develops a longer term service plan. While the services aren’t part of Ranch Ehrlo's residential treatment intake, they are helpful and important.…
Ben* had been having a tough time before joining Matheson House in Prince Albert. He had been struggling with substance use, depression, and anxiety in his home community. But things began to look brighter for Ben when he was welcomed by the team at Matheson, including unit manager Ron Schlamp. “He has grown incredibly and is in a much-improved place now than he was when he…
The COVID-19 pandemic hasn’t been easy for anyone. Many people are trying to live their lives as normally as possible while ensuring their own health and safety and the well being of others. It’s meant for creative solutions to everyday life, where nearly everything we do has gone virtual. While cyber outings can’t replace the real thing, they can still make a difference.…
Although participants can’t get together to create art this winter, staff with our art-based services are making it easy for individuals to express and grow. Through online video conferencing, they have been running various art classes that help individuals stay engaged and get through the long winter. “Even though we are isolating this winter, the arts give participants the…
At Ranch Ehrlo, we truly know what it’s like to score 10 out of 10! For the tenth consecutive year, we’ve been recognized as one of Saskatchewan’s top employers. Faced with challenges from the COVID-19 pandemic, our staff came together amazingly by staying apart. From virtual gatherings and programming to safely distanced Santa parades and winter camping, you all think…
Even though the COVID-19 pandemic has caused some challenges, it’s also opened a window of opportunity for Ranch Ehrlo’s Treatment Foster Care (TFC) programs. The programs have expanded virtually, meaning more families and youth can better connect and gain important knowledge to improve services. For Dianna Stang, the manager of Treatment Foster Care in Corman Park, the video chats…
With a little collaboration, youth at Jewison House were able to experience winter camping in a safe way up north at Heritage Lake. The trip was welcomed by the youth and staff given camping this past summer was cancelled. “It really has been hard for everyone the last nine months, so giving our youth something to look forward to and make the best of the situation we are in was our…
At Ranch Ehrlo, we believe healthy relationships with staff in a supportive environment helps build participant competencies and manages behaviours. Part of this stems from our commitment to CARE -- Children and Residential Experiences: Creating Conditions for Change. We take this into everything we do, including Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI). TCI training has long been mandatory for…
Ranch Ehrlo staff members Wade Lavallee and Lexie Obey recently provided youth with a great opportunity at Jordan House and Emergency Receiving on the Pilot Butte campus. In a socially distanced way, Wade and Lexie exchanged a deer hide between their programs. Youth were given the chance to work on processing and tanning the hide, which will be turned into a hand drum that they can use.…
Residents with the Family Treatment Program will be celebrating Christmas a little differently this year because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Organizers have set up a Christmas Carnival experience for each family. It will offer games, crafts, music, gifts from Santa, a festive family picture, and take-home treats in a physically distanced way. “We will be bringing one family at a time…
Ranch Ehrlo’s artists showed off their artistic talents in the 16th annual Art from the Heart calendar. Unfortunately, this year due to COVID-19 there was not a reception for the artists to unveil their work. In past years when the calendar was unveiled, the artists had the opportunity to showcase their work and sign autographs for those in attendance. To celebrate the artist’s…
The staff and youth at Matheson House in Prince Albert have a special Christmas gift for the other northern programs. The team worked hard to prepare an outdoor getaway at Ranch Ehrlo’s camp at Heritage Lake. “This year groups may not be able to go to the pool, or ski hill, or each other’s kitchen table like in pre-COVID times, however the great outdoors is still available to…
