How Eric's dream brought teams together
Person-centred care is about listening to what matters most to someone and then finding a way to make it happen. Sometimes, that means rethinking routines, bridging programs, and going beyond what’s typical.
Eric Black, a participant in the Supported Living Program, inspired staff at Ranch Ehrlo to do just that, making his dream become a reality.
For Eric, wrestling isn’t just entertainment but a connection point, shared language, and the foundation of meaningful relationships with two staff: Ryan Donald, therapeutic vocational worker, and Curtis Brooks, personal support worker.
Though Ryan and Curtis support Eric in different capacities, their roles began to overlap in an unexpected way. Through Eric’s passion, they become connected – not just by the Ranch, but by wrestling.
“When Eric and I first started working together six years ago, we really bonded over wrestling and it’s been part of our lives ever since,” said Curtis.
Ryan shared a similar experience. While he had been a fan in his younger years, he hadn’t followed wrestling in quite some time, until he started working with Eric.
“He would talk about it every week, so I started watching it, so I knew what he was talking about. It got to the point where I was watching it every Wednesday so I could talk to Eric about it on Thursday,” he laughed.
Despite working in different programs, Curtis and Ryan grew familiar with one another – bonded by Eric and his passion for wrestling.
When an All Elite Wrestling (AEW) event was announced in Winnipeg, Eric decided he wanted to go and wanted to bring along Ryan and Curtis, the two biggest fans he knew.
While it’s not unusual for group living staff to accompany participants on trips to visit family, attend appointments, or go to camp – it is less conventional for a vocational staff to join.
“This was unique, but it was something Eric wanted so everybody really went above and beyond to make it happen,” said Curtis.
Staff credit their managers, Brad Endicott (vocational manager) and Meshan Thaver (group living manager), for coordinating logistics to make the trip possible. By leveraging program budgets, administrative resources, and staff schedules, they brought the plan to life. House parent Monique Boyko also joined the team effort, putting together a care package for the road – complete with snacks, drinks, wipes, and other necessities.
“When we brought the idea forward everyone was on board,” said Curtis. “They get all the credit for figuring out how to make it happen so we could go together.”
“Instead of saying, ‘no, we don’t do it this way’, everyone came together to make it happen,” agreed Ryan. “We talk about a person-centred approach to care, and this really was that. Ranch Ehrlo could have said no, that only group living staff could go, but that’s not what Eric wanted. He wanted Curtis and I to go along with him – that was his wish and they made it happen.”
When the day finally arrived, the focus shifted from planning to simply enjoying. The trip was everything Eric hoped it would be.
The trio set out early on a Wednesday morning, making their way east with a stop in Moosomin for lunch. Along the drive, conversations flowed easily – baseball with Curtis, hockey with Ryan – and Eric took on the important role of road trip DJ. By the time they reached Winnipeg, checked into their hotel, and made their way to the arena, the excitement had fully set in.
Wearing their custom-made t-shirts that read “EB (Eric Black) All Elite” the guys enjoyed five hours of throw downs, knockouts, music, fireworks, and a fantastic show. Before turning in for the night, they ordered some pizzas and stayed up late – bellies full and hearts even fuller.
“It was awesome,” said Eric. “The whole thing.”
“It really was just a couple of buddies going on a road trip,” said Ryan. “Of course, there was a high level of care and safety, but this really was a ‘guys’ trip.”
“Yeah, it wasn’t Eric and his staff – it was Eric and his wrestling buddies,” Curtis agreed.
“This will be a memory that we’ll share together forever.”
The Supported Living Program provides group living, educational, and vocational programs to people with multiple, complex developmental needs. Care and support are focused on person-centred and strength-based services.