Ranch Ehrlo helps youth through anger, loneliness
A former participant has a message for youth at Ranch Ehrlo: your time here won’t define you, but it can certainly change your life.
Twenty-eight-year-old Justin Ingman walked through the doors of MacKay House at 14 years old, and spent two years growing, healing, and forming lasting relationships that would change his life. He met true friends for the first time, confided in caring and compassionate staff, and bonded with his housemates over a love for music and a dream to start their own band and broadcast on YouTube.
“Growing up, I was the kid who got bullied. I didn’t have any friends, so coming to the Ranch was a nice change because people wanted to spend time with me and enjoy me as a person,” he shared.
Justin made a best friend, who became more like a brother, and over time, formed meaningful relationships with staff and caregivers.
While Justin’s time is remembered fondly – highlighted by trips to the pool, the library, and Friday nights (where he learned to plan, prep, and cook meals), he said it was his ability to heal from trauma and take better control of himself and his emotions that impacted him most.
“I’m most proud of the changes I’ve made, growing from an angry kid who couldn’t figure out what he wanted in life to becoming who I am today. The Ranch helped me develop character…and it changed the way in which I look at the world.”
Justin, now a father of four and proud business owner, said lessons he learned at the Ranch have carried him into adulthood – inspiring him to do better and be better. With the help of counsellors, therapeutic programming, and incredibly supportive staff, Justin was able to learn coping strategies, gain life skills, inherit patience and understanding, give grace, and most influentially, to be tenacious.
“One of the most important things I learned and have taken with me in life is the understanding that if I’m not doing something successfully, it doesn’t mean I need to give up. It means I need to change. I have to figure out how I can improve, because I may not be successful right away but if I give up, I can never have that chance.”
Justin is grateful to the peers and staff who helped him through difficult years of anger and loneliness, and sends a heartfelt message to the current youth at Ranch Ehrlo:
“Give it a chance. Nothing is wrong with you; some of us just need a bit more guidance and stability to get us to where we want to be in life. Let your guard down, trust the staff and form relationships, because when you leave here, these people are still going to care about you.”
Even 14 years later, Justin remains in touch with many of the staff who helped steer him away from an unpromising path. He celebrates his birthday each year with his former house mom, stops to chat with staff when he sees them in the stores, and always greets Mike Torrie with a handshake and a hug, because, as he puts it, 'these people really become extended family.'
Justin’s time at Ranch Ehrlo helped him see himself more clearly, not as the sum of his past struggles, but as someone with a future full of possibility and promise.
Justin went on to complete two years in the navy and spent six years in undercover surveillance. He now proudly owns and operates Queen City Smoke B-B-Q in Regina and devotes his leisure time to family and his lifelong passion for music.
“If I didn’t give the Ranch a chance, I don’t know where I would be. I’m so glad I did.”