The lasting impact of Emergency Receiving care
In times of crisis, it is a bed offered in the middle of the night, a soft pillow to rest their head, and a warm breakfast waiting in the morning that reassures children they are safe, cared for, and never alone.
For the children and youth who enter Ranch Ehrlo’s Emergency Receiving (ER) programs, that moment of care often comes when they need it most. Arriving at Samson House can mean stepping into the unknown – new faces, new rooms, and a place far from what feels familiar. Yet, within that space, they are met with compassion, patience, and selflessness from staff who dedicate themselves to making sure each child feels at home, even if only for a short while.
The nature of ER care often means that children come and go suddenly, leaving staff to wonder where the children’s lives may end up and where their stories may lead. Staff are left to wonder if the child found happiness and what became of their lives.
Recently, the staff at Samson House were given a rare opportunity to find out. The Samson House team recently had the opportunity to reconnect with a former youth and his father, to learn how their care and compassion helped make a lasting difference.
Steve* contacted Samson House manager, Cam Banning, to share that he and his father often think of the staff who stood by him during a difficult time in his life. His memories of their kindness, patience, and steady presence had never left. To show their gratitude, Steve and his dad made plans to return to Samson House the following week, this time bringing pizza and appreciation for those who had once brought him comfort.
“This warmed my heart,” shared Cam Banning. “This shows the impact that each staff has on the youth we work with. Each of us plays such an important role in these kids’ lives – giving them hope, giving them positive healthy relationships, and giving them safety and support.”
For the staff of Samson House, this visit was more than a thank you. It was a reminder that their work, though often unseen beyond the walls of their home, creates ripples that last for years. Their endless dedication can live on in a child’s memory long after they’ve left the program.
Ranch Ehrlo operates four ER programs (Rorison and Kenyon on the Pilot Butte campus, Fraser House in Prince Albert, and Samson House in the Saskatoon area). Each program provides temporary emergency care for children and youth awaiting placement. Stays are on a short-term basis for up to 30 days to provide a safe place for children to live while the Ministry of Social Services develops the best care plan.