A young boy in Ranch Ehrlo’s northern Treatment Foster Care (TFC) program is showing the peers around him, and the adults who mentor him, that people can rise – finding strength, building character, and growing in confidence.

Fifteen-year-old Corey* didn’t have a storybook start in life, with the white picket fence and picture-perfect family. In his short years, he has faced challenges he’s had to navigate and adversities he’s had to overcome – a world he’s met with courage.

Through that resilience, Corey has begun building a life for himself, surrounding himself with community and finding more people to love and be loved by.

Corey joined TFC five years ago and found a home with foster parents Joyce and Doug Ball. It was here that he began building a circle of extended family, new friends, and mentors he’s grown to admire and share close relationships with.

“His self-confidence has grown and his ability to imagine a brighter future for himself has also grown,” said Dianna Stang, manager of TRC.

As part of his growth and exploration, Corey joined the Cadets program in Prince Albert – a structured, skill-building program for youth that offers adventure, skills development, and real-life experiences. It helps young people grow into more confident, capable individuals.

His involvement, said Dianna, has helped Corey mature and step into a leadership role.

“Cadets have helped teach Corey to respect others, as well as himself. It has helped him gain a sense of belonging and camaraderie with his peers. It has helped him improve his self-esteem and confidence in himself and his abilities. It has helped him develop a common interest with like-minded peers, and a possible future career.”

Corey’s commitment to Cadets and his passion for the program came to light recently when he was recognized for his ability to lead and be a positive example to others in his group. Supported by his foster family and with his Mushum in the audience, Corey proudly accepted the Leadership Award from his troop.

“[It was a] proud day for all of us,” said Joyce.

“Being recognized for his accomplishments in cadets has been amazing for Corey and has brought him a lot of joy and sense of pride,” said Dianna. “It has shown him that there is another path forward for him in life and that he can have a happy, healthy future free from violence and addictions.”

Ranch Ehrlo’s TFC program is a community-based program that provides homes to children, ages six to 15, who require a more intensive level of care than traditional foster care. TFC works with the families of children placed in the program to help support healthy relationships, thus promoting family reunification or helping to find alternative placements if reunification is not possible.

*Name changed to protect youth's identity