On a gravel path in rural Saskatchewan, a farm complex teeming with energy houses two residences, a red barn, a workshop, a communal dining area, and a greenhouse.
Individuals with intellectual disabilities are engaged in gardening activities on a sunny August day. Some women are busy harvesting beans, while a small cluster of men tend to the corn and potato crops.
Lynne Cammidge, a 52-year-old resident, expresses her contentment at Farm in the Dell, describing it as a serene haven. She recalls being among the pioneer clients to join the rural group home 15 years ago, opting for it over a less suitable group home in Saskatoon.
Situated approximately 45 kilometers northeast of Saskatoon near Aberdeen, Saskatchewan, Farm in the Dell operates as a non-profit organization, offering people with intellectual disabilities meaningful employment and a rural lifestyle.
Shauna Dollansky, the site manager in Aberdeen, acknowledges the residents’ dedication to tasks such as weeding and watering, highlighting their pride in maintaining the property. Many residents, having roots in farming or rural settings, seek to revive that sense of purpose and connection with the land.
The genesis of this concept can be traced back to the U.S.-based Farm in the Dell organization, which established its inaugural farm in Montana in 1986. Presently, the organization spans globally, with 11 sites in the U.S., two in Saskatchewan, and locations in Mexico and Kyrgyzstan.
Established in 2010, the Aberdeen site accommodates seventeen individuals across two residences, supported by a team of around 40 staff members. Financial backing for the group home is provided by the Ministry of Social Services through Community Living Service Development.
Lynette Zacharias, the executive director, emphasizes the community and familial atmosphere fostered at Farm in the Dell, offering individuals with intellectual disabilities a sense of belonging and purpose.
Residents are encouraged to participate in community activities, such as bingo in Vonda and serving coffee to Aberdeen seniors. The center also hosts day programs for clients from Saskatoon and surrounding areas.
The farm boasts a variety of animals, including alpacas, donkeys, horses, goats, pigs, rabbits, and cats, providing residents with enriching experiences. Meals prepared at the farm incorporate freshly harvested vegetables and eggs.
Building on the success in Aberdeen, a second group home was inaugurated in Biggar, Saskatchewan, last month. The community rallied behind the endeavor, contributing funds for the construction of two interconnected five-bedroom homes on a 100-acre plot donated by the rural municipality.
Looking ahead, Zacharias envisions extending the Farm in the Dell model to additional communities, aiming to provide essential support and services to more individuals in need.
Annually, Farm in the Dell relies on approximately $3 million in funding from the Ministry of Social Services to sustain operations at its two locations. The Ministry of Social Services emphasizes its commitment to offering residential spaces for adults with intellectual disabilities, with ongoing efforts to expand support services across various communities.
