Along a dusty path in rural Saskatchewan, a farm complex consisting of two residences, a red barn, a workshop, a communal dining area, and a greenhouse is bustling with energy. Individuals with intellectual disabilities are actively engaged in gardening tasks on a sunny August day. Some women are busy picking beans, while a small cluster of men is tending to the corn and potato crops.
For Lynne Cammidge, a 52-year-old resident at Farm in the Dell, this place is a source of joy and tranquility. Reflecting on her experience, she expressed, “I find it very serene. The beauty of this farm was beyond my imagination when I first arrived here.” Cammidge was among the initial clients to transition to this rural group home around 15 years ago.
Located approximately 45 kilometers northeast of Saskatoon near Aberdeen, Saskatchewan, Farm in the Dell is a non-profit organization that offers meaningful employment opportunities and a countryside setting for individuals with intellectual disabilities. Shauna Dollansky, the site manager in Aberdeen, commended the residents’ capabilities in handling tasks such as weeding, watering, and maintaining the farm with a strong sense of pride.
Many of the residents have rural backgrounds and yearned for a farm-style living experience, seeking a sense of purpose and connection to the land. The concept of Farm in the Dell was inspired by the organization’s establishment in the United States, which originated in Montana in 1986 and has since expanded globally to include locations in various countries.
Since its inception in 2010, the Aberdeen home has accommodated seventeen clients across two houses, supported by approximately 40 staff members in different roles. The Ministry of Social Services, through Community Living Service Development, provides financial backing for the group home, fostering a sense of community and belonging for individuals who might otherwise feel isolated.
Residents at Farm in the Dell engage in various activities, including attending local events, playing bingo in Vonda, and volunteering to serve coffee to seniors in Aberdeen. The center also hosts day programs for clients from Saskatoon and surrounding areas, offering a diverse range of experiences and opportunities for personal growth.
The farm environment allows residents to interact with a variety of animals, including alpacas, donkeys, horses, goats, pigs, rabbits, and cats. They actively participate in collecting eggs from the chicken coops, which are later used in meal preparation alongside fresh produce from the farm.
In light of the success witnessed in Aberdeen, Farm in the Dell recently expanded its operations to Biggar, Saskatchewan, with the support of the local community. The new site comprises two interconnected five-bedroom homes on 100 acres of donated land, accommodating ten adults and creating employment opportunities for additional personnel.
Looking ahead, executive director Lynette Zacharias envisions further expansion of the Farm in the Dell model to benefit more communities, emphasizing the crucial support it provides to individuals with intellectual disabilities and their families. The organization relies on annual funding from the Ministry of Social Services to sustain its operations across the two locations.
The Ministry of Social Services revealed its commitment to enhancing residential support for adults with intellectual disabilities by constructing ten new group homes in various communities, including specialized facilities for clients with higher medical needs. This ongoing development reflects the province’s dedication to meeting the diverse care requirements of its residents.