Along a gravel road in rural Saskatchewan, a farm thrives with two residences, a red barn, a workshop, a communal dining area, and a greenhouse buzzing with activity.
On a warm August day, individuals with intellectual disabilities engage in gardening tasks at Farm in the Dell. Some women are busy harvesting beans, while a group of men diligently water the corn and potato crops.
Lynne Cammidge, a 52-year-old resident, cherishes her time at Farm in the Dell, describing it as a serene haven. She fondly recalls her move to the rural group home 15 years ago, opting for a more suitable living environment compared to a group home in Saskatoon.
Farm in the Dell, a non-profit organization situated approximately 45 kilometers northeast of Saskatoon near Aberdeen, offers individuals with intellectual disabilities meaningful employment opportunities and a countryside lifestyle.
Shauna Dollansky, the site manager in Aberdeen, highlights the residents’ capability in maintaining the farm through tasks such as weeding and watering, instilling a sense of pride in their work.
Many residents, having grown up in farming communities, seek to relive the same sense of purpose and connection to the land in their adult lives.
The concept of Farm in the Dell originated in the United States in 1986 and has grown into an international non-profit organization with locations in several countries. The Aberdeen home, established in 2010, accommodates seventeen clients across two houses and is supported financially by the Ministry of Social Services.
Executive director Lynette Zacharias emphasizes the importance of community and friendship for individuals with intellectual disabilities, fostering a familial atmosphere at Farm in the Dell.
Residents at the facility participate in various community activities, such as bingo in Vonda and serving coffee to Aberdeen seniors. Additionally, the center welcomes clients from Saskatoon for day programs.
The farm provides residents with the opportunity to interact with animals like alpacas, donkeys, horses, pigs, rabbits, and cats, with residents actively engaging in caring for them.
The success of the Aberdeen farm led to the establishment of a second group home in Biggar, Sask., funded through community efforts and donations. The organization aspires to expand its model to benefit more communities in the future.
Farm in the Dell relies on an annual budget of approximately $3 million from the Ministry of Social Services to sustain its operations at the two locations, serving as a crucial support system for adults with intellectual disabilities in Saskatchewan.