In a rural area of Saskatchewan, a farm complex comprising two residences, a red barn, a workshop, a communal dining hall, and a greenhouse is buzzing with activity. Individuals with intellectual disabilities are tending to the garden on a sunny August day. While some women are harvesting beans, a small group of men is watering the corn and potato crops.
Lynne Cammidge, a 52-year-old resident, expresses her contentment at Farm in the Dell, describing it as a peaceful and beautiful place that she moved to 15 years ago due to her aging parents’ encouragement. The non-profit organization, located approximately 45 kilometers northeast of Saskatoon near Aberdeen, provides these individuals with meaningful employment opportunities and a rural lifestyle.
Shauna Dollansky, the site manager in Aberdeen, highlights the residents’ capability in tasks such as weeding and watering, emphasizing the pride they take in maintaining their living environment. Many of the residents have a background in farming or rural living and seek to continue that connection and sense of purpose.
The Farm in the Dell concept originated in the United States in 1986 and has since expanded internationally, with locations in various countries including Canada. The Aberdeen home, established in 2010, accommodates 17 clients across two houses and is supported by around 40 staff members funded by the Ministry of Social Services through Community Living Service Development.
The organization promotes a sense of community and family among the residents, offering opportunities for social engagement such as attending local events and participating in day programs. Residents like Aaron Peters, who joined the program recently, express their satisfaction with the farm life and the fulfilling activities it provides, including caring for various animals and engaging in agricultural tasks.
The success of the Aberdeen farm led to the opening of a second group home in Biggar, Saskatchewan. Situated on a donated 100-acre land, the Biggar site features two connected five-bedroom houses, accommodating ten adults and employing 15 to 20 individuals. The expansion aims to bring the Farm in the Dell model to more communities in the future, with hopes of providing essential support and services to individuals with intellectual disabilities and their families.
The organization depends on an annual budget of approximately $3 million from the Ministry of Social Services to sustain its operations at the existing locations. The Ministry funds numerous residential spaces for adults with intellectual disabilities and is currently developing new group homes to meet the growing demand for such services in the province.