In rural Saskatchewan, a farm known as Farm in the Dell is thriving with activity, featuring two houses, a red barn, a shop, a mess hall, and a greenhouse. Individuals with intellectual disabilities are actively engaged in gardening tasks on a sunny August day. While some are harvesting beans, others are tending to corn and potato plants. Lynne Cammidge, a 52-year-old resident, expresses her joy and peace at Farm in the Dell, where she has resided for 15 years. Originally, her move to the rural group home was prompted by her aging parents’ desire for her to have a better living environment than a group home in Saskatoon.
Farm in the Dell, a non-profit organization located about 45 kilometers northeast of Saskatoon near Aberdeen, Saskatchewan, offers meaningful employment and a rural lifestyle for individuals with intellectual disabilities. Shauna Dollansky, the site manager in Aberdeen, highlights the residents’ capability in maintaining the farm, emphasizing the pride they take in their work. Many residents, who have a farming background, seek a sense of purpose and a connection to the land through their activities.
The Farm in the Dell concept originated in the United States in 1986 and has since expanded internationally, with locations in the U.S., Saskatchewan, Mexico, and Kyrgyzstan. The Aberdeen home was established in 2010, accommodating seventeen clients across two houses with approximately 40 staff members supporting them. Financial backing is provided by the Ministry of Social Services through Community Living Service Development.
Residents at Farm in the Dell are not only involved in farm chores but also engage in community activities like bingo in Vonda and serving coffee to seniors in Aberdeen. The center also welcomes clients from Saskatoon for day programs. Aaron Peters, a young participant, expresses his fondness for the rural setting and the various tasks he gets to perform, which have enhanced his life and earned him pride from his family.
Animal interaction is a significant part of life at Farm in the Dell, with residents caring for alpacas, donkeys, horses, pigs, rabbits, and chickens. They collect and clean eggs, incorporating farm produce into their meals. The diverse activities at the farm, from barn chores to woodworking projects, ensure a fulfilling routine for the residents throughout the year.
Following the success in Aberdeen, a second group home was established in Biggar, Saskatchewan, with ten adults residing in two five-bedroom homes. The initiative received community support, with the rural municipality providing land for the project. The expansion aims to reach more individuals in need of such supportive environments.
Farm in the Dell looks forward to extending its model to other communities, aiming to cater to the significant demand for such services. The organization relies on an annual budget of approximately $3 million from the Ministry of Social Services to sustain operations in both locations. The Ministry funds numerous residential spaces for adults with intellectual disabilities, with ongoing efforts to meet the growing demand through the construction of new group homes across the province.