By Alice McFarlane

Farm in the Dell expands operation

Sep 13, 2024 | 4:47 PM

A farm-based vocational program in Saskatchewan that enhances the emotional, physical, and spiritual lives of individuals with intellectual disabilities is expanding.

Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe joined representatives from Farm in the Dell and the Town of Biggar to announce a partnership that will develop two new group homes for 10 people with intellectual disabilities.

Farm in the Dell operates two group homes, a supported living program and a farm-based vocational program on a farm property near Aberdeen. It will also operate a day program for the 10 individuals living in the homes and an additional seven community members.

Farm in the Dell Executive Director Lynette Zacharias the dream has always been to expand to other locations in the province.

“We look forward to partnering with the government to make this farm a reality. This will provide meaningful and productive work and a safe place to call home for many individuals in the community,” Zacharias said.

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The Ministry of Social Services will provide annual operating funding, and Farm in the Dell and the community will raise the funds to cover the capital costs to construct the two attached five-bedroom homes.

Biggar Mayor Jim Rickwood said the community has come together in partnership with the RM of Biggar, service providers, local contractors, businesses and individual donors to raise and commit the funds and resources necessary to establish and support the project.

“The Town of Biggar’s commitment of approximately 70 acres of land on our outskirts will provide both the unique rural living atmosphere as well as the amenities of our town’s many services and supports to the future residents of the new facility, as well as those accessing vocational day programs,” he said.

Rickwood said it is truly a community endeavour that has captured the philanthropic spirit of everyone who has made themselves familiar with the unique Farm in the Dell concept.

The Government of Saskatchewan currently provides $1.7 million in annualized funding to Farm in the Dell. The expansion to Biggar, with approximately $1.35 million in annual operating funding, will bring that total to over $3.05 million.

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alice.mcfarlane@pattisonmedia.com

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