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Saskatchewan, Canada

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Background Information

  • Lynette Zacharias Co-Founder and current Executive Director in Saskatchewan, Canada
  • Unique start and connection to Farm in the Dell in Montana
  • Background in caregiving, farming, and disability support, Created in response to service gaps

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Farm in the Dell, Saskatchewan

  • A Care Farming Model Supporting Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities
  • Saskatchewan, Canada
    • Aberdeen, SK Population 500
    • Biggar, SK Population 2600

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Organization Overview

  • Mission-driven non-profit
    • Organization that strives to enhance the emotional, physical, spiritual lives of individuals with intellectual disabilities through residential, vocational and recreational services
  • Focused on dignity, belonging, and meaningful work

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How It Began

  • One home of 10 and work program- opened 2010
  • Responding to family and community need
  • Grew organically, second home in 2019
  • New location opening June 2026!
  • Government & Community support is key

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Structure, Budget & Staffing

  • Non-profit model
  • Mixed funding sources
    • Government and Donations
    • Help of the community
  • 3.1 M budget when both locations are running
  • Dedicated team: 38 staff Aberdeen, 20+ at Biggar, 2nd location to start

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Program Overview

  • Meaningful & Productive work
  • Predictable routines
  • Community Inclusion
  • Safe & Loving Home(s)
  • Between the two locations support 27 residential as well as additional 10 that attend work program

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People We Serve

  • Adults with intellectual disabilities, physical & mental health diagnosis
  • Wide range of abilities
  • Strengths-based support

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Program Successes

  • Increased confidence
  • Improved well-being
  • Strong sense of pride
  • Health improvements (mental & physical)
  • Increased independence and skills
  • Safety for the individuals

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Program Challenges

  • Seasonal limits
  • Funding and staffing pressures
  • Challenging behaviors
  • Balancing safety, dignity, personal choices

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Why Care Farming Works

  • Real work
  • Natural structure
  • Community inclusion
  • Contribution everyone can make
  • Belonging matters
  • Farm is place of purpose
  • Life Changing

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Check us out!

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Thank You

  • Questions & Discussion
  • Contact info: Lynette Zacharias

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