a few words about us . . .
The first farm was started in Helena in the 1980's by the co-founders and a group of parents working towards the dream of a place for adults with developmental disabilities to work and live. Lowell and Susan Bartels are the Co-Founders of "Farm in the Dell International".
Farm in the Dell is a non-profit corporation with charitable status. We have a dedicated group of Board of Directors who first met in June 2008.
The Farm in the Dell is the realization of a dream planted simultaneously in several hearts and several homes. Please send any ideas, suggestions, feedback.
who we are . . .
Our names are Krista Neufeld and Lynette Zacharias. We worked together at a school for children with developmental disabilities for many years. We have provided respite for families in Saskatoon and area and approached by many more families. We had observed the huge need for more residential and vocational services.
We wanted to find out if there would be any interest here in the Farm in the Dell concept so we held a community information night. We had over 130 people attend, including, parents, educators, and representation from other organizations, as well as interested general public attended in March 2008. The positive response we received gave us the encouragement to move forward with this project.
why saskatchewan . . .
Individuals familiar with the needs of people with developmental disabilities are aware of the lack of facilities located in the province. Present services are great, but are full to capacity.
Saskatchewan and agriculture go hand in hand: Animals are a great source of companionship and can be used for therapeutic growth. Participants can see their efforts grow in a productive and meaningful way while experiencing a traditional farming lifestyle.
Farm in the Dell has created jobs in rural Saskatchewan both in the building & operating stages. Many individuals come from a rural setting and don't want to move to the city. This allows for individuals who want to live in a rural environment the opportunity to do so.