OUR PROGRAMS
We are serious about our mission and want to help as many people in this Valley as possible. But of course this is a community enterprise, we need your support and your help, your thoughts, your social media, your purchasing power, your desire to make the Valley even better, more loving, more creative and even more a paradise.
GREENWAYS
Greenways is the largest of our three umbrella programs, having just under one hundred spaces per week (one space equals one participant for a six hour day). This program has been operating for 38 years.
The Greenways participants come to us with a variety of different backgrounds and needs, the only one of our programs to serve such a diversified group: Mental Illness, Substance Use, Developmental Challenges, and Brain Injuries. This Therapeutic Program has an emphasis on Horticultural Therapy, Life Skills, and Vocational Preparation and Training. The Greenways Program follows a Psychosocial Rehabilitation (PSR) model.
Part of the Farms appeal is the programs meet the needs of the individual and the individual feeds the program. At present these programs include Wood Working, Kitchen Program, Art Studio, the Greenhouse Nursery, the Textiles Program, Farm Fashions, Computer Lab, Animal Care, Raised Bed Gardening, Yoga, Well Being Group, Farm Fit and a number of other workshops, trainings and educational experiences. We have something for everyone.
All participants initially enter into our assessment stream allowing opportunity for us to get to know them and decipher how we can effectively meet their needs. In turn, the participant gets a feel for the farm and its possibilities. Our participants are here for therapy. Depending on the reasoning for the participants engagement in programming deciphers the amount of time they would remain in program. This can range from months to years. When visiting the farm please remember that this is a sanctuary for vulnerable people.
SEGUES
Segues provides daily programming for a group of mentally and physically challenged men requiring a slightly higher level of staff supports than that of the Greenways participants. These individuals have a variety of programming with an emphasis on seasonal agricultural activities which provide a direct connection to nature. There is an emphasis on the benefits of horticultural therapy which is a specialty of the farm's philosophy.
The Segues team can be thanked for holding a very large part in our grounds keeping and maintenance of the beautiful gardens around the farm. Activities also include recycling, firewood program, apple cider production, seasonal decorations and event set up. Some of the Segues crews access Greenways programming as a means of further social interaction and skill development. The program is run by three staff and the participants are assigned into crews amongst the staff.
ST. ANN'S
GARDEN CLUB
SAGC was founded on the basis of horticultural therapy. The program is dedicated to older adults and seniors with age related dementia or serious mental illness and/or substance use issues. The program provides opportunities for participants to reduce social isolation, improve physical strength and develop relationships among the group, ultimately assisting the participants to continue living independently in their communities.
Along with Horticultural Therapy, the program offers arts and crafts, woodworking, board and card games, music and singalongs. As well, the woodworking shop and arts program produce garden paraphernalia such as bean trestles and mason bee houses.
Funding
SAGC is partially funded through the Vancouver Island Health Authority. Other funding is found through fundraising efforts and events of Providence Farm, generous donations from the local community, grants from foundations and user fees.
User fees are $10 per day.
Program hours: 9:00 am to 2:00 pm
Tuesday through Friday
Click the link for a printable brochure of the St. Ann’s Garden Club program - SAGC-Brochure.pdf
ONE-TO-ONE
One-on-one participants have individualized programming with a strong focus on the development of life skills and integrating the individual into community. Programming is customized to the needs of these individuals; they will often join into our umbrella programs for tailored durations of time and activity. Giving them a chance to work alongside other staff and participants as a means of socialization, involvement in group based activities and an opportunity to enjoy the many fun and rewarding program areas we offer. One on ones can be privately funded please call and ask for our programs manager.