Bonny Lea Farm's mission is to empower people with special needs by providing opportunities to experience self-respect, love for one another, dignity, integrity, faith, productivity and responsible community living.

As part of the private, non-profit South Shore Community Service Association, Bonny Lea Farm was created in 1973 to provide opportunities that were not available in the public school system for people ages five to 21. The focus changed in the early '80s when special needs students 16 and under were integrated into classrooms. Today, Bonny Lea is a training facility for older students who are mentally, physically, emotionally or behaviourally challenged.

Bonny Lea Farm offers a variety of programs. On average 38 people take part in the vocational day programs, which give participants the chance to learn while working; to develop employment skills and earn a training wage. Some participants work in the farm's barn, workshop or garden, while others assist with banking or work at a local business.

The residential program helps approximately 35 people develop daily living skills. "We offer as much independent living as possible," says Jane Rafuse, the association support co-ordinator at Bonny Lea Farm. "People learn some basic skills, such as setting the table and emptying the dishwasher...to household budgeting."

Bonny Lea also offers academic instruction, behavioural counselling, speech-language pathology and fitness instruction.

Major fundraisers include a direct-mail campaign, a golf tournament and a lobster supper annually. In May the Bonny Lea community will host the second annual Incredible Adventure, a popular event that combines elements of TV shows Fear Factor and The Amazing Race.

The money raised will help modernize buildings, fund a wheelchair-accessible washroom, and upgrade technology at the facility. "We have a long, well-established history of serving those in the province," Jane says. "We look forward to serving participants for a number of years ahead."

For more information:

Jane Rafuse
Association Support Co-ordinator
Bonny Lea Farm
P.O. Box 560
Chester, NS, B0J 1J0
(902) 275-5622
jarafuse@tallships.ca
www.chesterbound.com/bonnylea  

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