Hope Farm Board Advises Department of Decision to Close

COMMUNITY SERVICES--Hope Farm Board Advises Department of Decision to Close

The board of Hope Farm, located outside Stewiacke, has advised the Department of Community Services that they will be closing the farm effective Friday, March 5. This follows an initial announcement that they would close in February.

"Our priority in this situation continues to be the health and well-being of the residents," said Community Services Minister David Morse. "When the board initially announced they were closing in February we responded by offering the support of senior staff and a guarantee that existing funding would remain in place if they were to continue to operate the farm in accordance with acceptable standards."

Taxpayers invested about $500,000 each year in Hope Farm -- an organization designed to serve men with addiction issues. The Department of Community Services has been working with the farm for some time in an attempt to address outstanding programming and financial issues, as well as complaints from former residents.

The department has also offered assistance by extending the services of Community Services staff to help with the administration of the farm and the provision of a financial audit. None of these offers has been accepted by the board.

With the closure of the farm, the department will be examining what enhancements might be made to existing service to ensure that people recovering from addictions continue to be served.

"We have attempted to work with the board to make Hope Farm a viable organization," said Mr. Morse. "We now accept their decision with regret. Our priority now is the continuation of quality services to the current residents."