Creating HomeFulness-Woodwynn Farms

We believe in people.

And we believe that it is more effective to create something new, than to try to ‘end’ something as complex as homelessness.

Our strategy is pretty straight-forward:

1. Learn from the best model in the world

2. Challenge all assumptions

3. Raise the bar of expectations unreasonably high

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Woodwynn Farms is our 193 acre organic farm for our therapeutic community for the homeless, offering an opportunity to change peoples’ lives with educational and work programmes based on responsibility, dignity, independence and the principles of peer-to-peer help.

The affection, understanding and support that every person receives are daily examples of the kind of selflessness that cannot be considered a simple exchange because it can only come straight from the heart.

There is no single, failsafe recipe that can save everyone, only a fundamental rule – Respect and Unconditional Love.

The road that people have to travel can be long and complex, but the aim is to help them become aware of their true potential. Outcasts that have been overcome by life’s difficulties are encouraged and supported through trust and dialogue. All those who enter Woodwynn will find a home, health and legal assistance and the chance to study and receive vocational training.

Work skills, Community, Self-Respect and a deep understanding of Sustainability are fundamental to reintegration into society.

Therapeutic communities, both locally and internationally, such as San Patrignano, Italy have proven lasting success rates of over 70%.

Founder and Executive Director Richard LeBlanc saw a 76% success rate in Victoria with his YEP program which helped 385 street youth transform their lives.

Latest News:

Woodwynn Safety Courses continue

FARSHA (Farm and Ranch Safety and Health Association) continues to bring great courses to Woodwynn....»More

Homeless to begin farming at Woodwynn within 8 weeks

By Judith Lavoie, Times Colonist February 9, 2010

The first group of formerly homeless people will be working the soil at Woodwynn Farm in Central Saanich within eight weeks, Richard Leblanc, Creating Homefulness executive director, said...»More

$150,000 Woodwynn KickStart!!

To further spur on the Community Support of our transformative project, a generous donor has committed to match every dollar donated between now and May 9 (Mother's Day),...»More

Woodwynn Announcement on CBC Radio

Tune in to CBC Radio Victoria (90.5FM)

Monday Feb8th @ 7:05am for an exciting announcement.

or on the web http://www.cbc.ca/ontheisland/

»More

Work Party Saturday, Jan 16, '01

Woodwynn getting to work in the New Year!

As we look back at 2009, we are very grateful for an amazing seven months at Woodwynn Farms!

Our next Work Party -- Saturday, January 16, 2010 -- 09:30-3:00

We're at...»More