ESTON, Sask. — A unique faith-based rehabilitation centre in west-central Saskatchewan is offering men struggling with addiction a chance to rebuild their lives—one class, one chore and one cinnamon bun at a time.
Village of Hope Eston is a 10-month residential program for men seeking recovery from drug or alcohol addiction. Located in the former Eston College campus, the facility now houses dormitories, classrooms, and a fully operational bakery that serves both as a life skills training ground and a popular spot for fresh-baked treats.
“We dive into the root issues of addiction,” said Jesse Wiberg, who helps with promotions and marketing for the non-profit. “Men are given the tools to overcome their struggles, alongside daily work tasks that rebuild their work ethic and confidence—whether it’s yardwork, kitchen duties, or baking fresh bread.”
Wiberg, whose own son graduated from the program, says the need is growing. While the facility can house up to 28 men, only 10 are currently enrolled. The program is donor-funded and supplemented by donations from local companies that employ the men for off-site work.
The Village of Hope concept was first established in Estonia before expanding to New Brunswick, with the Eston location opening after the former college donated the campus to support the growing demand for addiction recovery in Western Canada.
“We’ve seen firsthand how transformational it can be,” said Wiberg. “Now, we just need more people to know it’s here.”
More information and application details can be found at villageofhopeeston.ca. The public is also welcome to stop by the bakery, which opens daily after morning classes at 10 a.m. — offering cinnamon buns, fresh bread, cheese sticks, and a slice of hope.