Charity Organization in Mönchengladbach is reviewing the events of the year 2024.
In the heart of Mönchengladbach, Caritas continues to serve as a beacon of hope for those in need, with a motto that resonates far and wide: "Anyone can come here." This ethos has been the driving force behind the organisation's efforts to support children, families, and the vulnerable in their community.
However, the road to delivering these services is not without its challenges. Managing Director Frank Polixa has highlighted the increasing difficulty in adequately financing social work, a struggle shared by many organisations in the sector.
Caritas Mönchengladbach employs 842 dedicated individuals across three locations: Mönchengladbach, Jüchen, and Korschenbroich. Despite the financial hurdles, the organisation remains committed to offering good wages and additional benefits, including a mandatory additional pension provision.
The focus of Caritas' work is on children and families, with around 300 children up to the age of seven being supported in 2023. These children often face behavioural problems, developmental delays, or disabilities, and Caritas provides essential support to help them overcome these challenges.
The organisation's commitment to sustainability is growing, with initiatives such as the installation of green roofs on three of their buildings, including the studio in Paul-Moorschule. This studio serves as a meeting place for workshops and art projects, fostering creativity and community engagement.
Notably, Caritas employees have not shied away from voicing their concerns about proposed cuts by the state government in the social sector. They have participated in demonstrations in Düsseldorf and their home town of Mönchengladbach, advocating for the preservation of essential services.
In the face of these challenges, Caritas Mönchengladbach has received generous support from various sources. Over 100,000 euros in donations have been received, including funds from the PS-purpose profit of the Sparkasse, a collection action by Mönchengladbach entrepreneur Reiner Brenner, and the Magda Hertz-Dyrks Foundation.
The organisation's hard work and dedication have not gone unnoticed. Dr. Christof Wellens, chairman of Caritas Mönchengladbach, proudly states that they are an attractive employer. In 2024, the inclusive kindergarten in Urftstraße received certification as a family center, and the Caritas day care center in Venn celebrated its tenth anniversary, testament to the organisation's enduring impact.
However, there are still some who are unaware of the services offered by Caritas. For instance, the soup kitchen for the homeless, which has been operating for four years, remains relatively unknown to many residents in the neighbourhood.
As Caritas Mönchengladbach continues to navigate the challenges of financing social work and raising awareness, their commitment to their mission remains unwavering. They stand as a testament to the power of community and the importance of compassionate service in times of need.
- Despite the financial challenges faced by Caritas Mönchengladbach, the organisation continues to deliver news in the sector of health-and-wellness, particularly for children and families, offering essential support for those facing behavioural problems, developmental delays, and disabilities.
- In the spirit of sustainability, Caritas Mönchengladbach has implemented science-backed initiatives, such as the installation of green roofs, fostering creativity and community engagement, while also advocating for funding in the social sector to ensure the continuation of these critical services.
