Urban Forest 72: A Place Spurring Fresh Opportunities Through Labor
Going Behind the Scenes of an Exceptional Safe Haven
Find yourself at Auwaldsee 72, nestled amidst nature in Ingolstadt – a unique haven that transcends the ordinary: Auwald 72. Here, approximately 80 individuals with psychological impairments work in a nurturing environment that offers structure, recognition, and a gradual transition back into everyday life.
We were given a tour by Social Pedagogue Lena Baumgartner, who walked us through the facility with an unwavering sense of purpose. The air is filled with respect and mutual appreciation; 'Sie' (formal you) is the norm here.
One remarkable aspect is the Media Forge, established in September 2024. This creative hub churns out an array of personalized goods – mugs, textiles, and other items – through modern transfer printing and a whole lot of imagination. Frau Humbold oversees this part of the operation, and she showcased the transformation of creative ideas into physical products with awe-inspiring flair.
Auwald 72 isn't limited to seasonal greeting cards and Duplo boxes, either. You'll find lovingly crafted decorations for babies and heartfelt gift boxes at their in-house Hand-in-Hand store, located at Theresienstraße 27 in Ingolstadt. You can pick up various handmade items here, making them perfect for gifts or thoughtful tokens of appreciation.
The on-site kitchen serves meals daily, contributing to a structured routine.
Our tour concluded in the Industrial Assembly area, where components for the automotive industry are produced. Here, items such as shock absorbers are assembled, highlighting the facility's diversity of opportunities.
One thing that remains consistent: Auwald 72 is not a dead end. Although it functions as a rehabilitation measure, reintegration into society and the workforce is the primary focus. The work here provides support, self-confidence, and sometimes even offers a fresh perspective on potential careers.
For further details, you can check out the Lebenshilfe Ingolstadt website: https://www.lebenshilfe-ingolstadt.de/arbeit-und-bildung/werkstaetten/werkstaette-haus-d-fuer-menschen-mit-einer-psychischen-behinderung.html
As facilities like Auwald 72 often emphasize therapeutic activities and artistic workshops, it's likely that the Media Forge at this location produces a variety of media-related goods and merchandise for sale, ranging from custom-designed mugs to other creative products. Additionally, the Hand-in-Hand Store might offer a range of handcrafted items crafted by individuals with psychological impairments.
Science plays a significant role in the work-wellness and health-and-wellness of the individuals at Auwald 72, as creative therapies and workshops like the Media Forge apply principles of mental-health to stimulate imagination and empower self-expression. Hand-in-Hand store offers a variety of handcrafted items as part of their health-and-wellness mission, providing a sense of purpose and opportunity for reintegration into the workforce.
