A Place for Togetherness: Where Inclusion Finds a Home

“A large, impressive building—whose true value, as is so often the case, lies within,” said Jörg Wiegand, EVIM’s Chief Financial Officer, in his welcoming remarks. Shortly before, the last residents had moved from the older buildings of the neighboring housing complex into the spacious new building overlooking the expansive grounds. Speaking on behalf of everyone involved in the construction, he thanked architect and construction manager Jochen Dreibholz for ensuring that the planning and execution were not only successful but also stayed within budget. Spanning 3,540 square meters, the new building combines a daycare center and a residential facility for 30 people with intellectual disabilities. What had been thought through down to the last detail on paper came to life on this day: an open, dynamic, and inviting place for people to come together.

Learning and Living Under One Roof

The daycare center on the ground floor and first floor offers space for up to 120 children in the nursery and elementary sections. It evolved from a temporary solution in containers and now features spaces that noticeably transform the children’s daily lives. For example, children in mixed-age groups eat lunch together, with the older children supporting the younger ones—a sense of togetherness that develops quite naturally. During the ceremony, the children sang a song, and their drawings of their ideal new building decorated a bulletin board. Daycare director Jeremias Köhler explained this with a wink: At the top of the wish list is “a slide that leads directly from the upper floor into the garden.” Such details show just how naturally the children have already embraced the building. In one room, teachers and parents worked together to decorate the walls of the quiet room with blue-and-white clouds—another sign of the lively sense of community that defines this place.

A new chapter is also beginning here for the 30 residents. Differently designed shared living spaces as well as individual apartments—which can be converted into two-person units as needed—enable a lifestyle tailored to personal needs. Some of them have been living in EVIM facilities for decades. One of the first residents summed up his joy simply: “I now have a shower, a toilet, and a room—I really like that.”

A resident who had moved in just the day before openly shared her first impressions: “It’s still a little unfamiliar—but we’ll figure it out.” Then she added: “Thank you for the new building!” A sentence that lingered long in the air.

Strong Together for Inclusion

The fact that this building could be constructed is the result of close collaboration. Mayor Klaus Schindling described the “friendly partnership” with EVIM as something special. Glancing at the sunny weather, he remarked with a smile: “When angels travel…”—and added that the light and sun on this day made visible “what we do together.” Above all, however, he emphasized: “Inclusion, prevention, and tolerance are brought to life here.”

The Hesse State Welfare Association also highlighted the joint development. Andree Michel and Jana Beucher described the journey as a process in which ideas could grow: “Something truly good has emerged here—people are always at the center.” Looking ahead, they expressed the wish: “May it now be filled with life and laughter.”

For the management of EVIM gGmbH, the building is a visible sign that different areas of work are coming together. Holger Thewalt and Carlos Müller placed the opening under the theme “Together as One.” Thewalt emphasized: “The new building enables an open, successful coexistence of growth and development.” For the residents, it means “a warm home”; for the staff, “a modern, meaningful workplace.” Carlos Müller drew attention to the project’s fundamental idea: bringing people with different needs together. “It takes time to build trust,” he said—yet at the same time, it is already evident that something is taking shape here. One educator put it aptly: “Finally, inclusion is being put into practice!”

Stories that fill the home with life

Just how closely life paths intertwine in this building was also illustrated by an anecdote humorously shared by facility director Nils Bayer: Years ago, a resident had said of another new EVIM residential building, “That’s where the rich people live now.” Today, that sentiment has come true—she now lives in a new apartment herself. A remark that brought a smile to everyone’s face while also highlighting just how much has changed.

The families’ perspective was also discussed. The representative of the parents’ council highlighted the new opportunities for the children and emphasized: “Children are the heart of our community.” The building is more than just a new construction—it is a place where children can grow up in an atmosphere of Christian love and security.

During the tour of the rooms, it finally became tangible how the vision for this building unfolds: in the living areas, in the daycare center, in the hallways. Everywhere there were conversations, curious glances, and first encounters—combined with amazement at the diverse possibilities of this special building. In the end, an impression remained that many guests shared. One guest summed it up: This building is “a real gem.”

Perhaps because it is more than just a building: a place where everyday life is shared and diversity is a given. And where it becomes clear how inclusion can succeed—step by step, through working together. (Text: hk, Photos: evim/v.watschounek)