"Welcome" – Residential group in Alsheim opens its doors

The residential group had previously been housed in Dahlheim for ten years. However, the property no longer met the requirements. "About three years ago, we started looking for a suitable alternative nearby and found what we were looking for in Alsheim," reports regional manager Patrick Schulze. The new house offers significantly more space, is more modern in design, and has a large garden. After fulfilling all legal requirements, such as fire safety, the renovation was completed within around nine months. At the beginning of May, the residential group finally moved in – "with all their belongings."

A house with many possibilities

One major advantage is that Dahlheim and Alsheim are relatively close to each other, so the children and young people were able to continue attending their schools. Today, seven children and young people aged between seven and 17 live in the residential group, all of whom are unable to live with their families of origin for various reasons. They are supported by a ten-strong multi-professional team of educators, social pedagogues, social assistants, and a housekeeper.

Carmen Schäfer presented the care services during tours of the house. The good transport connections have a particularly positive effect: they make everyday life easier and promote social contacts. With a balcony, terrace, garden, and outbuilding, the house offers many possibilities for creativity – from vegetable patches to a planned creative room. In the basement, table soccer, darts, and a punching bag invite residents to exercise and play.

Social contacts for good coexistence

A special highlight is the independent living apartment with a separate entrance. A 17-year-old girl currently lives there and has furnished her small apartment to make it really cozy. "Here I have space for crafts, my books, and peace and quiet for reading," she says. There is also space for her outdoor equipment. With a good secondary school diploma in her pocket, she is aiming to train as a plant mechanic for sanitary and air conditioning technology and is now also involved with the volunteer fire department in Alsheim.

Social integration is particularly important to the team. "We don't want to be outsiders here," emphasizes Carmen Schäfer, who has been with EVIM for 30 years. Team leader Kornelius Gehrhardt was delighted with the high level of interest – even the local mayor was among the guests and was convinced that the offer was a "good thing" for the community. A neighbor also came with her daughter "to get to know the new faces personally," as the mother said with a smile. It was also interesting for her daughter from an academic perspective, as she is studying education. Both are very grateful for the new neighborhood. 

Intensive professional exchange

Representatives from the youth welfare office also took a lot of time for the exchange. Department head Frederike Fleischer and her deputy Daniel Bopp praised the viable concept. In particular, the parents' room, where parents can temporarily live in the house, for example to prepare for a return, is a unique feature in the district. Fleischer also praised the trusting cooperation and open discussions with all EVIM specialists.

A summer party is already planned

With the residential group in Alsheim, EVIM Youth Welfare is represented in the Alzey-Worms district for the first time. "We are very pleased with the successful start of our new regional focus on child and youth welfare," said Patrick Schulze at the end of the day, announcing that the team was planning a big summer party to which everyone is cordially invited. (hk, photos: evim)