Where it all began is where everything comes together today

“This celebration shows what EVIM is all about: people of different ages and with very different life stories come together, meet one another, and build a sense of community,” said EVIM Chairman Matthias Loyal.

With a twinkle in his eye, he referred to it as “Mini-EVIM on the hill.” While he himself had come “from the valley” with his fellow board members, the location above the Tennelbach Valley now brings together the full range of EVIM’s services. Tanja Salder, facility director at the Ludwig-Eibach-Haus, was the central point of coordination for many organizational tasks. Together with the team from all departments, they managed—despite sweltering temperatures—to put together a celebration where guests were well taken care of and felt completely at ease. 

Discovering Diversity

Information booths and a great hands-on activity offered insights into the work of the various departments. An employee from the education department said, “I’ve only been at the daycare center for children of business travelers for a month and had no idea that there are even three residential groups for teenagers here. It’s great that I can experience this through the festival.” A resident from the assisted living facility summed it up even more succinctly: “Finally, you get to find out what’s really going on here.”

Many parts come together to form a whole

One of the highlights of the festival was the creative activity led by Zoe Kunz from Youth Services. Surrounding the EVIM hands, guests decorated small wooden squares in the colors of the four service areas. From the many individual pieces, a shared work of art emerged—a symbol of the sense of community at the site. The artwork will tour the facilities in the future, serving as a reminder of the first festive “GemeinsamEins” afternoon.

“Many people live or work here right next door to one another. The celebration creates an opportunity to meet and learn about one another,” said Peter Kiel, facility director for senior care.

Music, Engagement, and Good Conversations

Despite the midsummer temperatures, the shaded garden park filled up quickly. Rick Cheyenne from the Rheingau provided the musical entertainment, appealing to people of all generations with his music.

The young people in the youth welfare program played a major role in the festival’s success. The food they prepared was very popular. Seventeen-year-old Sahyd, along with other young people, served the Afghan national dish Qabuli Palaw—lamb with rice and traditional spices. He decided to keep the exact recipe a secret, though, as he said with a wink. And, working as a team at the grill, the young people went all out to ensure the guests were well fed.

Mansoor also demonstrated that intergenerational connections have long been a part of life at the facility. The ninth-grader had already completed an internship at the Ludwig-Eibach-Haus, accompanying residents on walks and assisting them with meals. He hopes to become a paramedic in the future.

Rick Cheyenne expressly praised the young people’s dedication: “It’s impressive to see how many young people are helping out and getting involved today.”

A Successful Kickoff with Promise

Amid music, conversations, and many encounters, it became clear just how much potential a community festival holds. “We also have to think about the people who put all of this together,” said a visitor from ServiceWohnen. “We want to honor them and join the celebration.”

The positive response is encouraging for the future. In the future, the festival could also be opened up to the neighborhood.

The first step has been taken—and it shows how much can be achieved when people live, work, and celebrate together rather than just side by side. (hk)