News

Voluntary social year at Franz-Wolters-Haus

Get to know work with people with disabilities and gain social experience

Neuenkirchen/Rheine. cpr. Linus Merlender has been completing a voluntary social year (FSJ) at the Franz Wolters House in Neuenkirchen since last summer. The residential house belongs to the Jacob Meyersohn residential association of Caritas Rheine and offers support and living space to people with cognitive impairments. Linus takes great pleasure in accompanying the residents of the house in all areas of life and provides them with help and advice. For example, he organizes leisure activities, goes on excursions, assists with meals or household chores. “I also enjoy doing the nursing tasks,” Linus explains. “They allow me to have another, even more personal interaction with the residents.”

The tasks that volunteers take on are agreed upon individually. “Especially when it comes to care, there are fears of contact,” Anna Ricker, house manager at Franz-Wolters-Haus, knows to report. For this reason, volunteers are accompanied very closely and receive a differentiated induction. At the same time, the volunteers also receive support from the Diocese of Münster or the German Red Cross. As organizers of the voluntary social year, both agencies help the volunteers with questions or visit them on site. Educational seminars are also held, offering the opportunity to exchange professional and personal experiences.

Linus Merlender especially appreciates the personal contact with the eight residents. “Here you are accepted as you are. No one expects anything specific about how you have to be. If you’re a little open yourself, then you’re also welcomed with open arms. That’s always really nice.” There is also plenty of humor in the residential group. “Many here are very humorous and there is a lot to laugh about. That gives such a lightness to everyday life that afterwards – even if it was a strenuous shift – you always go home somehow satisfied and in a good mood,” Linus reports. For his work at Franz Wolter House, he receives a monthly allowance of 488 euros. He is covered by social insurance, receives meals and travel expenses, and can take part in internal educational events. And he also benefits from the certificate at the end of the voluntary year. “It became clear to me pretty quickly that I would like to do something in the social or nursing field permanently. I’m currently looking into corresponding training opportunities. In addition, I would like to stay here as a supplementary employee after my FSJ,” Linus is certain. “And that is, after all, part of the intention of a voluntary year,” Anna Ricker is pleased to say. “To orient oneself, to classify and develop one’s own strengths, weaknesses and interests and, in the best case, to determine where the journey will take us in the future – both for our professional and personal paths.”

Interested in a voluntary social year or in a federal voluntary service can announce themselves with the deputy housing group management, Ute Schroot under the telephone number 05971 9144672 or by E-Mail under . In addition to information about the voluntary year, a visit can also be arranged to make the decision easier.