AWO local association looks with concern at social imbalances in Penzberg

Created: 12/07/2022 11:46 am

By: Sandra Gerbich

Meeting in the Bürgerbahnhof: AWO local chairwoman Ute Frohwein-Sendl (at the lectern) pointed out the increasing number of people in need and people looking for accommodation.

© Sandra Gerbich

Penzberg – At its annual general meeting, the Penzberger Arbeiterwohlfahrt (AWO) put its fingers in several wounds.

The social association is particularly concerned with the subject of housing.

The Bürgerbahnhof in Penzberg is increasingly used for events by clubs and organizations in Penzberg.

Also to the AWO local association, "That's how it was intended," explained the municipal volunteer sponsor Thomas Kapfer-Arrington with a view to the facility that opened at the city festival this year.

He is glad that the facility is so well received.

"Many conflicts take place in the family environment," says Kapfer-Arrington. It is not uncommon for various clubs in Penzberg to pick them up - and these organizations would have needed a meeting point like this much earlier, says the club manager.

242 members

"The AWO has been committed to socially disadvantaged people for over 100 years," emphasized Mayor Stefan Korpan (CSU).

Whether senior centers, day care centers, the food bank, families in need or the Ukraine refugees: without the support of the AWO nothing would work there.

Like other clubs, however, the AWO would also have difficulties filling board positions and finding helpers, explained local chairwoman Ute Frohwein-Sendl.

The local association is quite stable with 242 members (234 in 2021).

But the average age is quite high at 72.1 years.

According to Frohwein-Sendl, the annual general meeting usually gives an opportunity to report in detail on past events.

Due to Corona, however, neither a Martin parade nor an Advent celebration could take place in 2021.

Martin's pretzels for the children on the town square and an advent calendar would at least have prevented the total failure.

The AWO calendar costs 10 euros, the money goes to needy families.

©Andreas Baar

AWO calendar and donations:

From now on, doors will be opened again in the pre-Christmas period: the Penzberger AWO has also published its advent calendar "Tut gut" again this year (Rundschau reported).

Filled with Fairtrade chocolate, provided with information about the social offers of the local association - and all for a good cause.

The calendar is offered for 10 euros, the proceeds go to the work on site.

It is available from the following local shops: Kindermode Liab & Lässig, Trachtenstube Inge, Café Extra and Cosmetics & Beauty Uhl.

With the proceeds, the Arbeiterwohlfahrt supports needy Penzberg families.

Anyone who would like to support the work of the local association in general: Donations to the account DE 64 7035 1030 0000 3014 40, Sparkasse Oberland.

Need grows

Frohwein-Sendl is concerned about the increasing number of people in need and those looking for a home.

"The rows on the blackboard are getting longer and longer," says the AWO activist.

125 table guests are currently being catered for.

It looks even worse when it comes to housing: "Housing must not become a commodity." The AWO had developed an action plan under this motto.

Unfortunately, proposals such as citizen bonds or discounts on city properties, no time limit on social ties are at best gray theory.

"We can only deliver ideas," Frohwein-Sendl saw as her ability to act was limited.

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At least there are rays of hope, such as the successful operation of the AWO senior citizens' center or the learning project in which twelve volunteers looked after 14 children.

Another 14 interested parties are on the waiting list, according to the AWO chair.

Monika Beyer was also happy about a donation of 500 euros: Beyer looks after the AWO children's home on Birkenstrasse.

man for the board

The composition of the local board changed only slightly.

Assessor Edeltraud Dispan retired for health reasons.

She has been on the board for 27 years.

They are replaced by Tobias Szigeli, who was appointed in absentia.

"Finally a man in our female-dominated management team," said Chairwoman Frohwein-Sendl happily.

In addition, at not even 30 years old, he brings a breath of fresh air to the local association.