20 years of social therapy residential communities in Geretsried: In gratitude for the good cooperation, Managing Director Sabine Lorenz (left) presented Bavaria's Minister of Social Affairs Ulrike Scharf with flowers. © Michaela Schubert
Geretsried - To create a safe haven for people who do not have an easy time in society due to mental illness: That was Sabine Lorenze's intention 20 years ago when she founded the association Friends of the Mentally Handicapped.
Sabine Lorenz proudly looks back on the foundation 20 years ago on the anniversary of the association Friends of the Mentally Handicapped. Helping people, supporting and strengthening them in difficult life situations is what Lorenz lives for. She is the head of the social therapeutic residential community for people with mental illnesses on Geretsried's Blumenstraße.
The chairman of the association, Helgard von Hüllen, praised the team around Lorenz. "In the difficult Corona times, everyone circumnavigated all the pitfalls with unshakable optimism in good cooperation." The time was not easy, but they did a very good job.
Bavaria's Minister of Social Affairs, Ulrike Scharf, also took the opportunity to congratulate Lorenz personally
Bavaria's Minister of Social Affairs, Ulrike Scharf, did not miss the opportunity to congratulate Lorenz personally. "20 years ago, with a lot of enthusiasm and sustainable strength, you created something that is good for all of us," because it is important that people with disabilities are integrated into everyday life. Scharf thanked Lorenz for the successful inclusion work.
With the words: "To run such an institution requires courage and you have to be able to deal with setbacks," CSU member of the state parliament Martin Bachuber also paid respect to the association chairwoman in his laudatory speech. Inclusion is important for the community. Unfortunately, mentally ill people are still stigmatized by society. "Associations like the Geretsrieder make a great contribution to ensuring that mental illness is more accepted in society."
Bachhuber went on to report that the state parliament would also make its contribution. In the area of inclusion, he is working on solutions to better integrate people with disabilities into the labour market and to create more residential groups, such as Lorenz in Geretsried.
Shared apartment in Geretsried: 18 residents, three cats, nine chickens and a rooster
There are 18 residents and three cats living on a total of three floors. Fresh eggs are provided by nine chickens and a rooster that live in the adjacent garden. Externally, two residents are also looked after by the social pedagogues. The aim of the facility is to provide people with a safe environment.
In addition, therapeutic services ensure that the health status of the residents stabilizes again. In the community, they learn to rebuild their self-confidence and gradually participate in social life again.
Resident of the shared apartment in Geretsried reports on her experiences there
Away from the hustle and bustle, some residents joined in the celebrations. Not all of them are able to mingle with the guests. One resident wanted to tell something about herself: "I'm glad to have found a foothold here," said the 60-year-old. She suffers from depression and suicidal thoughts. A life alone would be unthinkable for them. The community with the residents and caregivers is a family support, without which she would not know what to do. She works twice a week at a day care center and services such as yoga help her a lot.
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Lorenz explained in her speech that sponsors had repeatedly reproached her that such an association would not be sustainable. This was not the case. "It's worth it. You don't get rich financially, but it's worth it especially in your heart," she concludes.