The Ordenswerke des Deutschen Ordens are the social commitment of the Deutscher Orden in Germany and look back on a history of over 800 years, which goes back to the founding charisma "HELFEN UND HEILEN"[1][3]. Founded in 1190 before Akkon as a field hospital for sick pilgrims and wounded crusaders, the original mission is still formative today: to support people in need regardless of origin, age, disability, gender or religion[1][3]. The Ordenswerke are now one of the major social support organizations in Germany with around 3,000 employees at over 60 locations nationwide[1][3]. They are a corporation under public law based in Weyer near Munich[4].
The Ordenswerke offer a wide range of social, charitable and nursing services. Their central areas of service include:
The facilities include nursing homes, clinics, centers for addicts, facilities for the disabled, and child and youth welfare facilities[3]. The Ordenswerke are active both regionally and nationally and see themselves as a serious, solid partner in the social sector[2].
The mission of the Ordenswerke is clearly Christian: They are guided by the Gospel and the mission of charity, especially for people on the margins of society[1][3]. Their central guiding principle is the founding charisma "HELFEN UND HEILEN"[1][3].
Important values are:
The Ordenswerke pursue sustainable development on several levels:
The Ordenswerke are part of the Deutscher Orden, which is organized as a corporation under public law[4]. The management consists of a management board with clear responsibility for the various business areas such as finance, human resources, elderly and disabled care, addiction and child and youth welfare[5]. The strategic direction is supervised by a supervisory board, with the values and charisma of the Order at the center[5].
The Ordenswerke des Deutschen Ordens stand for a value-based, broadly based social organization that has been dedicated to the well-being of people in need for over 800 years[1][3]. They combine tradition and innovation, operate economically soundly and are consistently guided by the principles of Christian charity and social responsibility. The promotion of participation, quality and diversity makes them an important player in the German social and healthcare system.
