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The St. Josef Stift Wachtendonk is a Catholic youth welfare institution in independent sponsorship with a long tradition and roots in the historical center of the Lower Rhine town of Wachtendonk[2]. Since 1901, the house has offered children, adolescents and young adults who have to master special life circumstances a comprehensive, individual range of support - originally founded as an orphanage, the foundation has continuously developed and adapted its range of services to the needs of today[2].
The St. Josef Stift Wachtendonk focuses on inpatient and semi-inpatient assistance for education according to the Social Code (SGB VIII). The facility has three regular groups with 27 places in the main building, which cater to different age groups. Since 2015, there has been a clearing group with 9 places specifically for unaccompanied minor refugees. The foundation is also active outside of the Wachtendonk location: In Geldern, it offers an independent living group for 7 adolescents and young adults as well as a shared apartment for 5 male young adults[2].
The care services are diverse and include crisis intervention, clearing, taking into care, outpatient, semi-inpatient and inpatient educational assistance as well as assistance for young adults. The aim is to offer young people in difficult life situations orientation, security and support so that they can shape their future independently[2].
The work of the St. Josef Stift is based on a clear Christian foundation of values that places the dignity of every human being at the center[2]. The institution sees itself as a place of security where children, adolescents and young adults are accompanied respectfully, appreciatively and with an individual perspective. The mission is to help young people and their families - regardless of origin, religion or social background - in difficult life situations, to develop new perspectives and to strengthen skills so that they can cope with their life reality in a self-determined manner[2].
The team works closely with the children, adolescents, young adults and their families to find individually suitable, resource-oriented solutions. The attitude of the institution is characterized by empathy, care, respect for the family of origin and the conviction that every person has the right to a second chance and personal development.
The St. Josef Stift Wachtendonk focuses on the sustainable development of pedagogical work by constantly adapting and developing its services to meet changing social challenges. For example, the range of services was deliberately supplemented by special groups for refugees and young adults in contrast to classic child and youth welfare[2].
Sustainability is also reflected in the fact that the foundation attaches importance to imparting everyday skills, promoting independence and integration. Young people are specifically prepared for a self-determined life - this includes school support, career guidance and the development of social skills. The institution works closely with external partners such as schools, training companies, authorities and other support services to ensure comprehensive and holistic care.
For the St. Josef Stift Wachtendonk, sustainability also means building long-term, sustainable relationships with those in care, avoiding breaks in their lives and carefully supporting transitions such as entering adulthood or returning to the family of origin.
The main building has been located in a historical location in the center of Wachtendonk since its foundation in 1901[2]. The traditional building reflects the institution's anchoring in the city's history, but at the same time always keeps an eye on the development potential and needs of its residents. The institution is a member of the Catholic Youth and Housing Assistance and is therefore part of a larger network of social services with a clear Christian guiding principle.
The St. Josef Stift Wachtendonk sees itself as a reliable partner for municipalities, youth welfare offices, schools and training centers. It strives to constantly develop its services and to react flexibly to current social developments - such as flight, migration, digitalization and new family structures.
The St. Josef Stift Wachtendonk is an experienced youth welfare institution with over 120 years of history and firmly rooted in the region[2]. The focus is on people who receive help, security and new perspectives in difficult life situations. The work is based on Christian values, a holistic, individual approach and a clear commitment to the sustainable development of young people. The foundation is innovative, reliable and committed - a valued partner for young people, families and society as a whole.
