35 years of ASB in Brandenburg: A celebration of togetherness and humanity!

35 years of ASB in Brandenburg: A celebration of togetherness and humanity!

On June 28, 2025, the auditorium of the Brandenburg University of Technology was festively decorated because the ASB local association Brandenburg an der Havel e.V. celebrated its impressive 35th anniversary. Mayor Steffen Scheller did not miss the opportunity to congratulate the local association and praised the courage and unshakable community spirit of the committed members. A great gesture that underlines the togetherness and cooperation in the city. Social welfare officer Alexandra Adel agreed with the praise and described the ASB as a reliable partner who has a good hand in many situations, especially in social support.

In her speech, ASB managing director Karina Knoppe looked back on the founding of the local association, which was brought into being on March 24, 1990 by just seven people. Today the ASB has a broad base with six locations in Brandenburg an der Havel and Potsdam-Mittelmark. The members make around 200 trips a day with a fleet of 11 special vehicles to bring patients safely to medical appointments and support them with social activities.

Together under one roof

“We offer a wide range of services for the community,” emphasizes the ASB local association on the website. This includes not only comprehensive home nursing care, but also valuable places in daycare centers and geriatric care facilities. In the facilities, qualified educators and care teams ensure an all-round positive living environment that values ​​the dignity and respect of the people entrusted to them. Everything is done here to offer seniors and people with disabilities a high standard of living.

In 2016, the “Wünschewagen” project was added, a moving offer that helps terminally ill people fulfill their last wishes. During the ceremony, the management of the individual ASB facilities reported on their emotional experiences and everyday life, which is often peppered with touching moments.

The history of the ASB

The Arbeiter-Samariter-Bund (ASB) has an eventful history that goes back to 1946. ASB.de describes how the association was newly founded in West Germany under the Western Allies and quickly grew in importance. In the 1950s, more than 100 ASB columns operated in West Germany. The ASB took on new tasks in nursing and continued training. In the 1980s, child and youth welfare services were expanded and the first home emergency call systems were introduced.

With the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989 and the founding of the first ASB local association in Güstrow on January 27, 1990, the ASB showed its flexibility and commitment to creating new support structures. Today's celebration in Brandenburg reflects the long tradition and tireless commitment of the ASB, which continues to have an impact across generations to this day. The festival ended ceremoniously with an inclusive poem read by residents of an ASB facility - a complete success that wonderfully expressed the community spirit and solidarity.