Caritas in Chemnitz: Open doors for a solidarity-based society!

Caritas in Chemnitz: Open doors for a solidarity-based society!

On October 29, 2025, the President of Caritas, Eva Maria Welskop-Deffaa, visited the “Café international” in Chemnitz. Around 50 people took part in the event for the German Caritas annual campaign, including representatives of the local youth and social welfare office as well as committed Caritas employees. The children from the “Tree of Life” kindergarten welcomed the guests with cheerful music and a warm welcome.

In her speech, Welskop-Deffaa praised the important work of Caritas in the new federal states, especially in Chemnitz, where the Caritas association now has over 190 employees. The organization has experienced rapid growth since reunification and is rising to the challenges of the times to support people in need. “Caritas opens the doors” is the motto of the 2025 annual campaign, which draws attention to the need for Caritas offers in times of crisis. This campaign is considered one of the most successful in years and also served as a platform for dialogue on social issues.

An open ear for everyone

Caritas relies on inclusion and openness: The campaign is visible both in front of Caritas facilities and in public spaces to make it clear that help and support is provided regardless of origin, religion or individual situation. Welskop-Deffaa emphasized that Caritas' doors are wide open for people in life crises, in need of care, experiencing addiction or transitioning from school to work. Those affected by poverty, war or natural disasters should not be forgotten either.

In her remarks, Welskop-Deffaa called for the welfare state to act proactively to include all generations. This was also supported by the participants, who were able to award “points” for Caritas theses on the welfare state on an interactive platform. Maytham Jabar, head of “Café international”, brought into play the desire for respect for all people, regardless of their origins - a central idea that plays a major role in Caritas' work.

A good thing for society

Caritas strives for a society based on solidarity in which responsibility for care is distributed fairly. Welskop-Deffaa also motivated Caritas employees not to be discouraged despite the difficult financial conditions and the challenge of financing advisory services. “We have a good grasp of people’s needs,” she encouraged her colleagues.

The event program was particularly enriched by gifts from the European Capital of Culture, in whose program Caritas was involved. These cultural impulses are intended to strengthen social bonds and promote exchange.

For Caritas, the main aim is to promote dialogue on social issues and to create a fair, solidarity-based society. The initiative also shows how important it is to listen to people's concerns in difficult times. On the path to this vision, Caritas and its partners are determined to continue opening doors for everyone who seeks help and support.

If you would like to find out more about the annual campaign, you can find further information and materials on the official website of Caritas Chemnitz or on the platform of Bistum Dresden-Meißen. Global perspectives and Caritas initiatives can also be explored at Caritas US.