Rolf Gätsch founds AWO in Meißen: A heart for seniors is needed!

Rolf Gätsch founds AWO in Meißen: A heart for seniors is needed!

There is growing joy in Meißen about an institution that has become of great importance to the community over the last 35 years. The local association of workers' welfare (Awo) has established itself as a central contact point for older people. Rolf Gätsch, who founded Awo many years ago, was motivated to found a branch in 1990 by inspiration during a visit to Fellbach, Meißen's twin town. The support of 1,000 D-Marks that he received from the Fellbacher Awo was the starting signal for an association that began with food trips and quickly developed into a senior citizens' association that today takes care of the needs of older people, such as Sächsische reports.

“The demographic change is reflected in our work,” explains Solveig Arnold from the Meißner Family Office. More and more seniors are spending a lot of time alone, which is why Awo is offering more support. Last Thursday, Mayor Markus Renner presented funding amounting to 1,500 euros, which will be used for room rentals and to cap participation fees in various offers such as bowling evenings and yoga courses. These offers are not only open to the 240 members of Awo, but also to all other interested parties.

Joint activities for seniors

Loneliness is a serious issue among older people. Especially those whose partners have died are increasingly seeking the company of others. “Seniors who live alone are often afraid of going out alone,” Arnold continues. This year, day trips to the Czech Republic and spring hikes around Lommatzsch have already been organized, and a special highlight is still to come: a trip to Wörlitzer Park in Saxony-Anhalt in July. These joint ventures not only strengthen the community, but also promote social cohesion within society.

Last but not least, the Awo in Meißen is celebrating an important anniversary on July 19th: 35 years of welfare work. The celebration takes place in the Bohnitzsch allotment garden, where a cozy afternoon with coffee, cake and entertainment awaits the guests. The partners from Fellbach are also invited to celebrate this special milestone together.

The role of workers' welfare in society

The Awo is part of the broad landscape of social welfare associations in Germany, which operate over 105,000 institutions and employ around 1.7 million full-time and up to 3 million voluntary employees, as the Federal Agency for Civic Education emphasizes. These organizations are not for profit and are committed to the well-being of people in our society. In view of demographic developments and the associated challenges, welfare associations are becoming increasingly important because more and more people need social services.

The Awo in Meißen is therefore more than just a club; it is an important part of the social fabric. With a celebratory anniversary and creative offerings, it shows how civic engagement enriches the quality of life of many people.