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Mayor Kretschmann visits parent-child groups in Riedstadt
Two drop-in (inclusive) groups in Crumstadt are a well-received service for parents with infants and children up to three years old. During a visit to one of the groups, Mayor Marcus Kretschmann learned more about the program and reaffirmed the support of the city of Riedstadt.
In the rooms of the Crumstadt State Church Community, mothers and fathers meet with their children on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 to 11 a.m. for playing, breakfast, and conversation. The groups are coordinated by Heike Schuhknecht, with support from Mario Quast and Katharina Janzen.
Open and free service for parents
"Drop In(clusive)" is an initiative of the Karl Kübel Foundation and is aimed at parents with children aged zero to three throughout Hesse. Its goal is to foster social connections, facilitate exchange, and promote mutual support. In Riedstadt, the location at Mittelstraße 13 is offered with the support of the city.
According to the coordinator, an average of 11 to 20 families participated per opening session last year. The families come predominantly from Riedstadt, but also from surrounding municipalities such as Stockstadt, Biebesheim, Eschollbrücken, Pfungstadt, and Griesheim. There is a great deal of linguistic diversity: in addition to German, languages spoken include Russian, Polish, Ukrainian, Italian, Romanian, Hungarian, Kurdish, and English.
Festivals and events strengthen community spirit
Highlights of the past year included a lantern festival and a Christmas photo shoot, which was co-organized by the participating families. Qualification meetings and online training courses with the Karl Kübel Foundation were also part of the program for the group leaders.
Mayor Marcus Kretschmann praised the commitment of those responsible and emphasized the importance of such easily accessible services for young families. He said the groups are an important point of contact, enabling interaction and support in everyday life.
(RIEDSTADT – RED/PSR)
Featured image: Meeting at the ball pit: Mayor Marcus Kretschmann with group leaders Katharina Janzen, Heike Schuhknecht and Mario Quast (back row, from right) as well as mothers and children of the drop-in group. Photo: City of Riedstadt
