The social program for older people will continue under new management from July
The senior citizens' meeting place in Eberstadt will have a new operator as of July 1, 2026. The Caritas Association Darmstadt e.V. will take over the program. This ensures that the meeting place remains an important gathering point for older people in the district.
“The meeting place will thus remain an important meeting point for older people in the district and will be continued by an experienced social service provider,” explains Mayor and Social Affairs Officer Barbara Akdeniz.
Voluntary commitment for more than ten years
For over a decade, the meeting was organized on a voluntary basis by Hildegard Wreschniok, Ursula Hassenzahl, and Marianne Handschuh. Every Monday, senior citizens gathered for coffee, cake, and conversation. The program was complemented by excursions, joint activities, celebrations, as well as informational events and expert lectures.
“For many people, the meeting place has been much more than just a regular meeting place for years. Friendships, new contacts and a vibrant community life in the neighborhood develop here,” said Akdeniz.
At the end of June, the three long-serving volunteers will retire. Their dedication will be recognized at a small farewell celebration.
Thank you for your many years of service
“Highly dedicated, empathetic, and proactive – that’s how I experienced the work of Ms. Wreschniok, Ms. Hassenzahl, and Ms. Handschuh,” explains Akdeniz. “We are very grateful that they have supported the meeting place with so much passion and personal commitment for many years. Their dedication has significantly contributed to making many older people in Eberstadt feel welcome and well cared for.”
Caritas will further develop its services
The Caritas Association of Darmstadt, an organization already well-established in the Eberstadt-Süd district through its community outreach work and the Caritas Center, is taking over this responsibility. The City of Darmstadt will continue to provide financial support for the program.
“We are very pleased to take over the sponsorship of the Eberstadt senior citizens' meeting place and to continue this valuable service together with the visitors,” says Katrin Jäger from the Caritas Association Darmstadt eV. “The meeting place has been an important place for encounters, exchange and community for many years.”
The new management aims to further expand the services offered and reach additional target groups. In particular, they hope to attract newly retired people and older residents from Eberstadt and the surrounding districts to the meeting place.
Open offer for all interested parties
“Everyone is warmly invited to come along, make contacts and contribute their own ideas,” Akdeniz emphasizes. “The meeting place for senior citizens should continue to be an open place for encounters, exchange and participation.”
The senior citizens' meeting continues to take place on Mondays in the café "(N)Immersatt" at Weidigweg 2 on Adenauerplatz.
(DARMSTADT – RED/PSD/stip)
