Commitment, experience and empathy
70 years of charity in action – celebration and farewell to long-standing board members at the annual SkF after-work party
Schweinfurt. A special anniversary and the farewell of two long-standing, highly deserving and popular board members provided the backdrop for an extraordinary edition of the annual after-work party of the Sozialdienst katholischer Frauen e.V. (SkF) Schweinfurt at the KuK.
SkF e.V. Schweinfurt has been in existence for 70 years, an anniversary that was celebrated by representatives of the association, the church, social services and politics at a ceremony in the KuK. "We can look back on 70 years of living charity, of tireless commitment to the weakest members of society. We stand together in a Christian spirit that motivates us again and again to continue our work," emphasised the newly elected chairwoman of the Schweinfurt SkF, Klara Weigand, as she welcomed the many guests.
70 years in the service of charity
She looked back on the impressive development of the association, which since its foundation in 1954 has been dedicated to helping children, young people, women and their families in special circumstances. "70 years of SkF – that is a development that is truly impressive. Since its foundation as a welfare association, its activities have ranged from visiting mentally ill people in Werneck, to pregnancy counselling, including the K.A.T.ZE children's equipment centre and lunchtime supervision in two primary schools, to support from the care association. In March 2022, we opened the Ledward Children's Home to care for Ukrainian children. And with the renovation and redesign of the Bischof-Stangl-Haus on Friedrich-Stein-Straße this spring, SkF is now highly visible in Schweinfurt."
We are delighted that the SkF integration project "Lebenswirklichkeit in Bayern" (Real Life in Bavaria) with the Migrant Women's Meeting has been so well received and, as a sign of recognition, has been awarded third prize by the government of Lower Franconia, worth €1,000.
Klara Weigand also took the opportunity to express her heartfelt thanks to all sponsors and supporters, as well as to her colleagues (both volunteers and full-time staff), who care for those in need with great dedication, experience and empathy. "Let us look to the future together – so that SkF remains a strong foundation of help and hope!"
Faith, love, hope
In his welcoming speech, Bishop Dr Franz Jung praised the 70 years of work carried out by SkF e.V. in various areas of charitable work and, in particular, the outstanding voluntary work of Elisabeth Maskos and Inge Weigand, who were being honoured on their retirement. "Faith, love, hope – these are the three divine virtues that also inspire the work of the Catholic Women's Social Service in Schweinfurt. Charitable work for people in special circumstances can sometimes be hard work. I would like to thank everyone for their decades of service, but especially the two ladies who have rendered outstanding service to the SkF here in Schweinfurt: Elisabeth Maskos and Inge Weigand!"
The chairwoman of the SkF regional association in Bavaria, Astrid Paudtke, spoke about the long-standing work of the Schweinfurt local association and its important role in helping women, families and their children in Schweinfurt. She particularly highlighted the commitment and assertiveness of Elisabeth Maskos as her predecessor in the SkF regional association, but also praised the tireless efforts of Inge Weigand. "You are wonderful, genuine SkF women and represent the values of solidarity and loyalty. I am grateful for my long and close friendship with both of you!"
Thanks and appreciation
The two distinguished association board members were officially bid farewell. Elisabeth Maskos, who retired after 20 years as chairwoman of SkF Schweinfurt, was honoured by Mayor Sebastian Remelé for her many years of voluntary service. Under her leadership, SkF e. V. Schweinfurt continuously expanded its services, such as pregnancy counselling, the care association, work with migrant women and school support, as well as other social projects, and became an indispensable point of contact for women, children and families in difficult life situations. Maskos also served as chairwoman of the SkF regional association for twelve years, extending her influence far beyond the borders of Schweinfurt.
Inge Weigand, who as deputy honorary chairwoman has also contributed significantly to the development of the association for over 20 years, was honoured by the chairman of Caritas Schweinfurt, Kilian Hartmann, with a laudatory speech for her extraordinary commitment. She is described as a "volunteer gem" who has initiated countless campaigns and worked tirelessly, receiving the European Medal, the Caritas Cross of Honour and the Federal Cross of Merit for her unbroken commitment. "You were and are one of the pillars of SkF e.V."
Canon Clemens Bieber from the Diocesan Caritas Association wholeheartedly echoed these warm words, thanking both ladies for their many years of service. "We are glad to have the SkF and women who work with joy and passion and care for those who need help. The SkF Schweinfurt is a shining example of passion and charity."
Another emotional highlight was the expression of gratitude from all the employees. Accompanied by music and singing, they reviewed the work of the two women in a series of pictures, demonstrating their special bond.
The two departing members concluded by thanking their colleagues for their support and many words of praise in very personal remarks.
Johanna Glos, who is doing her federal voluntary service at SkF, and Maria Vollmer provided the musical accompaniment.
