Part of the 2024 "Zeichen setzen" sponsorship award goes to residents and staff of the Albert Schweitzer House
Werneck, September 2025 – The lay helpers of the Catholic Women's Social Service Association in Schweinfurt were awarded the grand prize in the "Zeichen setzen" (Setting an Example) campaign organised by the Main-Post media group and the Volkersberg learning centre in 2024. There was great joy at this special recognition, and it quickly became clear that the lay helpers wanted to share this prize with "their" residents at the Albert Schweizer House in Werneck Castle. So they invited them and the staff to a joint bratwurst meal.
Originally planned as a garden party, the event had to be moved indoors at short notice due to some unpredictable weather. Nevertheless, there was a cheerful and convivial atmosphere at the Albert Schweitzer House. A live musician provided musical entertainment, while Anne Schwalbe, managing director of Sozialdienst katholischer Frauen e.V. (Catholic Women's Social Service), personally manned the barbecue. District President Stefan Funk also took part in the cosy get-together and was impressed by the decades of loyal commitment shown by the lay helpers.
"We enjoy coming here because we can see how much the residents look forward to seeing us. Some of them have no relatives who can visit them," explains Inge Weigand, spokesperson for the volunteer helpers. For over 45 years, the volunteer helpers have been regularly visiting mentally ill people in Werneck. With their commitment, they not only provide the residents with company and joy, but also bring colour and variety to their everyday lives.
The volunteers also wanted to use the celebration as an opportunity to say a big "thank you" for the many years of trusting cooperation with the nursing staff and employees, who give the residents a home with their dedicated and loving manner. Board member Elisabeth Weißpfennig emphasises: "We very much hope that we will continue to find enough volunteers for our visiting service in the future. Giving time to people who are often overlooked by society is important and a true expression of charity."
Anyone interested in participating in the 14-day visiting service at Werneck Castle is welcome to contact the office of Sozialdienst katholischer Frauen e.V. Schweinfurt (Catholic Women's Social Service Association): Telephone 09721 9414-100, info@skf-schweinfurt.de
