About Us
We are an organisation dedicated to supporting mothers and children in need, providing reliable assistance in difficult life situations. We are independent, interdenominational, and operate on a voluntary basis.
We offer quick and unbureaucratic help and support to mothers and children from Freiburg and the surrounding area.
We run a large clothing donation centre at Schwarzwaldstraße 14, from which we provide children's clothing and baby equipment, such as prams, free of charge to families – for babies and children up until school age.
We have an open ear for problematic life situations and offer support for self-help and guidance. Thanks to close contact with social workers, the needs of families can often be tailored individually. If necessary, we refer families to additional counselling centres from our network.
Our work is made possible through donations, memberships, in-kind donations from families. All our volunteer work is done with great commitment.
Many thanks to the many families who continuously donate their children's clothing and cots to us!
Organisation
We are a non-profit association that supports charitable purposes.
The board of directors, which works on a voluntary basis, consists of two persons elected at the general meeting:
Irene Christmann
Konstanze Hahndorf
In addition, we are supported by two honorary advisors:
Anne-Kathrin Paul
Dr. Beatrix Thomalla-Sauter
Currently, our volunteer team consists of 12 ladies and 2 gentlemen.
You can view our association's statutes here.
By your membership in the association, you support our voluntary work ideally, with your commitment and connections in Freiburg.
Voices of Our Former Mothers
What does the helper circle mean to young mothers?
In its over 40 years of existence, the helper circle has assisted more than 6,000 mothers and their children out of very difficult situations. Many of them write us long letters expressing their gratitude for the help they received.
Here are a few that we share:
I have so much to say that I don’t know where to start…
My name is Rosette, I am 27 years old, I came from Cameroon 7 years ago and met a man 4 years ago with whom I wanted to start my family. Unfortunately, things did not go as planned, and during my pregnancy, I found myself alone and had to manage my situation without money and family support.
At first, I went to the Diakonie for counselling, which referred me to the helper circle. Once I made contact with the helper circle, I was assigned a contact person who has continued to accompany and support me through various stages of my life to this day.
At that time, I was looking for accommodation and received an emergency room from the helper circle. With the support of the lovely women from the helper circle, I gave birth to my son Peter in November 2011, and our situation slowly started to improve. A year later, still with the help of the helper circle, I found an apartment, where I still live today. I also continued with my necessary German language course, which was a prerequisite for my studies. Last year, I began my studies in early childhood education, and my little son has now been in kindergarten for a month.
For me, the helper circle means a lot:
People who give everything to make amends for things they did not cause. People who were sad with me when I was not doing well and who rejoiced with me when times got better. The helper circle for mother and child has been and is like a second family for me… It gave me the chance to successfully present my issues at offices and institutions, for example. It is a place where I have always experienced understanding and acceptance, where there is always someone ready to listen and then look for solutions.
Therefore, I would like to take this opportunity to express my heartfelt thanks to all the women in the helper circle, especially to Ellen Kalsbach, who is always there for us. My praise, respect, and gratitude go to the helper circle for all the work with the many other women in difficulty.
Rosette N. and Peter
10 November 2014
The Importance of the Helper Circle for Me and My Children
I am a student from Russia and mother of two small children. The helper circle has been accompanying me through life for 4 years.
I was in a difficult life situation when I was accepted into the helper circle. I was pregnant and searching for an apartment, which always ended unsuccessfully, and just when I was about to give up, I received an offer from the helper circle.
My financial situation was not secure, and the financial support I received for studying from Russia was not enough to pay for an apartment. In the helper circle, I received not only a roof over my head but also support of all kinds. The helper circle assured me that I was not alone with my situation.
Nice women work in the helper circle, and I could always approach them when I had difficulties. I did not have to search for a way out alone; there was always someone there. I faced many difficulties. My financial situation was tied to my studies. The support I received from Russia was time-limited, and when it came to an end, I faced serious financial problems.
The helper circle not only supported me financially but also helped me arrange my financial situation so that I could continue studying and afford an apartment. I also always received help in the helper circle with filling out various applications and received advice on issues related to nutrition, development, and parenting for babies and toddlers.
I have experienced versatile support in the helper circle and I am very grateful for that. I am still in contact with the helper circle and it continues to support me where I need it.
I would like to thank them once again for all the help the helper circle provides, and I am very glad that the helper circle exists.
Best regards to all
Olga, Christian and Louisa
in November 2014