A century of Birkeneck youth work: celebratory speeches and moving moments!

A century of Birkeneck youth work: celebratory speeches and moving moments!

The Birkeneck youth organization in Hallbergmoos celebrated a special anniversary: ​​100 years of dedicated work with children and young people from difficult backgrounds. From July 1st to 3rd, 2025 there was a lot of activity in the facility. Over these three days, both invited guests and the general public came together to celebrate and toast the development and successes of the youth organization. During this time, people not only looked back, but also acknowledged the important role of youth organizations in today's society.

In her speech, Bavaria's State Minister Ulrike Scharf-Gerlspeck emphasized how central the youth organization is for the community. It offers children and young people a safe place where they can receive support. This need is underlined by the ongoing challenges in societies. Cardinal Reinhard Marx, who held a celebratory service in the castle church, spoke openly about the challenges that educators face today, such as flight, migration, family strain, social media and addiction. His message was clear: there needs to be a sense of home and community.

The order from Birkeneck

The Birkeneck Youth Center is much more than just a simple care center. It is a place where children and young people who do not receive the necessary support from their families can find a new home. In the curative education and social therapy residential groups, they have the opportunity to learn and build positive relationships in a protected environment. Here every child is supported individually and given the prospect of a better future.

During the celebrations, the ongoing need for qualified specialists was also highlighted. The Jugendwerk Birkeneck is currently looking for pedagogical specialists (f/m/d) full-time and part-time to continue the valuable work. The tasks include, among other things, full-time educational assistance for 7-9 children and young people and support in practical life and school areas. Anyone who feels called upon should not be afraid; there is good business for those who have a heart for the needs of disadvantaged young people.

Importance of youth welfare

The role of youth welfare and especially residential education cannot be emphasized enough these days. Children and young people often end up in group homes because their parents are unable to provide the necessary care. These institutions, in which a multidisciplinary team of professionals such as social workers, educators and psychologists work together, are designed to give young people a new perspective. The goal of returning to the family of origin is always in the foreground. If this is not possible, the home becomes an important substitute home until the young adults are independent.

The need and value of such a facility are more important than ever due to the ever-increasing demands placed on children and young people. Children placed in these programs often face unique challenges. They not only need a point of contact, but also close support in order to work through the often traumatic experiences and promote healthy relationships.

The Birkeneck youth work is therefore an indispensable part of Bavarian child and youth welfare. Here, commitment and professionalism go hand in hand to offer affected children and young people a bit of normality and security. If you would like to find out more or are interested in getting involved, you can find all the information on the Birkeneck Youth Office website.

For more background on child and youth welfare in Bavaria, it is worth taking a look at the pages of the Bavarian State Ministry for Family, Labor and Social Affairs.

Cheers to the next 100 years of Birkeneck Youth Work – may the positive development continue!