Erika and Dr. Scholten: 50 years of AWO – A real Moers anniversary!

Erika and Dr. Scholten: 50 years of AWO – A real Moers anniversary!

On October 29, 2025, a special anniversary was celebrated in the office of the AWO local association in Moers: Erika and Dr. Wilfried Scholten can look back on over 50 years of membership in the Arbeiterwohlfahrt. This important event attracted numerous guests, including AWO President Ibrahim Yetim and Jochen Gottke, Chairman of the Wesel District Association.

Over coffee and cake, the celebratory attendees reviewed the exciting history of the Scholtens. Erika Scholten has been involved for many years, including as chairwoman of the social committee for 25 years, and served as deputy mayor in her hometown of Moers for 15 years. Their tireless efforts in the 1980s led to the construction of the AWO senior center in Schwafheim, now known as the Paul Saatkamp House.

A real educational partner

Also Dr. Wilfried Scholten can look back on an impressive work. As a high school teacher, he accompanied generations of students and taught them important values. His passion for education and socially responsible action is reflected in the philosophy of the AWO, which has been dedicated to supporting socially disadvantaged people since its founding on December 13, 1919 by Marie Juchacz.

The Workers' Welfare Association e. V. is a decentralized welfare association with a clear focus on helping people with disabilities and seniors. With over 317,000 members and around 230,000 full-time employees, the AWO has positioned itself for the future and operates facilities such as kindergartens, schools and psychiatric clinics. Despite its great successes, the AWO has not been immune to challenges in the past, as evidenced by sustained financial irregularities in some district associations.

Safety is the top priority

Another aspect that is important to the AWO is security. The AWO Safety Statistics Reporting program offers members the opportunity to confidentially collect and evaluate safety data in their facilities. This includes working hours, the number of crew deaths and various metrics on injuries and pollution. Through these measures, we continually work to improve security and provide members with comparison reports.

Erika and Dr. Wilfried Scholten are an inspiration to many members not only because of their long-standing membership, but above all because of their outstanding contribution to the AWO in Moers. Your commitment is an example of how important it is to support the community and take on social responsibility.

The Scholtens' anniversary reminds us that the spirit of togetherness that has lived in the AWO for over 100 years is still valuable and relevant today. The celebrations in Moers once again showed that social work and a sense of community go hand in hand and that the AWO, with its wide range of services and offers, is an integral part of society.