Werkverein Gelsenkirchen

About us

Werkverein Gelsenkirchen e.V. is a non-profit organisation that has been supporting people with support needs for almost 60 years. We create working and living spaces that enable participation, independence and personal development.

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Our philosophy:
Inclusion and participation

Our work is based on the conviction that everyone has the right to social participation and recognition. With our workshops and programmes, we promote skills, boost self-confidence and enable people to lead a self-determined life. We combine professional support with an environment that emphasises community and appreciation.

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Our history

1965

The first steps

Two mothers of children with intellectual disabilities set up a play and craft group in the Ückendorf community centre. After a short time, the group grew to eleven people. The great interest led to the idea of setting up a workshop for people with support needs.

1967

Werkverein and first workshop

On 8 May 1967, the Werkverein Gelsenkirchen e.V. was founded to put the idea into practice. The first workshop of the Werkverein opened in the old punch card centre of the Graf Bismarck colliery. At the beginning, three employees looked after eleven young people.

1969

The workshop is growing

The first order was not long in coming. The first own machine was purchased for the assembly of curtain fasteners and the drilling of pin holes in screws – a big step for the workshop.

1972

Opening of Plant II

Plant II on Wilhelminenstrasse was put into operation with a planned programme for 75 people with support.

1974

The company headquarters is being built

The workshops became increasingly popular and the existing premises reached their capacity. The construction of „Werk I“ on Braukämperstraße in Gelsenkirchen-Beckhausen was the solution. Today it is the company headquarters of the Werkverein.

1985

Opening of Plant III

The company grew and grew. With the opening of „Werk III“, the Werkverein has now been able to offer jobs to 545 people with support needs.

1996

Opening of Haus Gabriel

The desire for all-round care led to plans to provide people with a place to live. This wish was realised with the construction of Haus Gabriel, the inpatient residential facility.

2012

Day care / outpatient assisted living

A day care centre has been set up in Haus Gabriel, which can also be used by people who receive outpatient care or live with their families. To enable people with support needs to live largely independently in their own living environment, the Werkverein is increasingly offering outpatient assisted living.

2015

Creative promotion

The range of programmes offered by the Gelsenkirchen workshops is constantly being developed and adapted to people’s needs. For example, the new „creative group“ introduced in 2015 offers more than just a lot of fun: under the professional guidance of an art therapist, the participants‘ cognitive and motor skills are trained and high-quality products are made.

2016

Offer for senior citizens

The Gelsenkirchen workshops are responding to demographic change: with the opening of the third senior citizens‘ group, the range of services for the many older employees has been expanded. Special working time models as well as work and employment opportunities fulfil the needs of employees with experience of life.

2017

Foundation of Lebenswelt Gabriel gGmbH

Lebenswelt Gabriel gGmbH was created by combining inpatient living, the day structure and outpatient assisted living.

2022

Opening of the "Café of Encounter"

The Café der Begegnung with adjoining conservatory was opened in 2022 and offers a place to socialise, meet and exchange ideas all year round. In summer, the new outdoor terrace with adjoining natural garden invites you to linger.

Today

Important employer in the region

What began in a basement room in Ückendorf has developed into a real success story. Today, Werkverein Gelsenkirchen e. V. and its two companies are forward-looking social enterprises in which over 800 people with and without support needs have found work and a home.

This is us

Our organisation: Strong through diversity

The Werkverein runs the Gelsenkirchen workshops and the Gabriel Lebenswelt. Together we offer:

Jobs: Over 600 people with support needs work in our workshops.
Residential facilities: From inpatient living to outpatient assisted living, we offer individualised solutions.
Leisure and counselling: We promote integration and independence with leisure programmes and a counselling centre.

With around 800 employees, we work every day to realise our vision of an inclusive society. Our membership of Diakonisches Werk Rheinland-Westfalen-Lippe e.V. strengthens our network and emphasises our charitable mission.