With a festive church service followed by a birthday celebration, Haus Odenwald in Groß-Umstadt marked its 20th anniversary. Numerous guests, staff members, residents, and companions gathered to honor two decades of lived inclusion, care, and community.
The day began with a large morning service at the Groß-Umstadt town hall. The ComingHOME Adventist Church in Darmstadt-Eberstadt played a major role in shaping the service and also provided the musical accompaniment.
Praise for the facility’s work was the focus of welcoming remarks by the mayor of Groß-Umstadt, the managing director of the Advent Welfare Work (Advent-Wohlfahrtswerk), and the vice president of the Mid-Rhine Association of Seventh-day Adventists, as well as the former and current managing directors of Haus Odenwald. They highlighted the vital contribution Haus Odenwald has made over the past two decades for people with disabilities and their families.
In his sermon, Werner Dullinger, president of the South German Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, focused on God's blessing and His work through people. He noted that the 20th anniversary of the facility is also an expression of the dedication of many individuals who have championed the institution and supported its development.
From a Former Hotel to a Home for 25 People
Haus Odenwald began operations in April 2006. Today, the facility offers a home to 25 people with cognitive or multiple disabilities. The building had been originally constructed as a hotel. After the hotel had to be shut down, just a few years later, the South German Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists was able to acquire the property out of insolvency proceedings on favorable terms.
The building was subsequently thoroughly renovated and comprehensively remodeled to be fully accessible. Wheelchair-accessible entrances, widened doors, appropriately equipped sanitary facilities, spacious rooms with a shower and toilet, as well as shared and utility rooms—these are the features that now create the conditions necessary for an independent life. A terrace, a garden, and outdoor areas complement the living space.
The creation of the house is largely due to the initiative of Wolfgang Gunka. As treasurer of the South German Union, he had already campaigned intensively in the 1990s to raise donations to make his "passion project" a reality.
A Home for an Independent Life
For the residents, moving into Haus Odenwald marks the beginning of a new chapter in their lives. At the heart of this is the individual with their personal abilities, wishes, and potential. Residents are encouraged to develop self-determination, personal initiative, and scope for action, allowing them to fulfill their own dreams.
Haus Odenwald sees itself as a living space for people with disabilities, regardless of their religious affiliation. Grounded in Christian values, the institution aims to create a dependable family-like environment that combines safety, security, and qualified support.
The focus extends beyond just the residents. An important concern is also providing relief for their families, who can rest assured that their loved ones are well cared for, supported, and assisted at Haus Odenwald.
More than 30 employees from various professions look after the residents, managing administration, nursing care, support, and the maintenance of the facility.
A Celebration with Many Participants
Following the service, the anniversary celebration continued on the grounds of Haus Odenwald. Guests were treated to a shared lunch, culinary delicacies, a rich cake buffet, and a diverse musical and artistic program.
The anniversary celebration thus became a special day of encounter—and a visible sign that Haus Odenwald is supported by many people. Countless helping hands and creative minds had contributed to the success of the event.
For 20 years, Haus Odenwald has been a place where people with disabilities find a home, experience community, and can unlock their potential. The anniversary, therefore, provided not only an occasion to look back but, above all, a reason for gratitude and confidence for the years to come.
To read the original article, please go here.
