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Unlock Your Potential

Community-led opportunities create access and growth

Charity experts arrange opportunities and guide volunteers, ranging from youth seeking career guidance, students transitioning to higher education, to retirees seeking purpose. Caritas welcomes volunteers of various ages and backgrounds, providing almost anyone interested with a chance to...

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Charity-designated workers organize aid and assistance for active participants. Whether it's aiding...
Charity-designated workers organize aid and assistance for active participants. Whether it's aiding youth in career guidance, bridging the gap for students before a degree, or providing purpose in retirement: volunteer positions at Caritas welcome individuals from various age groups and experiences, offering most a chance to venture into new experiences and join a commited community.

Community-led opportunities create access and growth

Straight Talk on Volunteer Services at Caritas

Whether you're young, retired, or just looking for a change – Caritas has got you covered. With over 50 placements available for the Federal Voluntary Service (BFD) this year, there's no shortage of opportunities to jump into something new and become part of a buzzing community.

Jakob Streller, current coordinator for volunteer services, and his successor Sarah Strasser, have announced the openings. The duo has been leading the Federal Voluntary Service at the Diocesan Caritas Association for eight years, with Streller heading toward partial retirement in July. Elke Rager has been lending a hand since April, taking over the pedagogical oversight of the volunteers.

BFD in Full Swing

If you're intrigued by the BFD, you can apply for 52 deployment sites with Caritas. The service can start in any month and lasts between 6 and 18 months, available in both full-time and part-time engagements. The BFD offers a chance to develop new skills and opens up career opportunities, even for those who might be struggling.

Looking for placements? See what Caritas senior homes have to offer in Abenberg, Berching, Deining, Denkendorf, Dietfurt, Eichstätt, Freystadt, Gaimersheim, Greding, Heilsbronn, Ingolstadt, Ingolstadt-Gerolfing, Nuremberg-Altenfurt, Nuremberg-Langwasser, Schwabach, Spalt, and Weißenburg. For people with disabilities, Caritas Center St. Vinzenz Ingolstadt, Regens Wagner Absberg, Lauterhofen, and Zell provide opportunities. Additionally, there are chances for the BFD in Caritas' social stations in Eichstätt, Ingolstadt, and Neumarkt, Caritas district offices in Eichstätt, Ingolstadt, and Weißenburg, Caritas children's village Marienstein, Caritas homes and workshops in Ingolstadt, Children's home Marienheim Ingolstadt, monastery St. Josef in Neumarkt, kindergartens Buxheim and Schernfeld, Catholic Women's Social Service's children and youth center Pius in Ingolstadt, Schönstatt center at the Canisiushof in Kösching, Benedictine abbey Plankstetten, and Caritas central office in Eichstätt.

World Wanderers Welcome

According to Sarah Strasser, approximately 25 of the current 41 Federal Voluntary Service participants hail from abroad. Incomers of all ages seek new possibilities after arriving in Germany. Strong language skills are a must here, as many are also looking to secure an apprenticeship after their volunteer year. Age is no barrier, with retirees participating in the BFD with enthusiasm as well.

Building Bridges and Boosting Growth

Pedagogical guidance plays a crucial role in fostering personal and professional growth among the volunteers. Through targeted seminars, professional advice at the placement site, and individual support, social, professional, and personal competencies are honed. The focus is not just on acquiring new skills but also on self-reflection and character development. According to Sarah Strasser, "Pedagogical guidance is the foundation for a successful and enriching volunteer year, benefiting both participants and society." In the future, Elke Rager will take charge of the one-on-one accompaniment.

Interested? Reach out to Sarah Strasser directly at 0 84 21 / 50 975 or via [email protected]. Given the continual allocation of spots, Strasser recommends applying early. For information about the services and educational opportunities offered by the BFD, contact Elke Rager at 0 84 21 / 50 944.

Miriam Malzacher from the Bund der Deutschen Katholischen Jugend (BDKJ) is another point of contact, providing information specifically about the Voluntary Social Year (FSJ). You can reach Malzacher at 0 89 / 53 29 31-30 or via [email protected] and on the website www.bdkj-bayern.de/fsj.

For those eager to take up volunteer services with any organization, contacting institutions directly is always an option.

Pic Credit: Jakob Streller and Sarah Strasser (left) have been a solid team for the Federal Voluntary Service at Caritas for eight years. From July 1st, Jakob Streller will enter the release phase of his partial retirement. Elke Rager has been supporting the department since April 1st. Photo Credit: Caritas/Peter Esser Press Office/Caritas Association for the Diocese of Eichstätt e.V.

Pro Tip: Always ahead of the game? Apply early to ensure you've got first dibs on the best volunteer opportunities!

Joining Caritas, you can leverage various education and self-development opportunities alongside your career development. With the Federal Voluntary Service (BFD) offering a platform for skill development and career growth, you can gain essential experiences even if you're struggling. For those considering the BFD, Caritas offers 52 deployment sites, providing diverse experiences and opening career doors.

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