Project AlltagsLächeln
Spatzennest – Children’s Emergency Room in Essen – A safe haven for injured children
The “Spatzennest” emergency care center for children is a facility run by the Essen chapter of the German Child Protection Association. The occupational therapy, speech therapy, and psychological counseling program was launched by our foundation and is 100% funded by us.
17 years: Psychological counseling, occupational therapy, and speech therapy
February 3, 2026: Topping-out ceremony for another shelter in Essen
A milestone has been reached: The structural work for another child protection center in Essen-Altenessen has been completed. We celebrated this significant milestone on February 3, 2026, with a grand topping-out ceremony.
For seventeen years, the freddy fischer foundation has been funding much-needed occupational and speech therapy, as well as psychological support, for children at the Spatzennest emergency shelter—a safe haven for girls and boys who have been through traumatic experiences.
Why this project is so important
The children at Spatzennest are often traumatized by mistreatment, abuse and extreme neglect. They arrive with developmental delays, fears, and insecurities. Without targeted support, they risk falling behind in school and in life.
Our Mission
We help these children regain their strength. Through targeted therapy, their language skills, motor skills, and behavior improve—they gain confidence, stability, and a real chance for the future. Every day counts. Every bit of help does, too.
The demand for spots is enormous—over 400 inquiries per year show just how great the need is. A third facility is in the planning stages, but financial support is still lacking. Help us give these children a future!
Our project at Spatzennest in Essen since 2009
Occupational therapy, speech therapy, and psychological counseling for children. The “Spatzennest” emergency care center for children is a facility run by the Essen chapter of the German Child Protection Association. The occupational therapy, speech therapy, and psychological counseling program was launched by our foundation and is 100% funded by us.
Background of our project
Almost all of the children at Spatzennest are traumatized children who are admitted to the emergency room due to physical abuse, sexual abuse, or neglect. Many of these children have limitations in areas such as movement, perception, fine motor skills, concentration, behavior, oral motor skills, and many others, and they need support to ensure equal opportunities so they do not fall behind their peers in school.
Creating this equality of opportunity is what drives our project.
The emergency shelter serves as a temporary home for these children. They stay for a maximum of two years, are placed with foster families, or returned to their biological families if possible.
Currently, the Essen branch of the German Child Protection Association operates two facilities for these children. The “little sparrows” (up to age 6) are housed in Essen-Borbeck in the most recently built facility. The “older sparrows,” up to age 12, are in Essen-Altenessen. A total of 26 children are currently being cared for in these facilities. The demand for available spots throughout the year exceeds all expectations. Approximately 400 requests are received from Essen, neighboring towns, and even from all over North Rhine-Westphalia. An astounding number, when you consider that we are talking here about abused young children who should actually be receiving our love and protection. For this reason, the Child Protection Association is also planning a third facility. Many donations are still needed for this as well. On this subject,
„We have now been supported by the freddy fischer Foundation for 15 years. Hasn’t time just flown by? And that means a significant number of children have been given a chance in life thanks to their help!“
– Frau Heuer (Dipl. Sozialarbeiterin)
Here is a case study illustrating how our occupational therapy, speech therapy, and psychological counseling work:
R. (male) / 3 years old began to attract attention at the Child Protection Association’s daycare center. He arrived at the center in winter wearing inadequate clothing, even when temperatures were below freezing. He appeared neglected and exhibited highly unusual behavior. After several conversations with his single mother (25), it became clear that she was severely overwhelmed, the apartment was filthy, and the children were left to fend for themselves. The Youth Welfare Office was contacted.
R. was emotionally very unstable, prone to outbursts of anger and self-harm. In addition, he exhibited extreme motor restlessness and distractibility; he would not stay seated at the table during meals or would constantly empty all the cabinets. He spoke only a few words, and these were very aimless and unclear. After 22 hours of occupational and speech therapy, his communication improved; he was able to follow routines and rules, and his concentration increased. After approximately 15 therapy sessions, a significant improvement in his behavior was also evident in daily group activities.
Although R. still requires intensive therapeutic support due to his challenges, he is now better able to cope with daily life in the group.
Ms. Pammé (Director of the Center for Child Development) concludes as follows:
„Together with the team at Spatzennest, we are consistently and pleasantly surprised by how quickly the children show signs of progress. We are glad that their time at Spatzennest can be used to optimally support their development. Having the same occupational therapist for many years ensures a very effective partnership.“
– Ms. Pammé (Director of the Center for Child Development)
As you can see, we still have a lot of work ahead of us, and we continue to ask for your support so that we can rise to this challenge.
Project Archiv
Fall 2025: The AlltagsLächeln project is now also available at the Willy-Brandt-Haus in Moers
Sometimes it’s the little things that make the biggest difference—a shared smile, a moment of mindfulness, a little bit of closeness in everyday life.
Since 2022, through our AlltagsLächeln project, we have been regularly giving the residents of the Johannes-Rau-Haus in Moers these special moments—through activities such as chair yoga or chair qi gong, gardening together, and much more. What began as a heartfelt idea has now become an integral part of the weekly routine—driven by passion, humanity, and mutual trust.
And now this story continues: Starting immediately, we are bringing AlltagsLächeln to the Willy-Brandt-Haus in Moers-Repelen as well.
Together with the AWO Foundation, we want to further enrich care there—for the people who do great things day after day, and for those who spend their twilight years there. During the meeting, cool new ideas were born, such as functional strength training and a professional cooking class.
Because we believe: Care needs more than just good structures. Care needs attention, appreciation, genuine connection, and movement 💚
Thank you to everyone who makes this possible—to the teams who put their hearts into their work, and to our partner, the AWO Foundation, who share our vision:
✨ More humanity in everyday life.
✨ More joy in care.
✨ More compassion in action.
A smile may be small—but it can brighten an entire day.
2025: AlltagsLächeln at the Johannes-Rau House of the AWO in Moers, our third project year
What makes life in old age worthwhile? Not the big things—but the little moments that bring closeness, joy, and a sense of security. That’s exactly what our “Everyday Smiles” project is all about. Here, the residents of the Johannes-Rau-Haus in Moers repeatedly experience moments that brighten their daily lives:
🌱 Raised beds in the garden – Plant, tend, and harvest together. Small seeds grow into big experiences: tomatoes, pumpkins, cucumbers, and tulips—and above all, the joy of seeing something grow with your own hands.
🪑 Yoga & Qi Gong on the chair – Gentle movements, breathing exercises, and singing bowls provide strength and inner peace. This creates moments of mindfulness and connection, especially for older adults or those living with dementia.
🛳️ A day on the Rhine – Boat tours along the Rhine and through the Port of Duisburg are sure to delight. With the wind in their faces and laughter on board, seniors get to rediscover their hometown—and take home unforgettable memories.
🐔 A small chicken farm – Sometimes it’s the animals that bring back childhood memories and add a touch of joy to everyday life. A little “giggle” in the garden that touches the soul.
🎉 Celebrate Special Occasions– Moments of togetherness where music, dance, good food, and joyful encounters show that a zest for life knows no age.
☀️ And lots of spontaneous ideas… – because it’s often the little surprises that bring the biggest smiles.
💚 Our conclusion: With AlltagsLächeln, we don’t offer grand spectacles, but genuine connection, vitality, and dignity. The best part is seeing how a raised garden bed, a yoga class, or a boat trip don’t just create memories—but moments of happiness that last. A huge thank you to the team at Johannes-Rau-Haus, who carry this project in their hearts day after day. You show that care isn’t just about providing support—it’s about humanity that makes hearts grow.
Bericht: AlltagsLächeln – Chair Yoga
Once a week, Stephanie Redlich brings a little joy to the residents of the AWO Johannes-Rau-Haus Senior Center in Moers through mindful chair yoga. This program is a valuable source of strength, especially for older adults who are physically limited or living with dementia. Gentle movements, breathing exercises, singing bowls, and loving touch not only get the joints moving but also lift the spirit. Many participants appear more relaxed and alert during the session and cherish small moments of connection. A smile, a glance, a quiet “thank you”—these show just how much this session accomplishes. Placing the singing bowls on the lap is particularly popular: their vibrations both soothe and awaken the senses. The atmosphere is marked by respect, warmth, and small gestures of community. Some residents support one another, share memories, or simply enjoy the time together. Family members and staff also experience how valuable this time-out is. Of course, there are challenges: sometimes the residents’ daily condition fluctuates, and sometimes help is needed with drop-off and pick-up. But the smiles remain—among the residents as well as with Stephanie Redlich, who puts her heart and soul into every session.
Conclusion: Chair yoga demonstrates that movement, mindfulness, and touch can still make a significant difference even in old age and for those living with dementia. This labor of love should definitely be continued and expanded—perhaps even to include bedridden residents or as a brief respite for the care staff as well. Because what matters isn’t what someone can no longer do—but the person themselves. And every everyday smile that results from it.
Report: AlltagsLächeln Qi-Gong on a chair
Exercise is good for you—especially when it’s combined with joy, mindfulness, and a smile.
For three years now, Richard Liedke has been bringing new energy, a zest for life, and a sense of lightness to the daily lives of the residents at the Johannes-Rau-Haus in Moers through his “Qi Gong on a Chair” project. Qi Gong on a Chair is much more than just physical exercise. It is an invitation to lovingly perceive one’s own body, to move mindfully, and to feel the moment. Participants learn to listen to themselves—and to experience how movement gives strength when one opens oneself to it. Our movement sessions have become true “favorite moments”—filled with shared laughter, sparkling eyes, and soothing calm. Because: When body and soul move, the heart moves too. Numerous scientific studies show how important regular exercise—especially in older age—is for health and quality of life. Through chair qigong, muscles are gently stretched, joints mobilized, fascia activated, and inner balance strengthened. But what one feels during this cannot be measured by any study: the sense of renewal, the vitality, the sense of togetherness. It is always touching to see how the participants let go, smile, and sit up straight during the class—in the truest sense of the word. Many then walk back to their rooms on their own or visit other areas of the facility—full of new energy and confidence.This not only lightens the load on the nursing staff, but also boosts the residents’ self-confidence and sense of initiative. After all, exercise has a positive effect on the body, mind, and spirit. One participant once summed it up beautifully:
„Exercise is like a love letter to my body. I take care of you—and I want us to live a long life together.“
You couldn’t put it any better. That is exactly what AlltagsLächeln is all about: creating moments that inspire courage, foster connection, and make the joy of life tangible—day after day. I am grateful for all the wonderful people who make these moments possible—and for every smile that results from them.
