Sustainable cooperation: GEZE is committed to integration assistance

The Hoffnungsträger Stiftung (New Hope Foundation) has developed an integration concept by forming ‘Hope Houses’ (Hoffnungshäuser). A Hope House opened its doors in Leonberg in September of 2016, offering an integrative living experience for over 30 refugees.

"The purpose of these houses is to create integrative residential spaces where refugees and native Germans live together, which is one of the ways we contribute to successful integration," says Tobias Merckle. "Besides practical support, for instance through language training and preparation for the job market, a Hope House allows residents to get to know one another and form a community. This is how strangers can become friends."

Social and professional integration of refugees

As a company situated in Leonberg, GEZE is collaborating with the Hoffnungsträger Stiftung, and will be working on a long-term basis to integrate its residents into the job market. Besides offering application training sessions and internships in various departments with the goal of providing these young people with an education or permanent employment, the company's commitment also focuses on social integration. For instance, through events at which GEZE trainees get to know residents of the Hope House, helping them to get over their fears of contact with others and making it easier for them to get used to everyday life in their new home.

"As a company situated in Leonberg, we are proud to support trusted organisations like Seehaus e.V. and Hoffnungsträger Stiftung. We believe it is our human duty and responsibility to help integrate refugees into German society," says Brigitte Vöster-Alber, Chief Executive Officer of GEZE. "And, last but not least, it is also a major benefit for us as a company that we are able to introduce new professionals to the GEZE team. This ensures we can continue producing goods 'made in Germany' at the highest level of quality."