Supporting Families with Disabled Children

Hooray! „Der Neue Kupferhof“ turned 10!

After extensive renovations the former, dreary administration building of the city of Hamburg became “Der Neue Kupferhof”, a house full of life, in 2013. “Der Neue Kupferhof” is a pilot project and the first house of its kind in Germany. We can now look back on 10 great years.

Reason enough to celebrate this anniversary with our special guest children and their families, who make this institution unique, the founders, who made this unique institution happen in the first place, the empathetic staff and volunteers, who have grown together into a kind of big family, with the neighbours and the supporters, who have supported us for so long. We thank you all for the past 10 incredible years.

10 years of “Haende fuer Kinder -Der Neue Kupferhof“ does not only mean 10 years of laughing, playing, singing, dancing, crying, baking, romping, reading, relaxing (the list could be endless) children, parents and siblings, but it also means:

• 1.318 different guest children
• 41.261 overnight stays
• 130.200 bread rolls for breakfast and lunch
• 216.000 liters of coffee
• 168 volunteers , (79 volunteers right now)
• 30 young people, who completed a social year or longer
• 83.928 hours of childcare
• 12 Kupferhof-babies (babies of employees)
• 34.970 songs sung during the morning and evening routine

In summery 10 years “Der Neue Kupferhof” means 10 years full of solidarity, joy, peace, love and family.

Have a nice summer and stay healthy.

Life isn´t always fair. Parents of children with disabilities can tell a tale.

But laws are fair, aren´t they? Shouldn`t laws help the weak and support the disadvantaged people? In fact, that´s often a tale.

One day at “Der neue Kupferhof” costs approximately € 500 for one child with disabilities to cover all expenses.

In general, the parents do not incur any costs for the care of the guest child, up to the age of 18,thanks to a performance agreement between “Hände für Kinder” and the City of Hamburg. These costs are covered by welfare agencies and care insurance funds, primarily the integration assistance. Most of the other municipalities largely accept this agreement and that is why children from all over Germany can visit “Den neuen Kupferhof”. 

But what happens after these kids turn 18? Children with disabilities aren´t cured only because they are considered to be adult according to the law. The level of nursing care does not decrease for parents of children with disabilities because their children turned 18. But the financial support decreases. 

As a kindness for parents whose children have already been with us and who are now 18 years old and whose circumstances have not changed (who still live at their parent´s), “Der neue Kupferhof” welcomes young adults up to 23 years. 14 days a year “Der neue Kupferhof” is occupied only by young adults and some of their parents. While the grateful parents relax and recharge their batteries for the time afterwards, the young adults enjoy the time among their peers with a daily program adapted to their age. In general, the daily routine is the same, but e.g. they can sleep in longer and stay up longer. Everything is tailored to their interests and age, from activities, music, games to movie night and beverages. 

Depending on demand the young adults can stay up to 14 days. This year we had so many requests, that none of these over 18 guests can stay longer than 8 days. Funding for these “over 18 days” comes entirely from donations. 

The request increases every year, because also children with disabilities grow up and turn 18. It is nice to see our special guests grow up. One the other hand it saddens not to be able to welcome them after reaching majority. Unless you support us with your donation.

Therefor the GlobalGiving donations from February and March will only be used for the “over 18 weeks”.

Thank you for your support and stay healthy.