Close to people | Stories from Bethel
Much more than a workshop
Mehmet Emin Özkut resolutely presses down the handle of the toggle press and a new component is ready. It will later be used in an aeroplane cockpit. Mehmet Emin Özkut takes it out of the jig and puts it in a coloured box, while curative education nurse David Illingert inserts the next blank. Mehmet Emin Özkut enjoys working in the eeWerk workshop at the Eben-Ezer Foundation. He particularly likes customer orders like this. He is one of around 90 employees who work in eeWerk's areas for the severely disabled. The Eben-Ezer Foundation runs a total of four such areas at its two sites in Lemgo and Lieme. The large number of employees with a very high level of support needs is a special feature that sets eeWerk apart from other organisations in the region.
Mehmet Emin Özkut is also dependent on intensive support. "He can be very persistent, but that also depends on the tasks and materials," reports department manager Nadine Schäfertöns. Some days, for example, it is enough just to put nuts and bolts on the table and the 35-year-old eagerly starts sorting and bagging them. But there are also days when the employees need a lot of persuasion to motivate him to join in. "Of course, we make sure that we don't overwhelm him," emphasises the manager. The employee likes to spend his breaks in the Snoezelen room. There he can snuggle up in the soft waterbed and relax to soothing melodies and light effects.
"We are much more than just a workshop," says Nadine Schäfertöns. Support and care, daily structure and social participation are fundamental elements of the employees' everyday lives, especially in the severely disabled area. These are specially equipped with large care bathrooms with ceiling lifts and relaxation rooms.
As the support and care required is significantly more complex, there is a higher staffing ratio. "Emin is a very social person. He likes to approach other people, stroke them or give them a hug," explains Nadine Schäfertöns. However, his behaviour becomes challenging when he thinks he is not getting enough attention. That is why it is good and important that Mehmet Emin Özkut receives intensive support in the workshop area.
Text: Christina Heitkämper | Picture: Sarah Jonek
This story simply told
Mehmet Emin Özkut works in a workshop for people with disabilities. The fact that he needs a lot of support is not a problem. The Eben-Ezer Foundation's workshops also have suitable work programmes for people with severe disabilities.
Would you like to find out more?
Address
eeWerk
Alter Rintelner Weg 28
32657 Lemgo
Contact
Markus Toepffer
Management
05261 215-302
Occupational fields offered:
- Industrial assembly, electrical assembly, metalworking
- Joinery
- Hand weaving
- Potato peeling, agriculture, domestic services, gardening and landscaping
Company-integrated/outsourced jobs at co-operating companies:
- Catering, canteen management, carpentry, kitchens, retirement homes, office services, gardening and landscaping
