Supporting the coordination center for people with migrant backgrounds in the town of Coburg

For the third year in a row Brose is supporting the coordination center for people with migrant backgrounds in Coburg. On a visit to the facility the personnel manager of the Brose Group, Jörg Schwitalla, handed over a check with a donation of 20,000 euros to mayor Norbert Tessmer and the head of the social welfare office, Holger Diez. “At Brose there are around 26,000 employees from 91 nations around the world. Understanding between cultures is of central importance in our family business,” explains Schwitalla. “Therefore we place great importance on the sustained integration of newcomers in our company. The coordination center plays a big role in this, as it makes the start in Germany easier for immigrants and refugees and helps them get to grips with everyday life.”

Since the center was set up it has provided guidance to over 1,300 people from countries such as Syria, Somalia and Afghanistan. In 2017 alone, the figures had reached 32 asylum seekers and 925 individuals who have the right to reside. “Thanks to the generous support from Brose it was possible to establish the contact point in the social welfare office. We are so pleased that the family business continues to actively support Coburg with the important task of integration,” said mayor Tessmer. The challenges that the coordination center face change and grow constantly, due to issues such as family members following their relatives and the arrangement of living areas. This year further community accommodation is due to be opening its doors in Coburg for up to 110 people.

The advice center is situated in the building of the social welfare office in Coburg, Am Viktoriabrunnen 4. It is housed in the ‘asylum and refugees’ department so that, from the first contact with the office, the coordination center can become involved immediately. Since August 15, 2016, Almut Hagner has been the point of contact for refugees and migrants of every age who have moved to the town. “The main task of the job is to take on the responsibility for any questions about day-to-day problems like dealing with government agencies, learning German and getting training. However, a further challenge in the integration process emerged: finding a place to live for recognized refugees,” said Diez, head of the social welfare office, regarding the current situation. The tasks of the coordination center are growing, and the high figures for demand confirm how necessary it is for Coburg to continue this work.