Renate Wineken Stiftung

The story of the Renate Wineken Foundation began with a visit to the Nikolaus-Groß-Haus in winter 2009. The founder recognized a project here that could be supported long-term, where her donations would directly benefit disadvantaged youth in the youth residential homes Nikolaus-Groß-Haus (Cologne-Kalk) and Bernhard Letterhaus (Cologne-Poll). The foundation was established with the goal of supporting young people in their career orientation and vocational training. The proceeds are used to improve language skills, enable qualified school qualifications, and support independent participation in social life. The foundation operates selflessly and uses funds exclusively for the purposes stipulated in its statutes.

The Renate Wineken Foundation is dedicated to providing disadvantaged adolescents and young adults with a genuine opportunity to participate in social life through the promotion of educational and vocational training, individual counseling and support, as well as assistance in leading an independent life. We strive to achieve direct impact on the beneficiaries with minimal bureaucratic effort.

The target group of the Renate Wineken Foundation consists of disadvantaged adolescents and young adults aged approximately 14 to 27 years, who are housed in the youth residential homes Nikolaus-Groß-Haus and Bernhard Letterhaus. They often lack sufficient German language skills, do not have a school leaving certificate, or lack prospects for vocational training and require intensive support in the areas of language promotion, school completion, and dual vocational training.