The Guardian Angel House in Hohenschönhausen is like a second home for many children – and a truly feel-good place.
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Neighborhood love
A safe space for children
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When Bianca Sommerfeld talks about her work, doors open. Literally. Most recently, the 52-year-old opened a second Guardian Angel House in Hohenschönhausen. Since July 2024, children from families at risk of poverty or socially disadvantaged families have received a warm meal or help with their homework after school. And more: The Guardian Angel House is a safe space, a place to feel good, to express their creativity, and to develop further: "After a short time, the children realized that we take them seriously; they enjoy coming," says Sommerfeld.
This marks the second Guardian Angel House in Berlin to be built on the premises of HOWOGE. What has proven successful for years at the parent company in Steglitz is now proving popular in Hohenschönhausen as well. Around 20 children attend every day, and the number is growing. "We offer a great deal of participation," explains Sommerfeld, who is enthusiastic about the opportunities available on site. Fresh food is cooked daily in the kitchen, and there's a large dining table for communal meals, plenty of tables for schoolwork, as well as cozy retreats, a reading corner, and separate rooms for homework, tutoring, or LEGO building. In a workshop with a kiln, which was taken over from the previous use of the space by ALBUS e.V., senior citizens regularly do pottery work with the children. A successful synergy from which everyone benefits.
After a short time, the children realized that we took them seriously and they enjoyed coming.
Bianca Sommerfeld
The on-site team is led by educator Valerie Muth. Another social worker, as well as student assistants and interns, help provide hot meals, education, and leisure activities for those whose family incomes aren't enough for expensive leisure activities, books, and vacations. The program is financed exclusively through donations. "Without the 9,000 regular donors and many large donations, none of this would be possible," explains Sommerfeld, managing director of the non-profit limited company. The start-up received financial support from the Lichtenberg Cultural Office. In the future, however, she plans to consciously forgo district funding and continue solely with donations.
On-site, she and the team are particularly concerned with creating a loving and appreciative atmosphere. This can encourage and strengthen children—and certainly open even more doors.
About Bianca Sommerfeld
The mother of three and managing director founded the Zuckerbaum e.V. association for healthy siblings eleven years ago. As a journalist and PR consultant, the 52-year-old Berliner initially took over press relations and later management of the SchutzengelWerk.