We are no institution, no hostel, no therapeutic centre. But we do live together as real families: A husband, a wife, mostly children - and young people from different backgrounds. Middleclass people, university students, ex-criminals, ex-drug-abusers, young trainees share their lives. They do it 24 hours a day, seven days a week - as most families do. We want to be parents and friends for those who come to us.
And those who want to be accepted have to make a decision: to keep away from crime, violence, drugs, old friends and old behaviour. Half of our staff members have a similar past: They stepped out of crime or drug abuse, started a new life and help others to do the same today.
Those who live in our families find a workplace in our functional firms or elsewhere - but they do not remain lazy during the day. And there are spare time activities like sports or music (choir) or a coffee bar. As Christians we visit the Sunday service together with our family members as well as a bible hour once a week. Being a Christian is no condition for those who want to join us. But he will get more knowledge about living with Christ during his stay.
Concerning the stay: No one has to leave after a fixed time. Many young people stay for three years or longer with their families, build up new relations in the surrounding during this time or i.e. finish their professional training.