Erleben, Arbeiten und Lernen e.V.

What Erleben, Arbeiten und Lernen e.V. does

Erleben, Arbeiten und Lernen e.V. (EAL), operating publicly as Evangelische Jugendhilfe Würzburg, is a German non-profit association founded on October 13, 1995 by 17 pedagogues, psychologists, and theologians from Finland and Germany. The organization delivers therapeutic residential care, ambulatory family support, school-based services, and unaccompanied minor refugee care through more than 30 locations across Bavaria and North Rhine-Westphalia in Germany, plus a three-farm operation in Eastern Finland. A second association, Erleben, Arbeiten und Lernen – Evangelische Jugendhilfe e.V., was founded on December 22, 2008 and operates jointly with EAL under shared leadership and a unified brand.

Core offerings center on decentralized Therapeutische Wohngruppen (therapeutic residential groups) staffed by multidisciplinary teams integrating individual and family psychotherapy, special-needs pedagogy, animal-assisted interventions (notably at the Gemünder Mühle and Scheumühle farm facilities modeled on the Bullerbü concept), and adventure/experiential pedagogy into daily living. The portfolio extends to Inobhutnahme (24/7 emergency intake), Erziehungsstellen (professional foster families), Eltern-Kind-Einrichtungen (parent-child facilities), supervised youth living and aftercare for young adults, and a one-year Finland outdoor integration project. On the school side, EAL runs Mittagsbetreuungen (midday supervision), Offene Ganztagsschulen, Schulbegleitung (1:1 inclusion support), and Jugendsozialarbeit at approximately 50 schools in Lower Franconia, with funding routed through the Bezirk Unterfranken and local Jugendämter. An Akademie at the Frankenwarte provides continuing professional development in adventure and animal-assisted pedagogy.

EAL is funded almost entirely through contracts with public Jugendämter (youth welfare offices) under Germany's Social Code VIII (SGB VIII), covering §§34, 35a, 41, and 42a placements, supplemented by municipal and state subsidies for school programs and individual donations. Pricing is not publicly disclosed; parents bear no direct cost for clinical or therapeutic services, while school holiday care is bookable by the week. The organization is governed by a five-member board chaired by Prof. Gunter Adams, has no parent company, no external venture or private equity backing, and reports no revenue figures publicly. It maintains academic partnerships with THWS Würzburg-Schweinfurt and Finnish institutions (Mikkeli University of Applied Sciences, DIAK, University of Kuopio) to support research-informed practice.

Name

Erleben, Arbeiten und Lernen e.V.

Legal name

Erleben, Arbeiten und Lernen e.V.

Website

https://eal-jugendhilfe.de

Company type

Private

Founded year

1995

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Erleben, Arbeiten und Lernen e.V. (Evangelische Jugendhilfe Würzburg) is a German non-profit founded in 1995 that delivers therapeutic residential care, family support, school-based services, and unaccompanied minor refugee care across 30+ locations in Bavaria, North Rhine-Westphalia, and Finland, funded primarily through statutory SGB VIII contracts with public youth welfare offices.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Youth Welfare Services

NAICS

Child and Youth Services (62411), Individual and Family Services (6241), Other Individual and Family Services (624190)

SIC

Services-Social Services (8300)

akta.pro primary industry

Youth Housing, Foster Care & Wraparound Support (Education-Linked) Nonprofits (BPAGADAO)

akta.pro secondary industries

Newcomer & Refugee Student Support Programs (EDAJAGAH), Attendance, Engagement & Truancy Intervention Services (EDAJAIAI), Wraparound Student Support & Case Management Services (At-Risk K–12) (EDAJAEAJ), Behavioral Health & MTSS/RTI Tiered SEL Supports (EDAKAMAE)

Keywords

• Therapeutic residential care
• Youth welfare services
• Family support programs
• School accompaniment services
• Animal-assisted pedagogy

Headquarters

HQ city

Würzburg

HQ country

Germany

HQ region

Europe

Offices20 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Supply Chain, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. Statutory Youth Welfare Services (SGB VIII): Services are funded through contracts with public youth welfare offices (Jugendämter) under German Social Code VIII (SGB VIII), including residential care (§34), integration assistance (§35a), care for unaccompanied minors (§42a), intensive pedagogical measures, and various ambulatory services.
2. School Care Services: Day care, afternoon supervision, and all-day school programs funded through parent contributions, state subsidies, and municipal funds.
3. Donations: Donations from individuals and organizations to support services for young people, with dedicated donation account provided.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels3 records

Core offering

Erleben, Arbeiten und Lernen e.V. (EAL) operates a multi-site portfolio of statutory youth welfare and family support services across Germany and Finland. Its core offering consists of decentralized therapeutic residential groups for children and adolescents with emotional and behavioral disorders, integrated with psychotherapy, animal-assisted interventions, and adventure pedagogy. Complementary offerings include school-based services (midday supervision, all-day schools, school accompaniment, school social work), ambulatory family support (social-pedagogical family assistance, early intervention, parent-child facilities, supervised youth living), crisis intervention and emergency intake, care for unaccompanied minor refugees, and a continuing education academy.

Product overview

Erleben, Arbeiten und Lernen e.V. (EAL) operates a diversified, multi-site portfolio of youth welfare, educational, and family support services across Germany and Finland. The core product is the system of Therapeutische Wohngruppen (therapeutic residential groups) — decentralized living units staffed by multidisciplinary specialist teams integrating therapy into daily life. These residential services are supplemented by a parallel system of school-based and community services including Mittagsbetreuungen (midday supervision), Offene Ganztagsschulen (open all-day schools), Schulbegleitung (one-to-one school support), and Jugendsozialarbeit an Schulen (school social work). Complementary ambulatory services include Betreutes Jugendwohnen (supervised youth living), Nachbetreuung (aftercare), Inobhutnahme (emergency intake), Erziehungsstellen (professional foster families), and the specialized Freizeitmaßnahme Finnland (Finland outdoor integration project). The portfolio also includes animal-assisted therapeutic facilities at two farm locations: the Gemünder Mühle (animal sanctuary combining youth welfare with a farm animal rescue) and the Scheumühle (Bullerbü-style therapeutic farm community). Family-oriented services cover Frühe Hilfen/Familienhebammen (early intervention/family midwives), Sozialpädagogische Familienhilfe, Familienstützpunkte, Migrationsberatung/Nadija (Ukrainian integration advisory), and Eltern-Kind-Einrichtungen (parent-child facilities). An education academy (Akademie) on the Frankenwarte provides continuing professional development in adventure pedagogy and animal-assisted pedagogy, anchored in international Finnish-German academic partnerships.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Therapeutische Wohngruppen (Therapeutic Residential Groups) Stationary residential care for children and adolescents with emotional and behavioral disorders, delivered in decentralized living groups staffed by multidisciplinary specialist teams offering 4 hours of specialist service per placement, integrating therapy into daily life through group pedagogy, life-space interviews, and structured daily routines.
• Therapie und Heilpädagogik (Therapy and Special Needs Pedagogy) Individual, group, and family psychotherapy and evaluated training programs for children and youth with psychological disorders, delivered by licensed psychotherapists, accompanied by special needs pedagogy groups including Spielsport, music therapy, art therapy, nature experiences, and animal-assisted interventions.
• Betreutes Jugendwohnen (Supervised Youth Living) Supported independent living program for older adolescents transitioning to adulthood, offering probe living in single apartments (6-8 weeks), supervised individual living, and small group homes (2-4 placements) with psychodiagnostic, systemic, behavioral, and life skills training.
• Inobhutnahme (Crisis Intervention and Emergency Taking into Care) Emergency 24/7 intake and crisis intervention for children and adolescents (0-17 years) in acute family emergencies, provided through specialized residential groups, educational placements, family groups, and foster families across Lower Franconia, with short-term placement of up to 6 weeks with psychological and pedagogical specialist support.
• Freizeitmaßnahme Finnland (Finland Outdoor Integration Project) A one-year intensive outdoor integration program for antisocial adolescents (age 12+) who have failed in other settings, combining a preparation phase in Germany, a 6-month intensive phase on remote Finnish farms with 1:1 supervision in Virtasalmi/Pieksämäki, and a reintegration phase in Germany, operating without running water or central heating to create a stimulus-poor therapeutic environment.
• Erziehungsstellen (Educational Placement in Family Settings) Professional family-based care where 1-2 children or adolescents live with trained pedagogical families (social educators) in a 'community education' model (§§ 34, 35a, 41 SGB VIII), available in Unterfranken, Oberfranken, and Obermainland regions.
• Mittagsbetreuungen an Schulen (Midday School Supervision) After-lunch supervision at primary schools (grades 1-4) combining midday meals, homework support, and leisure activities, available at 50 schools in Lower Franconia with flexible booking models and trained pedagogical staff.
• Offene Ganztagsschulen (Open All-Day Schools) Full-day school programs combining midday meals, homework support, and leisure activities for primary, secondary, and special needs schools across Lower Franconia, operated in partnership with schools under ongoing evaluation and concept development.
• Schulbegleitung (School Accompaniment / One-to-One School Support) One-to-one school support for children and adolescents with physical, intellectual, or emotional disabilities, facilitating inclusive education in regular schools; the organization acts as employer and coordinator, matching trained support staff to individual needs, with no cost to parents.
• Jugendsozialarbeit an Schulen (Youth Social Work in Schools) Intensive school-based social work (Jugendsozialarbeit an Schulen, JaS) for students with social disadvantage or individual impairment (grades 1-10), offering casework, conflict resolution, social skills training, and parental counseling, also including Gymnasium-specific social work.
• Nachbetreuung für junge Volljährige (Aftercare for Young Adults) Transitional support program (6-12 months) for young adults aged 18+ who previously received residential or supervised living care, providing personality development support, vocational counseling, and continued access to therapeutic and adventure pedagogy services.
• Eltern-Kind-Einrichtung (Parent-Child Facility) Residential support for mothers, fathers, or couples (age 16+) with children under 6 who need comprehensive assistance with childcare and independent living, accommodating up to 6 parents with children in family-style houses with 24/7 qualified staff, individual and group therapy, and weekly development reviews.
• Sozialpädagogische Familienhilfe (Socio-pedagogical Family Assistance) Long-term (1-3 year) intensive family support for families with multiple and younger children facing cumulative crises, providing parenting counseling, parent training/coaching, individual schooling, and Marte Meo therapy.
• Familienstützpunkt (Family Support Point) Local family education and support centers in Arnstein and Zellingen (Main-Spessart district) offering open parent meetings, baby cafés, parenting courses, lectures, and events to strengthen parental competencies.
• Frühe Hilfen / Familienhebammen (Early Intervention / Family Midwives) Home-based support for families from pregnancy through the child's first year, provided by specially trained midwives offering development guidance, parenting skills support, daily organization, mother/father-child relationship building, and referral to community networks.
• Migrationsberatung / Nadija (Migration Advisory Service) Free advisory and support service for Ukrainian families newly arrived in Würzburg city and district, covering integration in areas such as childcare, education, language, social benefits, and health, provided in Ukrainian, Russian, German, and English.
• Gemünder Mühle (Farm-Based Youth Welfare and Animal Sanctuary) A therapeutic residential group on a former sawmill in the Haßberge district combining youth welfare with an animal sanctuary; children and youth live alongside rescued animals (pigs, sheep, rabbits, tortoises, cats) and participate in animal care, farm work, and outdoor activities as part of their therapeutic milieu.
• Scheumühle (Bullerbü Therapeutic Farm Community) A therapeutic farm community in Schäftersheim modeled on Astrid Lindgren's Bullerbü, with three buildings (Südhot, Mittelhof, Nordhof) for up to five residential groups living alongside ponies, sheep, and cats on 2.5 hectares, currently housing the therapeutic group Swipp and the forthcoming Birkenlund group.
• Würzburger Akademie auf der Frankenwarte (Continuing Education Academy) Continuing education academy on the Frankenwarte in Würzburg offering training modules in adventure pedagogy and animal-assisted pedagogy for educators, teachers, and social workers, also providing conference facilities and overnight accommodation for external training providers.
• Internationale Arbeit und Hochschulkooperation (International Cooperation) International programs and academic partnerships, particularly a Finnish-German cooperation with THWS Würzburg, Mikkeli University of Applied Sciences, and DIAK (Diaconia University of Applied Sciences Finland), supporting research-informed pedagogy and arranging international seminars in Finland.

Quantifiable outcome

• Successful integration of children with severe emotional disorders into regular school settings through therapeutic support
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration3 records

Feature6 records

Partnerships

Ten partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• THWS (Technische Hochschule Würzburg-Schweinfurt)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLong-standing cooperation with the Faculty of Applied Social Sciences for research, teaching, and practice integration. Students complete internships and practical training at EAL facilities.
• Fachhochschule Mikkeli (Finland)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerInternational cooperation in applied social sciences with exchange programs and joint research in youth welfare pedagogy.
• DIAK - Diakonische Hochschule für Angewandte Wissenschaften (Finland)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCooperation with Finnish University of Applied Sciences for exchange, research, and training in diaconal and social work.
• University of Kuopio (Finland)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAcademic cooperation for research and student exchange in child and youth welfare.
• Finnish DiakoniecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerClose cooperation with Finnish diaconal organizations for international youth welfare work and exchange programs.
• Polikliniken und Kliniken für Kinder- und Jugendpsychiatrie (Würzburg, München, Aschaffenburg, Regensburg)coreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerCooperation with child and adolescent psychiatry clinics for consultation, diagnosis, and treatment support for residents with psychiatric needs.
• SPIN-Bayern (Video-Home-Training)minorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerSPIN-Bayern uses the Academy facilities on the Frankenwarte for Video-Home-Training certification and training programs.
• Verein Bauen für GeborgenheitminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-uses the Academy facilities on the Frankenwarte for building-for-security training and workshops.
• Berufsschule Main-SpessartminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCooperation for vocational integration classes (Bik) and pre-vocational years (Bvj) for youth in Main-Spessart region.
• Bezirk UnterfrankencoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorResponsible authority for approving and funding school accompaniment services for children with physical and intellectual disabilities.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves2 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• SOS-Kinderdorf e.V. Germany's largest non-profit provider of residential child and youth welfare services, operating Kinderdorf villages, residential groups, and family support across Germany with a comparable SGB VIII funding model. Direct peer on therapeutic residential care, family services, and pedagogical village concepts.
• Internationaler Bund (IB):

Broad incumbents

• Caritas Kinder-, Jugend- und Familienhilfe: Caritas is one of Germany's largest Catholic welfare federations, operating an extensive network of residential homes, school social work, family support, and migration services funded through SGB VIII / SGB XII. It is a broad incumbent whose regional diocesan services overlap directly with EAL's therapeutic residential and Schulbegleitung offerings.
• AWO Bundesverband e.V. The Workers' Welfare Association is a major nationwide German welfare federation running residential youth care, school social work, family support, and unaccompanied minor services. A broad incumbent with similar SGB VIII-commissioned portfolio and competing with EAL at Jugendamt procurement.
• Diakonie Deutschland: The Protestant counterpart to Caritas, Diakonie Deutschland is a broad-incumbent provider of child and youth welfare services, family support, migration advisory, and disability inclusion across Germany. EAL itself operates under Diakonie W\u00fcrzburg for inquiries, making Diakonie both an umbrella and the most direct large-scale competitor in Bavaria and NRW.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

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• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/erleben-arbeiten-und-lernen-e.v.

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Erleben, Arbeiten und Lernen e.V.