leben lernen gGmbH - Im Verbund der Hoffnungstaler Stiftung Lobetal

What leben lernen gGmbH - Im Verbund der Hoffnungstaler Stiftung Lobetal does

leben lernen gGmbH is a Berlin-based non-profit social services provider (gemeinnützige GmbH) founded in 1996 as a subsidiary of Hoffnungstaler Stiftung Lobetal, itself part of the v. Bodelschwinghschen Stiftungen Bethel network. The organization originated from a de-hospitalization project at Evangelisches Krankenhaus Königin Elisabeth Herzberge (KEH) to support a population of adults with severe intellectual disabilities, complex psychosocial impairments, and frequent co-morbid neurological, psychiatric, and somatic conditions who could not be placed in standard facilities. Operating 10 locations across the Berlin districts of Lichtenberg, Friedrichshain, Pankow, and Treptow, it serves 116 residents in 24/7 residential settings and 129 participants in Beschäftigungs- und Förderbereich (BFB) day programs, supported by 346 employees as of January 2025.

The service portfolio spans Wohnangebote (specialized residential housing with lifelong tenancy rights), BFB day employment and skills programs (including the Kunstatelier, Innovationslabor with 3D printing/laser cutting, and Der Kiezladen neighborhood shop), the Bildungsinstitut (inclusive adult education and employee professional development), and accessibility services including Leichte Sprache content. Technology is operational rather than core: the website uses the Eye-Able accessibility suite (Web Inclusion GmbH, Azure-hosted AI models) for automatic Easy Language translation; softgarden powers the ATS; Matomo handles analytics; data processing stays within the EU under DSG-EKD. No proprietary software products or AI models are developed.

Revenue is generated almost exclusively through Leistungsentgelte paid by Berlin social welfare authorities under SGB XII (German Social Code XII), with Entgeltvereinbarungen (fee agreements) signed directly with Land Berlin and Bezirksamt Lichtenberg accounting for more than 10% of annual revenue. Donations, accepted under §5 Abs. 1 Nr. 9 KStG tax-exempt status and routed via BFS, betterplace, and spendenbank.de, supplement funding for project-specific acquisitions. The organization operates as a Verband member of DWBO and BeB, and is governed by co-Managing Directors Dr. Benjamin Bell and Katja Liebal.

Name

leben lernen gGmbH - Im Verbund der Hoffnungstaler Stiftung Lobetal

Legal name

leben lernen gGmbH - Im Verbund der Hoffnungstaler Stiftung Lobetal

Website

https://lebenlernen-berlin.de

Company type

Private

Founded year

1996

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

leben lernen gGmbH is a Berlin non-profit providing 24/7 residential care and day employment programs (BFB) for 116 adults with severe intellectual disabilities and complex support needs across 10 locations, funded primarily through SGB XII social welfare fees paid by Land Berlin.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Disability Support Services

NAICS

Residential Intellectual and Developmental Disability Facilities (62321), Services for the Elderly and Persons with Disabilities (624120), Vocational Rehabilitation Services (624310), Other Residential Care Facilities (62399)

SIC

Services-Nursing & Personal Care Facilities (8050), Services-Social Services (8300), Services-Health Services (8000)

akta.pro primary industry

Specialized Assisted Living for Developmental/Intellectual Disabilities (Adult) (HLADABAJ)

akta.pro secondary industries

Disability Services & Assistive Solutions (Accessibility, Assistive Tech) (BPAGALAM), Disability Services & Independent Living Support (BPAGACAG), Disability Services & Independent Living Support (BPAGAEAG)

Keywords

• Disability support services
• Residential care services
• Supported employment programs
• Inclusive community housing
• Social welfare services

Headquarters

HQ city

Berlin

HQ country

Germany

HQ region

Europe

Offices15 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Social Welfare Funding (SGB XII Leistungsentgelte): The primary revenue stream comes from Leistungsentgelte (service fees) paid by social welfare authorities under SGB XII (German Social Code XII - Social Assistance). Services are provided based on Entgeltvereinbarungen (fee agreements) with the Land Berlin. Billing is handled through the responsible social welfare authority, with Bezirksamt Lichtenberg accounting for more than 10% of annual revenue.
2. Donations and Charitable Contributions: leben lernen accepts donations for projects beyond regular funding. Donations support activities and acquisitions that cannot be financed from operating budgets. The organization is authorized under §5 Abs. 1 Nr. 9 KStG to issue donation receipts (Spendenbescheinigungen). Donations can be made via online form, bank transfer, or through betterplace platform.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels2 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

leben lernen gGmbH provides residential living services (Wohnangebote) and employment/day support services (Beschäftigungs- und Förderbereich/BFB) for adults with severe intellectual disabilities and complex support needs in Berlin. Services are delivered across 10 locations in Lichtenberg, Friedrichshain, and Pankow, serving approximately 116 residents and 129 day-program participants with 24/7 care, structured daily activities, and inclusive community living options. The organization is funded primarily through German social welfare entitlements (Leistungsentgelte under SGB XII) paid by public social welfare authorities.

Product overview

leben lernen gGmbH is a social services organization offering a portfolio of integrated living and working services for adults with cognitive impairments and high support needs in Berlin. The core offerings include Wohnangebote (residential living in group homes and apartments) and Beschäftigungs- und Förderbereich (BFB) (employment and support services). Supporting services include the Bildungsinstitut (educational institute), specialized programs like the Innovationslabor and Kunstatelier, the Der Kiezladen neighborhood shop, and Freiwilligendienste (voluntary service programs). The organization operates at multiple locations across Berlin (Lichtenberg, Friedrichshain, Pankow, Treptow) with approximately 116 residents and 129 BFB participants, supported by approximately 260-346 employees. As part of the Hoffnungstaler Stiftung Lobetal (affiliated with Bodelschwinghsche Stiftungen Bethel), the organization follows a philosophy of inclusion and participation based on the 'Hier bin ich Ich' (Here I am Me) motto.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Bildungsinstitut: Educational institute offering inclusive educational programs, continuing education for employees in disability support, and courses in easy language.
• Beschäftigungs- und Förderbereich (BFB)
• Kunstatelier leben lernen
• Innovationslabor
• Inklusives Gemeinschaftshaus
• Der Kiezladen
• ICH & DU

Products and services

• Wohnangebote (Residential Living Services) Residential living services for people with cognitive impairments and high support needs. Offers housing in group homes and individual apartments at multiple Berlin locations (Lichtenberg, Friedrichshain, Pankow) with 24/7 assistance for daily life, household tasks, appointments, leisure activities, and personal development.
• Beschäftigungs- und Förderbereich (BFB) Employment and support services for adults with cognitive disabilities. Offers meaningful work in spatially and personally separated facilities from residential areas. Includes handcrafted products, art studio (Kunstatelier), Innovation Laboratory (Innovationslabor), and the Kiezladen neighborhood shop at various Berlin locations.
• Bildungsinstitut Educational institute offering inclusive learning opportunities for people with and without disabilities. Provides professional development for employees in disability support services and inclusive adult education programs including courses in easy language, art, culture, health, leisure, and professional practice.
• Innovationslabor (Innovation Laboratory) Innovation laboratory for technology-enthusiastic people with complex disabilities. Located in Falkenberger Straße, features include 3D printer and laser cutter. Six people with complex disabilities work on innovative ideas and practical solutions for everyday life.
• Der Kiezladen (Neighborhood Shop) BFB neighborhood shop in Pistoriusstraße 149, Berlin-Weißensee. Inclusive workplace for 15 adults with cognitive disabilities. Offers include office work, basic education, wood processing, sewing, felting, and artistic design. Visible presence in the community fostering connections with local businesses and neighbors.
• Kunstatelier (Art Studio) Art studio within BFB offering artistic and creative activities. Residents and employees create handmade products including paper, ceramics, watercolors, candles, felt place mats, and greeting cards. Products sold at markets and Adventsgestöber events.
• Inklusives Gemeinschaftshaus (Inclusive Community House) Inclusive community house where 18 people with intellectual disabilities requiring 24/7 support live together with families, students, and seniors under one roof in Weißensee, Berlin. Features small group living and individual apartments as alternatives to traditional 8-person group homes.
• Freiwilligendienste (FSJ/BFD) Voluntary social year (FSJ) and Federal Voluntary Service (BFD) programs at all locations. Participants gain insights into residential groups or BFB, help residents with daily tasks, and attend 25 accompanying seminar days through Diaconical Work Berlin-Brandenburg.
• Hilfe bei der Antragstellung (Application Assistance) Assistance with application procedures for services and support. Social services team helps with applications and other questions related to disability support services.

Quantifiable outcome

• 116 people with severe disabilities have permanent homes
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers2 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration7 records

AI capability2 records

Feature2 records

Partnerships

Five partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Hoffnungstaler Stiftung LobetalcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHoffnungstaler Stiftung Lobetal is the parent organization of leben lernen gGmbH. The foundation is part of the v. Bodelschwinghschen Stiftungen Bethel network. leben lernen was established in 1996 as a subsidiary of the foundation, originating from a dehospitalization project for long-term psychiatric patients.
• Diakonisches Werk Berlin-Brandenburg-schlesische Oberlausitz e.V. (DWBO)coreStrategic or Co-development Partnerleben lernen is a member of DWBO, the regional Diaconal association. The organization operates within the Diaconal network and participates in joint initiatives such as Freiwilligendienste (voluntary services). The DWBO Vorstand (Board) visits and supports member organizations.
• Bundesverband evangelische Behindertenhilfe e.V. (BeB)coreStrategic or Co-development Partnerleben lernen is a member of BeB, the national association for evangelical disability support. The organization participates in BeB initiatives including the 'Hier bestimme ich mit!' (Index for Participation) project in cooperation with IMEW.
• Evangelisches Krankenhaus Königin Elisabeth Herzberge (KEH)coreStrategic or Co-development Partnerleben lernen originated from the KEH psychiatric department. The organization remains located on the KEH campus in Lichtenberg, with several residential facilities (Haus 12, Haus 17) situated on the hospital grounds.
• Institut Mensch, Ethik, Wissenschaft (IMEW)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerIMEW evaluated leben lernen's Action Plan for Implementation of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (2023-2026). The evaluation report was also published in Easy Language.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves11 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• v. Bodelschwinghsche Stiftungen Bethel: Ultimate network parent and one of Germany's largest Diaconal operators of disability services, running residential homes, BFB-equivalent programs, and psychiatric support across multiple federal states. Directly comparable in scope, target population, and Diaconal/Wohlfahrtsverband funding model.
• Hoffnungstaler Stiftung Lobetal: Parent organization and part of the same Diaconal network; operates its own disability, housing, and care services in Brandenburg, including similar residential and day-support programs for people with disabilities. Directly comparable in mission, funding model (SGB XII), and operating geography adjacent to Berlin.
• Björn Schulz Stiftung: Berlin nonprofit providing residential and outpatient support for people with severe disabilities and chronic illnesses, including intensive Wohngruppen and Familienunterstützender Dienst. Comparable in serving high-acuity disability populations in Berlin.
• Pestalozzi-Stiftung Berlin: Berlin-based nonprofit operating residential homes, day centers, and ambulant betreutes Wohnen for children, youth, and adults with intellectual and multiple disabilities. Comparable in SGB XII funding model and Berlin-specific operational scale.
• Stephanus-Stiftung: Diaconal social services provider based in the Berlin-Brandenburg region, operating Wohnstätten, ambulante Dienste, and Werkstätten for people with disabilities. Comparable in funding mechanism, target population, and Berlin/Brandenburg footprint.
• Lebenshilfe Berlin e.V. Berlin state association of the federal Lebenshilfe federation; provides residential Wohnstätten, Werkstätten (WfbM), and early intervention for people with intellectual disabilities. Closest local competitor with overlapping SGB XII-funded offerings and a comparable population focus.

Broad incumbents

• AWO Berlin Kreisverband Mitte: Local branch of Arbeiterwohlfahrt in Berlin, providing Wohnstätten, Tagesstätten, and ambulant betreutes Wohnen for people with intellectual and psychiatric disabilities. Comparable funding model and population, though operating a broader portfolio of social services.
• Caritas Berlin: Berlin branch of the federal Caritas association, operating a broad portfolio of disability, elderly, and social services including Wohnstätten and BFB-equivalent day services. Larger and broader-scope than leben lernen, but overlapping on SGB XII-funded disability programs in Berlin.

Others

• Bundesverband evangelische Behindertenhilfe (BeB): National advocacy association for evangelical disability service providers; leben lernen is a member. Provides policy representation, sector benchmarking, and quality frameworks that shape Entgeltvereinbarungen and SGB XII implementation across the German disability sector.
• Diakonisches Werk Berlin-Brandenburg-schlesische Oberlausitz (DWBO): Regional Diaconal umbrella organization of which leben lernen is a member; coordinates advocacy, FSJ/BFD placement, and sector-wide initiatives. Not a direct operator, but the sectoral ecosystem that channels referrals, training, and political representation for leben lernen.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/leben-lernen-ggmbh
• Instagraminstagram.com/lebenlernenberlin/?utm_medium=copy_link

Compliance4 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles11 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about leben lernen gGmbH - Im Verbund der Hoffnungstaler Stiftung Lobetal