Stiftung Mary Ward

What Stiftung Mary Ward does

Stiftung Mary Ward is a private nonprofit foundation (Stiftung bürgerlichen Rechts) under German law, headquartered in Velbert-Langenberg, North Rhine-Westphalia, that operates a differentiated portfolio of 14 residential, semi-residential, and outpatient care programs for children, youth, families, and adults with disabilities under the German Child and Youth Welfare Act (SGB VIII) and the Integration Assistance framework (SGB IX, Eingliederungshilfe). The foundation serves approximately 180 children, youth, and young adults with a workforce of approximately 140 employees, offering services that range from emergency intake and diagnostic clearing (NAVI, Ankerpunkt) and trauma-informed residential care (Zitronenfalter) to family-oriented and family-activating residential homes (Leuchtturm, Dreiklang), gender-specific residential groups (Startklar, Don Bosco, Nordstern), parent-child accommodation, supported independent living for adults with disabilities (Ambulant Betreutes Wohnen), a therapeutic day group (KIWI), a kindergarten (Kita Mary Ward), and after-school care (OGS at Förderzentrum Nord). Staffing ratios across programs range from 1:1.08 to 1:1.75, reflecting the high-intensity, human-pédagogique nature of the care delivered.

The foundation's revenue model is based on publicly funded managed-services contracts: placement fees and per-diem rates negotiated with local Youth Welfare Offices (Jugendämter) in the Kreis Mettmann district for SGB VIII services, and individual financing arrangements with the Landschaftsverband Rheinland for SGB IX integration assistance. A supplementary revenue stream is provided by charitable donations, sponsorships, and the Förderverein Netzwerk e.V. booster association, which funds equipment, renovations, and special projects beyond what public rates cover. The organization is supervised by the Landschaftsverband Rheinland, which also holds a board seat, and traces its heritage to 1948 when the Maria Ward Sisters (Congregatio Jesu) founded Haus Maria Frieden for war orphans; the foundation's current legal form dates from January 2016, when operations were spun off into the independent Stiftung Mary Ward, with the religious order fully completing its departure in June 2022.

Go-to-market is community-led and referral-driven: Jugendämter and LVR function as the sole formal placement authorities, supported by a network of cooperating pediatric, psychiatric, therapeutic, and educational partners, local media coverage, and an annual public reception (Jahresempfang). No pricing is publicly disclosed, and no commercial customers exist outside the public welfare system. Leadership transitioned in January 2026 when Markus Zinecker succeeded long-serving Stiftungsvorstand Peter Huyeng (17 years), with no apparent change in strategic direction.

Name

Stiftung Mary Ward

Legal name

Stiftung Mary Ward

Website

https://stiftungmaryward.de

Company type

Private

Founded year

2016

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Stiftung Mary Ward is a German nonprofit foundation operating 14 residential, semi-residential, and outpatient care programs for children, youth, families, and adults with disabilities in Velbert-Langenberg and Kreis Mettmann under SGB VIII and SGB IX, serving approximately 180 clients with 140 employees funded primarily by public welfare authorities.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Social Services / Child and Youth Welfare

NAICS

Child and Youth Services (62411), Other Residential Care Facilities (62399), Residential Intellectual and Developmental Disability Facilities (62321), Services for the Elderly and Persons with Disabilities (62412)

SIC

Services-Social Services (8300), Services-Nursing & Personal Care Facilities (8050), Services-Child Day Care Services (8351)

akta.pro primary industry

Live-In Special Needs & Inclusive Childcare (HSAAAEAJ)

akta.pro secondary industries

Protection Services (GBV, Child Protection, Safeguarding) (BPADAHAF), Specialized Assisted Living for Developmental/Intellectual Disabilities (Adult) (HLADABAJ), Mental Health & Emotional/Trauma-Informed Childcare (anxiety, PTSD) (HSAAAIAI)

Keywords

• Youth welfare services
• Child residential care
• Supported living services
• Social pedagogy programs
• Family support services

Headquarters

HQ city

Velbert-Langenberg

HQ country

Germany

HQ region

Europe

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Revenue model

1. Public youth welfare services (Kinder- und Jugendhilfe): Services are funded under the German Child and Youth Welfare Act (SGB VIII) through agreements with local Youth Welfare Offices (Jugendämter) in the Kreis Mettmann area. Revenue is derived from placement fees and per-diem rates negotiated with public welfare authorities.
2. Integration assistance for people with disabilities (Eingliederungshilfe): Ambulant Betreutes Wohnen (supported living for people with disabilities) is financed individually through the Landschaftsverband Rheinland under the Integration Assistance framework (SGB IX, Eingliederungshilfe).
3. Donations and sponsorships: The foundation accepts charitable donations and benefits from local sponsors, supporters, and the Förderverein Netzwerk e.V. to supplement publicly funded services and fund additional projects and equipment.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Stiftung Mary Ward operates 14 distinct residential, semi-residential, and outpatient care programs "from a single source" (aus einer Hand) for children, youth, families, and people with disabilities in the Kreis Mettmann area of Germany. Services include residential care homes, emergency intake and diagnostic stations, parent-child housing, training living for older youth, supported independent living for adults with disabilities, therapeutic day groups, daycare (Kita), and after-school care, all delivered under German Child and Youth Welfare Law (SGB VIII) and Integration Assistance law (SGB IX).

Product overview

Stiftung Mary Ward is a social welfare foundation offering a differentiated portfolio of residential, semi-residential, and outpatient care services for children, youth, families, and people with disabilities under the German Child and Youth Welfare Act (SGB VIII). The organization provides 14 distinct programs organized as a unified platform: residential care homes (Leuchtturm, Blickpunkt, Dreiklang, Startklar, Don Bosco, Nordstern, Zitronenfalter, Mutter/Vater-Kind), crisis intervention and assessment services (NAVI, Ankerpunkt), independent living programs (Flexible Hilfen, Ambulant Betreutes Wohnen), day-based services (Heilpädagogische Tagesgruppe KIWI), and educational services (Kita Mary Ward, OGS). All offerings are designed inclusively with care levels ranging from 1:1.08 to 1:1.75 staffing ratios, serving approximately 180 children, youth, and young adults in the Kreis Mettmann area with 140 employees.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Leuchtturm (Family-oriented Residential Care)
• Blickpunkt (Special Educational Residential Care)
• Dreiklang (Family-Activating Residential Care)
• Startklar (Residential Care for Female Youth)
• Don Bosco (Residential Care for Male Youth)
• Nordstern (Intensive Pedagogical Residential Care)
• NAVI (Emergency Intake, Clearing, Socialpedagogical Diagnostics)
• Ankerpunkt (Clarification, Training, Transition)
• Zitronenfalter (Trauma-Informed Residential Group)
• Flexible Hilfen (Training Living & Supervised Independent Living)
• Mutter/Vater-Kind Wohnangebot (Parent-Child Housing)
• Heilpädagogische Tagesgruppe (KIWI)
• Kita Mary Ward (Daycare)
• Offene Ganztagsschule (OGS)
• Ambulant Betreutes Wohnen (Outpatient Supported Living for People with Disabilities)

Quantifiable outcome

• 14 different care programs offered 'from a single source' (aus einer Hand)
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

13 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Förderverein Netzwerk e.V.coreGTM or Marketing Partner · 20 January 2011The dedicated booster association for Stiftung Mary Ward, founded on January 20, 2011. Provides networking contacts, organizes sponsor activities, and supports concrete projects and events. Led by first chairman Jörg Liebig and second chairman Dr. Ulrich Irle. Raises funds, secures sponsors, and promotes the foundation's mission in the community.
• Die Bunten Socken (Theatre Group)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerTheatre group that supported children and youth in developing and performing a shadow play theater production in 2023 as part of the annual motto theme 'Ich bin wertvoll – durch und durch'.
• Jonathan Butz (Artist/Musician)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMusician and artist who performed and presented the participation song 'Ich bin Ich' with children and youth of the foundation as part of annual motto events.
• Nearby Pediatric and Child Psychiatry PracticesminorOthersCooperation partners for Ankerpunkt and other services. Includes a nearby pediatric practice and a child psychiatry practice for continuous, structured diagnostics and individualized educational/treatment plans.
• Therapists, Doctors, SchoolsminorOthersMulti-disciplinary cooperation network including psychotherapists, occupational therapists, art therapists, doctors, and schools for holistic care of children and youth.
• Trauma Counseling SupervisorminorOthersA supervisor specialized in trauma counseling provides ongoing professional supervision for the Zitronenfalter trauma care team.
• Training Institutes in Psychotraumatology and Trauma PedagogyminorOthersCooperation with training institutions in psychotraumatology and trauma pedagogy for staff qualification and professional development at Zitronenfalter.
• Caritasverband Köln (Diocese Caritas Association)minorOthersThe foundation participates in a working group under the Diözesancaritasverband Köln focused on finding solutions to staffing challenges in youth welfare. Additionally provides seminar support for FSJ (Voluntary Social Year) participants.
• Landeskinderschutzbund NRWminorOthersCooperated with the State Child Protection Association NRW to develop and implement the complaint management system (Beschwerdemanagement) 'Mutig mutig, beschweren erlaubt' for children and youth in care.
• Stadt Velbert (City of Velbert)minorOthersMunicipal partner providing support including a donation from the city to the Kita Mary Ward on its 40th anniversary, presented by Deputy Mayor Dr. Kanschat. The foundation's OGS operates at the Förderzentrum Nord school.
• Landschaftsverband RheinlandcoreOthersSupervisory authority for the foundation and the key funding body for integration assistance (Eingliederungshilfe) services, particularly for Ambulant Betreutes Wohnen for people with disabilities. Holds a seat on the foundation's board (Stiftungsrat).
• Congregatio Jesu (formerly Englische Fräulein)minorOthersReligious order founded by Mary Ward. Former sponsor and operator of the institution. The congregation transferred operations of Haus Maria Frieden to Stiftung Mary Ward in 2016. Provincial superior Sr. Cosima and other sisters remain connected to the foundation.
• Windrather TalschuleminorOthersLocal school that cooperated with the foundation on the musical 'Elfenland' project presented at the 2025 annual reception.

Scale indicators10 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights4 records

Broad incumbents

• Diakonie Deutschland: National welfare organization of Protestant churches operating youth welfare facilities, disability services, and refugee aid nationwide. Comparable as a broad incumbent offering SGB VIII and SGB IX services with similar residential and outpatient care programs.
• Caritas Deutschland: National confederation of Catholic welfare organizations providing a wide range of social services including child and youth welfare, disability services, and elderly care. Comparable as a funder, sector partner, and large incumbent in the same regulatory framework (already a working group partner).
• AWO Bundesverband (Arbeiterwohlfahrt): National confederation of local AWO chapters providing youth welfare, family support, and disability services. Comparable as a large incumbent operating comparable residential, day care, and family services under public welfare contracts.

Direct peers

• Lebenshilfe (Bundesvereinigung Lebenshilfe): Federation of disability service providers operating residential homes, supported living, and family services under SGB IX. Comparable for the Ambulant Betreutes Wohnen and Mutter/Vater-Kind disability service lines.
• Stiftung ICP München: Munich-based foundation providing integrated care for children and adults with cerebral palsy and developmental disabilities. Comparable as a specialized German care foundation operating residential, outpatient, and educational services with a comparable single-source service model.
• Bodelschwinghsche Stiftungen Bethel: Large Protestant welfare foundation in Bielefeld offering residential care, disability services, and outpatient support. Comparable as a comprehensive single-source care platform operating residential, semi-residential, and outpatient services under German welfare law.
• Bethanien Kinder- und Jugenddorf Eltville: Diakonie-affiliated foundation providing residential villages and youth welfare services across Germany. Comparable as a faith-rooted foundation offering residential child and youth care, family support, and specialized programs.
• SOS-Kinderdorf (SOS Children's Villages Germany): Operates residential villages and youth welfare programs across Germany under SGB VIII. Directly comparable as a multi-site child and youth welfare provider with comparable public-sector funding model and differentiated program offerings.
• Wichern Diakoniewerk Hamburg: Diakonie-affiliated social welfare organization operating residential youth care, disability services, and supported living in the Hamburg region. Comparable as a regional single-source provider of residential and outpatient welfare services under SGB VIII and SGB IX.

Regional players

• Phönix Schulen und Beratung GmbH: Private operator of alternative education and youth welfare facilities in Germany, including residential care. Comparable as a regional private competitor offering SGB VIII-funded residential and educational programs.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/stiftung-mary-ward

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about Stiftung Mary Ward