Mariannenhof

Mariannenhof is a historic four-sided farm in Etingen, a district of the town of Oebisfelde-Weferlingen in the Börde district. The main building of the former farm was converted into a modern residential home for people with mental and multiple disabilities and reopened in February 2018. A total of 13 adults find a comfortable home in the two residential groups. A maximum of seven residents live together in each living area. The 13 modern single rooms, some of which have their own bathroom, are located on two floors, which are accessible by elevator.

In addition to the personal areas, the two living areas each have a shared living room with an adjoining kitchen. This is where everyday communal life is concentrated. For example, preparing and eating meals together and performing housekeeping tasks contribute to a fixed daily structure. During the day, the residents attend the workshops for people with disabilities (WfbM) run by Lebenshilfe Ostfalen in Bülstringen and Hundisburg or the day care center in Calvörde.

In the afternoons, there are leisure activities, joint excursions and trips to the shops. Housekeeping activities and all leisure activities are based on the wishes and individual abilities of our residents.

The following are offered:

• Care and grooming of the farm's own small animals
• Gardening
• Table tennis and table soccer
• Bicycle tours in the "Drömling" biosphere reserve
• Cooperation offers of the biosphere reserve "Drömling"
• Sport at the Lucky Fitness gym in Haldensleben

The daily structures offer orientation and a variety of opportunities for work, occupation and self-realization.

A special feature of the Mariannenhof residential offer is the fact that life is anchored on a farm. A spacious outdoor area extends behind the residential building. The spacious courtyard, surrounded by stables, offers a meeting place within the entire residential complex, especially in the warmer months. But the adjoining garden and other green spaces also offer opportunities to spend time in nature.

The small animals that live there also contribute to the special flair of our beautiful farm.

Of course, this life also presents a special challenge for our residents, as the farm also needs to be managed well. This includes the species-appropriate care, care and occupation of the animals living on the farm, the cultivation of fruit and vegetables in the garden, as well as the maintenance of the farm and the outdoor facilities.

There is also a sports club with a soccer pitch and volleyball court, cycle paths through the "Drömling" nature reserve, a riding club in the region that also offers carriage rides, a great restaurant with which we cooperate and an ice cream parlor that invites you to linger in the summer.

The biosphere reserve's information center in "Kämkerhorst" introduces residents to the nature of the "Drömling", imparts knowledge and offers a variety of project work, such as beekeeping and making your own honey. In cooperation with the biosphere reserve, the residents look after two bee colonies on the "Mariannenhof" and produce honey for their own consumption.

The proximity and close cooperation with the Calvörde site, just a few minutes away, with its residential facilities run by the Neinstedt Protestant Foundation, supplements the leisure activities on offer for the residents with numerous activities such as choir, dance, participation in Circus Bonini, handicrafts, devotions, visits to the indoor swimming pool in Haldensleben and regular cinema screenings at the home.

The Mariannenhof is a former four-sided farm and is located in the municipality of Etingen in the district of Börde on the edge of the Drömling nature reserve. There is a train station in the nearby village of Wegenstedt with train connections to major cities such as Wolfsburg, Hanover and Magdeburg as well as regional connections. Cycle paths invite you to explore the diverse forests in the area and the "Drömling" biosphere reserve.