Where Community Meets Opportunity – Social and Citizen Services for Everyone in Germany

Gie?en , a vibrant and diverse city in Hesse, Germany, 40 mins away from Frankfurt offers a broad range of social and citizen services designed to cater to the needs of its residents, whether they are students, newcomers, or long-term locals.

From community integration and student services to women’s empowerment and creative innovation, the city fosters a sense of inclusion, support, and active engagement. Here's a detailed look at the key services that contribute to the city's dynamic social fabric.

1. AStA Gie?en (Allgemeiner Studierendenausschuss der JLU Gie?en)

At the heart of student life in Gie?en is AStA, the student council of Justus Liebig University (JLU). AStA serves as both a representative and support body for students, offering a range of essential services. Whether you're new to the university or an established student, AStA ensures that navigating student life is seamless.

One of its most valuable offerings is the Semesterticket from 2024, called Deutschland ticket, an affordable public transport pass that enables students to travel across Germany.

In addition to transport, AStA provides crucial psychological counseling services, ensuring that students struggling with stress, anxiety, or other challenges can access help in a supportive environment.

AStA also organizes cultural events, workshops, and lectures, which help students connect with peers and enrich their university experience.

From bike rentals (free for students) to creative spaces, the organization strives to meet both academic and extracurricular needs.

For any queries, you can visit their office at Otto-Behaghel-Stra?e 25, 35394 Gie?en, or contact them at [email protected] . More information can be found on their website: www.asta-giessen.de

2. Gemeinwesenarbeit Gie?en-West (GWA)

Moving to a new city can be overwhelming, especially when you're unfamiliar with local services. For newcomers to the Gie?en-West district, GWA (Gemeinwesenarbeit Gie?en-West) is a lifeline. This community initiative offers counseling and support services to help new residents integrate into local life.

GWA acts as a bridge between individuals and the community, guiding people through bureaucratic processes, connecting them with local services, and offering social activities to foster friendships and community ties.

The center also provides a space where residents can meet, share experiences, and support each other. Located at Wilhelm-Liebknecht-Haus, Leimenkauter Weg 16, 35398 Gie?en. You can contact them via email at [email protected] .

Whether you're looking for help navigating local services or seeking community connections, GWA offers invaluable support.

3. Mentoring Hessen - ProAcademia

Mentoring Hessen, an initiative hosted by Goethe University Frankfurt. It aims to provide guidance and support to students and professionals across various universities in the region of Hessen, including Justus Liebig University Giessen, Technical University Darmstadt, University of Kassel, and others.

The program focuses on fostering academic growth, offering mentoring to help individuals advance in their academic careers. With the involvement of universities of applied sciences such as Frankfurt UAS, Hochschule RheinMain, and Hochschule Fulda, the initiative creates a comprehensive support network for students, helping bridge gaps between education and career opportunities.

This regional collaboration highlights Hessen's commitment to academic mentorship and student success. For more information, individuals are encouraged to contact Mentoring Hessen directly via email or phone.

As part of a larger statewide initiative, Mentoring Hessen - ProAcademia is a mentorship program designed to encourage women in research and leadership roles. This program focuses on advanced doctoral students and postdoctoral researchers, providing them with the skills and networks needed to succeed in academia and beyond.

ProAcademia offers tailored mentorship, connecting participants with established professionals in their fields, and provides career development workshops that address issues such as leadership, work-life balance, and navigating male-dominated fields. For women in science and academia, this program is a powerful resource for both personal and professional development.

4. Globale Mittelhessen Filmfestival

From October 25th to November 10th, 2024, the Globale Mittelhessen Filmfestival will take center stage in the region, highlighting the themes of global justice and social inequality. Through an impressive lineup of films from around the world, the festival seeks to raise awareness about issues such as climate change, economic disparities, and human rights abuses.

Taking place across multiple venues in Mittelhessen, including Gie?en, the festival is not only a platform for filmmakers but also a space for attendees to engage in meaningful discussions about pressing global challenges. It's a must-attend event for anyone interested in global justice, and it promises to leave attendees both informed and inspired.

Log on: www.globalmittelhessen.de

5. MAGIE (Makerspace Gie?en)

For creative minds and inventors, MAGIE (Makerspace Gie?en) is a dream come true. This innovative space provides all the tools and resources needed to bring ideas to life, from 3D printers to woodworking tools.

Whether you're an experienced maker or a beginner, MAGIE offers workshops and training sessions to help you hone your skills and collaborate with others. (Check out the Calendar on their website, anmeldung - registration necessary for some workshops with limited spots)

This makerspace is perfect for anyone interested in engineering, design, or DIY projects. It's a space where creativity meets technology, and people come together to invent, create, and share.

You can visit the space at Walltorstra?e 57, 35390 Gie?en, and learn more about their offerings at www.makerspace-giessen.de

6. Hessische Seniorenbl?tter

The Hessische Seniorenbl?tter (a newspaper), published by the Hessisches Ministerium für Soziales und Integration, is an essential resource for senior citizens in Gie?en and beyond.

It focuses on health and well-being, providing advice on topics such as healthy eating during summer and preventing dehydration.

The newsletter also offers legal advice, updates on care rights, and features stories about seniors living active and fulfilling lives. This publication ensures that older residents are kept informed about issues relevant to them, promoting both their health and autonomy. For seniors and their families, it’s a helpful resource filled with practical tips and important updates.

From student life to senior services, and from women’s empowerment to creative innovation, Gie?en offers an impressive array of social and citizen services for free as public goods.

These organizations provide critical support, helping residents integrate, engage, and thrive within the community. Whether you're a newcomer, a student, or a long-time resident, there’s a wealth of resources available to meet your needs and help you make the most of life in this vibrant city.

Install Giessen App for all city links and updates: https://giessenapp.de/

Or log onto: https://www.giessen.de/