Continuation of the Neighborhood Mothers Project: Support for Immigrant Families in Berlin

The Neighborhood Mothers program in Berlin, which has been operational for over two decades, continues to provide essential support to immigrant families. Despite budget cuts at the state level, the program has secured funding for the current year, as confirmed by the Family Senator of Berlin.

Currently, there are 270 Neighborhood Mothers actively working across various districts. A portion of these mothers, specifically 49, are funded through the Solidarity Basic Income program, aimed at long-term unemployed individuals. These participants will now transition into the main Neighborhood Mothers program, ensuring stability and continued support for families in need.

Neighborhood Mothers typically come from immigrant backgrounds themselves, enabling them to connect with new families effectively. They assist these families in acclimating to life in Berlin, navigating bureaucratic processes, and accessing educational resources for their children, including kindergarten and school enrollment. They also provide vital information regarding available support services in their respective districts, with dedicated Neighborhood Mothers' offices located throughout the city.

In addition to their regular duties, Neighborhood Mothers have been successful in implementing specific projects within large refugee accommodations in Tegel and Tempelhof. The Family Senator highlighted that the program has reached over 50,000 families annually, offering accessible support tailored to their needs.

Looking ahead, the Family Senator has expressed a commitment to not only maintain the Neighborhood Mothers program beyond 2025 but also to expand it. Ensuring ongoing financial support will be a top priority in the upcoming budget negotiations for 2026 and 2027, with a goal to increase the number of Neighborhood Mothers to 300.