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Closure of the meeting place in the LISA district center on 31.12.2025

31.07.2025

The meeting place in the LISA district center in Jena-Lobeda, operated by the AWO Regionalverband Mitte-West-Thüringen e.V., will be closed on 31 December 2025. The decision was made in close consultation between the provider and the city administration on the basis of a professional assessment. The AWO's housing advice service remains unaffected and will continue to be offered at the care support point (Goethe Galerie) and as part of outreach advice.

The Neulobeda district council was informed of the planned closure in June. In addition, several discussions were held with local volunteers and stakeholders.

Background to the decision

  • The closure is based on a comprehensive professional analysis of the service development, capacity utilization and general conditions:
  • The number of monthly visitors to the meeting place has been declining for several years (2017: 619; 2024: 420; 2025 to July: 280).
  • The municipal subsidy has risen continuously (2017: approx. €55,800; 2025: approx. €79,000), while staffing levels have been reduced from 40 to 24 hours per week of facility management.
  • Structural and conceptual risks were identified in several quality meetings, including staff turnover and an increased workload for employees.
  • The provider has declared that it will no longer be able to make its own contribution from 2026. The most recent own contribution was over €9,500 per year.
  • An increase in the municipal subsidy is not possible.

The recently imposed budget freeze was not the decisive factor, but merely confirmed and strengthened the existing professional decision-making process. The main reasons for this were the drop in user numbers, the changed age structure in the district and the limited prospects for further development of the facility.

Demographic development and prospects

The demographic trend in the Lobeda planning area shows a decline in the total number of older people and a simultaneous increase in the number of people over 80 years of age. This results in the need to create more outreach and everyday services. To this end, structures have already been expanded in the district - in particular the agathe project (increased to 2.5 staff positions since 2024) and through facilities such as the district office, KLEX, Thekiz, Kubus and the DRK.

The DRK meeting center Lobeda-Ost (Ernst-Schneller-Straße 10) has additional room capacity for further use. The agathe project makes an important contribution to preventing loneliness in old age and provides targeted support for (re)activation and social participation.

Transition process

  • The services at LISA will end on September 30, 2025.
  • The transition of proven formats to new locations is currently taking place in close coordination with the provider, volunteers and the facilities in the district.
  • An information event in September will introduce the new locations.

Objectives of the city of Jena

The city administration of Jena is endeavoring to shape the transition constructively together with all those involved. Existing social structures are to be maintained and further developed where possible, and new target group-oriented formats are to be established. The social participation of older people and an economically responsible use of resources are equally important.