Väterzentrum Berlin

Väterzentrum Berlin is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting active fatherhood. Founded in 2007 as the successor to Mannege – Information und Beratung für Männer e.V. (established in 1989), it operates a meeting point and counseling center for fathers and their children in Berlin-Prenzlauer Berg. The organization offers a wide range of services including the Papa-Café for fathers on parental leave, father-child weekends, courses for expectant fathers, family events, and counseling on legal, strategic, and workplace issues related to fatherhood. It also provides training and consultancy for professionals and organizations working with fathers. Funded by the Berlin Senate Department for Education, Youth and Family, Väterzentrum Berlin is a recognized provider of youth welfare services and a member of the Paritätischer Wohlfahrtsverband. In 2009 it was recognized as a "Selected Landmark in the Land of Ideas," and in 2017 it received a special award from Mestemacher's "Spitzenvater des Jahres." Since January 1, 2025, it has been part of stützrad gGmbH, a renowned family support organization. The center serves fathers in all family constellations, including separated, single, patchwork, social, and rainbow fathers, and also welcomes mothers at many of its offerings.

Väterzentrum Berlin emerged from the predecessor organization Mannege – Information und Beratung für Männer e.V., which was founded in 1989 and operated for many years as a psychosocial counseling center for men. In 2007, the Väterzentrum was opened as a dedicated facility for fathers and their children in Berlin-Prenzlauer Berg. In 2012, the members of the association decided to rename it Väterzentrum e.V. to reflect its focus on fatherhood. The organization has been funded by the Berlin Senate Department for Education, Youth and Family and is a recognized provider of youth welfare services. It is a member of the Paritätischer Wohlfahrtsverband (Berlin-Brandenburg regional association) and the Arbeitsgemeinschaft der Berliner Familienverbände (AGF-Berlin). On the federal level, it is part of the Väter-Experten-Netz Deutschland e.V., and since 2019 it has been a partner in the global MenCare – A Global Fatherhood Campaign. In 2009, its work was recognized as a "Selected Landmark in the Land of Ideas," and in 2010 it was nominated for the Karl-Kübel-Preis. In 2017, it received a special award from Mestemacher's "Spitzenvater des Jahres." In 2013/2014, its work was evaluated by the social research institute SoWiTra. On January 1, 2025, Väterzentrum Berlin became part of stützrad gGmbH, a renowned organization with long experience in family support, after a year of intensive cooperation. This transition marked a new chapter, aiming to strengthen services through synergies and a broader network.

• 2025

  Integrated into stützrad gGmbH on January 1.

• 2019

  Became a partner in the global MenCare – A Global Fatherhood Campaign.

• 2017

  Received a special award from Mestemacher's "Spitzenvater des Jahres."

• 2013

  Work evaluated by the social research institute SoWiTra (2013/2014).

• 2012

  Association renamed from Mannege e.V. to Väterzentrum e.V.

• 2010

  Nominated for the Karl-Kübel-Preis.

• 2009

  Recognized as a "Selected Landmark in the Land of Ideas."

• 2007

  Väterzentrum Berlin opened in Berlin-Prenzlauer Berg.

• 1989

  Predecessor organization Mannege – Information und Beratung für Männer e.V. founded.

A recognized center of expertise for father work in Berlin and a nationwide model project, offering low-threshold meeting spaces and professional counseling for fathers in all family constellations.

• Papa-Café

  A café meeting for fathers on parental leave.

• Father-child weekends

  Experiential education activities for fathers and their children.

• Courses for expectant fathers

  Preparation courses for men becoming fathers.

• Legal counseling

  Legal advice for fathers in separation situations, provided by specialized family lawyers.

• Strategic counseling

  Strategic advice for fathers in and after separation.

• Group program for fathers after separation

  A group program supporting fathers after separation.

• Training and workshops for professionals

  Workshops, seminars, and further education on father work for professionals.

1. 1Väterzentrum Berlin – Väterzentrum Berlinvaeterzentrum-berlin.de
2. 2Team – Väterzentrum Berlinvaeterzentrum-berlin.de
3. 3Verein – Väterzentrum Berlinvaeterzentrum-berlin.de
4. 4Väterzentrum Berlinwikidata.org
5. 5Väterzentrum Berlinde.wikipedia.org