We give young people hope, perspective & the best news in the world - with heart & hand.
ABOUT THE FOUNDATION
WHAT DOES THE FOUNDATION SUPPORT?
Many young people today feel lonely. According to a study by the Bertelsmann Foundation "Young People and Society" 46% of 16- to 30-year-olds experience loneliness – sometimes even severely. Therefore, the focus is on supporting projects and organizations that provide youth and young adults with genuine care: HOPE, TIME, and ATTENTION.
Behind this commitment lies the conviction that every person is loved by God – and that every person is unique and valuable. Young people should be able to feel that their lives have meaning and that they are not alone. Especially during the phase of searching for their identity, young people need people who believe in them. Beacons of hope who accompany them, strengthen them, and are there personally – not just digitally, but in real life. Relationships that are honest, committed, and true to life make all the difference here.
THE JOENJA FOUNDATION IS CURRENTLY SUPPORTING THESE THREE PROJECTS
OUR HEART PROJECTS
WEIHNACHTEN IM SCHUHKARTON®
LOVE CAN BE PACKED UP
With the "Christmas in a Shoebox" campaign, millions of children around the world experience true Christmas joy every year—many of them for the first time. Every lovingly wrapped package conveys: You are seen. You are loved.
Jesus says: “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.” (Mark 10:14)
This gift campaign reaches children in difficult life situations and shows them that they are not forgotten through practical help and the message of God's love.
The JOENJA Foundation supports this campaign because it believes that a simple shoebox can touch lives. It brings hope – in a very practical, very personal way.
Further information:
Christmas in a Shoebox – Samaritan's Purse
ABOUT THE FOUNDATION
PACK PARTY
"WEIHNACHTEN IM SCHUHKARTON"
NOVEMBER 22, 2025
Love that can be packed – and you can be part of it!
On Saturday, November 22, 2025, the JOENJA Foundation warmly invites you to a big Packing Party for “Operation Christmas Child”.
Together, we want to pack 400 gift boxes for children in need – in just one day – twice as many as last year!
📍 Where: Theophil-Wurm-Gemeindehaus, Jahnstraße 43, 70771 Leinfelden-Echterdingen
🕙 When: 10:00 – 19:00 Uhr
Whether young or old, alone or with friends and family – every helping hand counts!
There will be creative crafting stations, a packing line with toys, clothes & hygiene items, a card & photo station, and inspiring insights into the global outreach of Samaritan’s Purse.
Snacks and drinks will be provided.
You’re welcome to bring your own small gifts to personalize your shoebox.
Gift ideas can be found on the official website of Weihnachten im Schuhkarton – Samaritan’s Purse.
Be part of a day filled with community, purpose, and joyful anticipation – and help bring hope where it’s needed most.
🔗 Register now for free:
GIVING MOOD
GENEROSITY BEGINS IN THE HEART
Geberlaune is an initiative of the Evangelical Youth Work in Württemberg (EJW) that encourages young people to embrace a new culture of giving and sharing. Through creative inspiration, relevant content, and lots of fun, it conveys that giving is not only necessary but also fulfilling.
Whether it's justice, poverty, the environment, or faith, the spirit of giving makes these topics tangible and relevant. Young people are invited to reflect, participate, and bring about real change – in the spirit of "It is more blessed to give than to receive" (Acts 20:35).
The JOENJA Foundation supports giving spirits because generosity changes hearts – and empowers a young generation that takes responsibility and spreads hope.
Further information:
Jesus “It is more blessed to give than to receive”
(Acts 20:35)
YOUNG LIFE
TRUE FRIENDSHIP, FAITH
AND NEW PERSPECTIVES
Many young people are searching for support, meaning, and a sense of belonging – but often only find pressure to perform, loneliness, and disorientation. Young Life Germany meets them right where they are: in schoolyards, parks, at university, or in everyday life.
Trust is built through personal relationships, genuine interest, and unconditional acceptance. In this atmosphere, the Christian message of God's love can be shared authentically—not in a didactic way, but in a way that speaks to life.
“It's a sin to bore a kid with the gospel.” - Jim Rayburn, founder of Young Life (USA, 1941)
That's why Young Life stands for personal guidance, relationship-oriented youth work, and hope through lived faith.
The JOENJA Foundation supports Young Life Germany because young people need people, not programs. Relationships that strengthen, support, and give hope.
Further information:
DONATE NOW
With your donation, you give children and young people hope, perspective and real opportunities for the future.
Every contribution counts – thank you for your support!
Please enter the name of the project you would like to support in the “Payment Purpose” field:
Giving spirit, Christmas in a shoebox or YoungLife.
If you do not specify, your donation will benefit all three projects equally.
With grant notification
Your support counts – and can of course be claimed as a tax deduction.
For donations up to 300 euros, a simple proof of payment, such as a copy of your bank transfer, is sufficient.
For amounts of 300 euros or more, we will automatically issue you with a donation receipt, which you can submit to the tax office.
Donations are processed through our partner organization, the Hoffnungsträger Foundation.
Therefore, this also appears as the payment recipient on your bank statement.
We handle your data with care: Within the Hoffnungsträger Group, your information is processed responsibly – with the goal of making collective giving sustainable, transparent, and effective.
Together we make the difference
JOENJA FOUNDATION
The name JOENJA is a combination of the first names Joerg and Anja. Since 1993, Jörg and Anja Günther have lived on the outskirts of Stuttgart, where their home and family are located.
Jörg has more than 35 years of experience in building and managing an IT company and is also committed to supporting IT start-ups.
Anja originally comes from the travel industry and brings her experience in customer service and organization.
Jörg and Anja are deeply rooted in Christian youth work—through projects like "Ten Sing" (YMCA/EJW) and their work with young people at Young Life, among others. These formative experiences continue to form an important foundation for their motivation and commitment.
CONTACT
Jörg Günther
Upper Gardens 47
70771 Leinfelden-Echterdingen
0172 7611605
Your message is welcome!