Kloostervelden
a special residential area with a social character
Discover the unique history of Providentia, located in the picturesque Sterksel. It all started in 1927 when Huize Providentia was founded by the Brothers of the Holy Joseph, initially providing a safe haven for elderly men and, from 1933, also for boys with epilepsy. Beginning with just 13 brothers and 50 patients, Providentia grew into a lively village that was entirely self-sufficient until the 1970s, featuring its own farm, bakery, shoemaking shop, and more. In 1937, a special school was opened, later named after Titus Brandsma, where 28 students learned and played together.
Over the years, Providentia underwent many changes. During World War II, the premises were used by both German and English military forces, and later it became part of Kempenhaeghe. The focus shifted to specialized medical care and residential care. In 2006, the transformation from the old nursing home to the modern residential area of Kloostervelden began. This project, completed in 2023, combined care and regular housing, creating a dynamic community where historical and new residents came together.
Today, Kloostervelden is known as a vibrant community where the spirit of Providentia lives on in every stone and in the hearts of the residents. With a rich history and a commitment to integration and community life, this place continues to be a symbol of care and community.
'The Brothers' is a multifunctional hospitality venue, located in the beating heart of the new residential area of Kloostervelden. Until recently, the area belonged entirely to the Kempenhaeghe Foundation and was more popularly known as Providentia. On the institutional grounds of Providentia, the clients of Kempenhaeghe lived in a fairly closed community.
Over the years, the philosophy in the field of residential care has changed considerably. There has always been a search for a way in which clients with disabilities can participate in today's society. At the time, Kempenhaeghe built more and more care homes in the villages around Sterksel. This resulted in an exodus from the institutional grounds of Providentia.
Residents with the most severe care indications continued to live at Providentia, making the grounds increasingly quiet and peaceful. In the late 1990s, the idea was conceived to revitalize Providentia. Plans were made for a new, accessible residential neighborhood to rise on the old institution grounds. A place where clients and neighborhood residents could build a beautiful neighborhood and future together.
Kloostervelden was born!
Meanwhile, Kloostervelden is a neighborhood in full development. All clients have moved into new care homes, which meet all the conveniences demanded by today's care landscape, and have the appearance of a regular residential home.
In between, residential homes for regular living have been and are being built. Like a melting pot, the clients of Kempenhaeghe and the "new residents" live comfortably side by side. With a fancy word, we call this reverse integration. Under the guidance of neighborhood coach Simone Kuilder, various initiatives are being set up to strengthen the social character of Kloostervelden and the mutual ties.
In addition to "The Brothers," which also serves as the "living room" of Kloostervelden, there are several other facilities where meeting is key. Be sure to also take a look at the monastery farm, fitness, the trail or the natural playground.
See you at Kloostervelden!