The michelau multigenerational house (MGH) has written a success story. In the last ten years of its existence, its services have more than tripled, and it has become an intergenerational contact point that is an integral part of local life. "You don’t have to be related for old and young to be able to help each other": this statement was made by the then federal minister for family affairs, ursula von der leyen (CDU), at the opening of the multigenerational house in michelau in 2008. The minister had shortly before on federal level the flat-covering action program mehrgenerationenhauser initiated. On saturday, the facility, which is run by the red cross, celebrated its tenth anniversary with a ceremony and an open day.
Financing continues
Frank gerstner, the director of the house, and his team had put together an extensive program that showed the diverse activities of the michelau MGH. Besides the reason for joy, there were also critical notes to be heard. "You give birth to someone, in this case the multigenerational house, and then you run out of money", explained district administrator christian meibner (CSU). He was referring to the fact that the grants are always limited in time. According to meibner, the real gain lies in the versatility of the offerings for all generations. "The multigenerational house at the michelau location is an enrichment for the community, and it also radiates far into the district of lichtenfels", according to the district administrator.
Michelau’s mayor helmut fischer (CSU) was also able to remember the early years with all their facets, from the often difficult financial side to the parked-up schneyer street. Fischer thanked frank gerstner for his manifold commitment in the design of the offer and district manager thomas petrak for his perseverance in the application process.
Dean stefanie ott-fruhwald, who herself grew up in a multigenerational household, described the interaction between the generations as something very valuable. In this place a mutual exchange of young and old takes place and the support of families is lived anew. Ott-fruhwald presented a small cross from el salvador, which showed the many colors of life.
Heike syma from wunsiedel from the state network of bavarian multigenerational houses also congratulated on ten years of existence. In the michelau facility, the multigenerational concept is cultivated, she said. Syma addressed the financial side and expressed the hope that the request will go beyond the year 2020.
A film showed the many activities of the house, ranging from babysitting training to baby movement training, from parent-child brunch and childcare to dance classes and memory training, to the MGH choir and english classes. Meetings and trade shows as well as training courses also take place in the rooms.
A "bettwickeln and a memory training with margitta stephan enriched the program of the celebration. Architect johannes morhard and his colleague marc friedrich presented the "bavaria barrier-free" signet, with which the barrier-free facilities of the house were appreciated.
Honors
Finally, friedrich kohlerschmidt, maria bram, ursula and hans faber, gunther ruckdaschel and margita and hartmut stephan were honored for their tireless commitment by district manager thomas petrak and deputy BRK chairwoman rosemarie gohring.
