"Now I feel like I belong again in a wonderful community that values and needs me and my skills."
Dear Reader,
Monika has lived for many years in a small row house on the outskirts of her favorite town. The likeable senior citizen loves peace and quiet, but after the death of her husband, she feels more and more lonely as time goes by. Her friends have either moved away or have already passed away. Days pass slowly and monotonously, and she longs for social interaction and new acquaintances.
When you think you can't do it anymore....
Monika has little opportunity to go downtown because she doesn't own a car. Her pension is tight, and she simply can't afford to pay for outings. The idea of meeting other people in cafés or restaurants therefore seems increasingly out of reach.
... a little light comes from somewhere.
One day, Monika hears about a new kind of compensation system for volunteers called "Gradido". It's a thank-you system based on the Gradido model. Both volunteers and older people receive Gradidos as thanks points or thanks currency. The idea sounds promising to Monika.
She researches further and discovers that volunteers organize a driving service to nice meeting places in the city center. At these "Gradido cafés" you can get coffee, cake or other meals for Gradidos. That sounds perfect for Monika. She could meet people she wouldn't otherwise get to know, and at the same time conserve her limited financial resources.
Monika signs up for the Gradido program as a participant and is contacted shortly after by a friendly volunteer named Stefanie. Stefanie explains the concept to Monika and invites her to a first meeting.
GradidoCafé: new friends and new tasks
The next day, the time has already come. Monika is waiting excitedly in front of her house. When she sees Stefanie, she immediately feels more at ease. Stefanie drives with Monika to the municipal community center, where "GradidoCafé" is on the agenda today. Volunteers bring coffee and cake, and many happy people of all ages have already gathered.
Monika takes a seat at a table and notices how lively the place is. People are laughing, talking and sharing stories. Stefanie explains to Monika that this is not just about eating and drinking, but also about sharing needs and skills.
While Monika enjoys her coffee, she starts talking to the other guests. She meets a woman named Gabriele who loves to knit and has found some younger people who appreciate her craft skills. Monika used to be a kindergarten teacher and offers to share her experience in childcare. This is enthusiastically accepted by some parents.
Monika can hardly believe it! She has not only found new friends, but also a way to share her talents and experiences with others. The Gradido program meetings have now become regular events in Monika's life. She looks forward to each encounter and the new stories she hears.
Things are also getting better financially
Over time, Monika realizes that she has not only overcome her loneliness, but has also significantly improved her financial situation. Through her participation in the program, she collects gradidos that she can exchange for small services and other things. It's a joyful give and receive, with everyone benefiting from the talents and skills of others.
Monika is very grateful for the Gradido program and the possibilities it opens up for her. She is now no longer lonely and finds a new source of joy and fulfillment in the meetings. With each meeting the community grows and Monika feels not only as a recipient but also as an active participant.she feels needed and belonging again.
A life of joy and mutual support
The Gradido program has not only changed Monika's life, but also that of many other people who were previously looking for social interaction and meaning in life. Gradido has become an important part of the community, with more and more people coming together to support and learn from each other.
Monika's story is an example of how an innovative compensation system and the sharing of talents and needs can help overcome social isolation and build a strong community. The gratitude points in the Gradido program enable Monika and others to live their lives with joy and enrich each other.
Favorite city shines out into the world
Quickly, the news spreads beyond the borders of favorite city. Other cities begin to express their interest in this innovative system.
Thanks to the ingenuity of Mayor Miteinand, Lieblingsstadt is flourishing as never before. The city is hailed as an example of social progress.
In this second post of our series "Gradido in favorite city" we learn how Gradido is changing lives for the better for seniors. In the next episode, we join the young Frank family in sharing their success story. And in the other posts, we'll tell you how the Gradido model is significantly improving the quality of life for many more people, making the city safer, and even saving businesses and the city hospital.
Please forward this series to your city council, associations and businesses. Because one thing has probably already noticed every attentive person: if we remain inactive now, so many things go down the drain.
With Gradido, we have an effective tool for positive life design in our hands. Together, we are transforming our cities and communities into vibrant oases - our favorite places!
Kind regards from Hohenlohe
Yours
Margret Baier and Bernd Hückstädt
Gradido founder and developer
PS: Due to the ever-growing importance of Gradido, we are repeating our gratitude campaign on October 25, 2025: In addition to the multiple GradidoTransform for your sponsorship contribution, we will increase all GDT account balances by 25% on 25.10.25. Sponsor now and enjoy the multiple amount of GDT!