Rebellious teenager with volunteer work at heart

Laska loves books; she can spend hours browsing in bookstores. Books are her passion, each with its own sentiment. The book section at Foenix feels like her bookstore, where her love for books is expressed through carefully curated book displays, personal contact with customers, and a warm welcome. Through her reintegration program, Laska started volunteering in the book section at Foenix. "I started doing something completely different from what I used to do, which was very good. But the transition was difficult. With guidance from my reintegration program, I got there. Volunteering allowed me to step out of my existing bubble. This way, I discovered what I enjoy and what I can do. I wouldn't have made the connection from my love for books to becoming job-ready through volunteer work on my own." Five years ago, Laska stopped working as a coach at UWV after several periods of sick leave. Two years ago, she was diagnosed with chronic whiplash, RSI, and chronic burnout with sensory overload due to an accident 25 years ago. "With the diagnosis, I could move forward. Now I know what I need to work on and where my weaknesses and pain points lie. I realized that going back to my old job was not an option." The book section offered Laska a low-stimulus work environment where she could regain her strength. "Physically, the volunteer work was challenging with my conditions. For example, carrying books all day is very tough. It was important for me to understand my limits, and the book section at Foenix was the perfect place for this. The moment I felt that time passed effortlessly, I knew I had developed my work rhythm. This felt so good, and now I feel like, 'I can do something again!'" Through volunteer work, Laska feels part of society again. "I was expected somewhere; they consider me, focus on my qualities, and miss me when I'm not there. I missed this feeling a lot and had completely lost it. It gives me more self-confidence. Together with colleagues, we make plans for 'my little store.' In 'my' store, I know what sells well and what people like to read. I know the customers, see who comes often, and this contact with regular customers is very enjoyable! Books have sentiment, and I love working with that. I’ve started reading many new types of books myself, which is very fun! My creative spirit has been sparked. I enjoy creating beautiful book displays, carefully organizing the book section, and working with colleagues on themed projects." From her previous job, Laska never thought of working in a bookstore. "Now that I’m doing this at Foenix, I dare to dream again because I have regained my work rhythm and self-confidence. Just try something and see what it brings you. You can always do something, but sometimes you need help. I received that help at Foenix. I have found myself again. Sitting at home was necessary, but ultimately solves nothing. Now I know I can work two mornings, and I feel job-ready again."

The 21-year-old Ahlam has been living in the Netherlands for two years. Besides her job at a restaurant and taking an integration course, she visits Tine and Wim weekly. "They are always happy to see me again!" Volunteer: Ahlam (21) Recipients: Tine (90) and Wim (90) Time Commitment: 4 hours per week Why did you start volunteering? "I've been a volunteer at De Kap since September. I enjoy interacting with people and wanted to quickly master the Dutch language. Volunteering was the most enjoyable way for me to combine these. I help Tine and Wim with small tasks, and they help me with learning the Dutch language." Who are the people you help? "I visit Tine and Wim weekly. They have few social contacts and need company. Whether it's chatting or doing something together, they feel less lonely and I bring some cheerfulness into their lives." What do you do for the people you help? "With Tine, I play games and we have a good time. Wim used to be a teacher, and he helps me with the Dutch language during my visits. I like reading a book to him to practice. He enjoys the stories I read to him." What do you enjoy about it? "It doesn’t feel like regular work. With volunteering, you go to people's homes. I listen to their stories. You really build a bond with someone. That’s what I like the most." Tine’s reaction: "I always have a great time with Ahlam. She immediately makes coffee when she comes in; she knows where the cups are now. We talk about all sorts of things when she’s here. That’s what makes it so enjoyable; it’s like having a friend. I love listening to her stories about her work and her home country."

Regular calls for buddies are posted on "Apeldoorn Pakt Aan." What does it mean to be a buddy? To get a clearer picture, we speak with Naftali Felipa (30 years old), a volunteer at Maatjes Apeldoorn. Naftali was born and raised in Apeldoorn and recently got her own apartment. She works in Nijmegen as a product/marketing manager. Family is very important to her, and she is a true family person. Additionally, she has various hobbies: baking and cooking, visiting museums, walking, boxing, and yoga. And alongside all these activities, she is a buddy for a fellow city resident once every two weeks. There was an immediate connection! Naftali signed up with Maatjes Apeldoorn and is now a buddy to a lovely 86-year-old lady. "The lady was always active and social, but this decreased over time. To help her get out more and socialize, I became her buddy. During the first meeting, the coordinator from Maatjes Apeldoorn came along for an introduction. We both felt good about it and there was an immediate connection. We then made an appointment and did something fun two weeks later. We do a variety of activities together. In December, we visited the Christmas market in Vaassen, went out for dinner, or attended activities at the care home – very diverse. We have contact every other week. By doing activities together, she socializes more. We also practiced using the taxi service. I arrange to meet her, and she comes by taxi. She manages this independently and gets picked up and dropped off neatly. By practicing this, she can more easily visit her children or attend an activity. This helps her to undertake things more independently." Little effort Naftali was doing a part-time course and heard from a teacher that he was a buddy. "When he talked about it, I was inspired to do the same. I immediately searched to become a buddy in Apeldoorn. I found it, but didn't do anything about it at that moment because I was going to travel in Asia for six months. After my trip, I came across it again and signed up immediately. I thought: 'Why not? Everyone always has time to do something for someone else.' I find it important to contribute to society and help someone. It takes little effort and time from me. This could even be during a phone call where we laugh and listen to each other. There is mutual interest in each other, and that makes me happy." Clarity The time Naftali spends as a buddy is, despite her busy life, easy to combine. "Because there is a connection, it feels like it takes very little time. It also helps to make clear agreements so that you know each other's expectations. We agreed to meet on a fixed day every two weeks. How long we meet varies per activity and we coordinate that together. Sometimes it lasts longer, sometimes shorter, depending on the activity. Together we decide what activity to do, so we both enjoy it. This way, it doesn't feel like it takes up my time at all." Inspire and Discover Naftali really enjoys being a buddy. She loves to tell others about it and has discovered something about herself. "I enjoy talking about the Maatjes Apeldoorn project. I always get positive and interested reactions. I hope to inspire others to do something for someone else. Besides hoping to inspire others, I have discovered something about myself. I thought I wasn't really into caregiving and didn't have much patience for it. But now I've realized that I have more of a caring side than I expected. A wonderful discovery!"