No question is too much for Sandra.

Martina Overbeeke has been living in Apeldoorn for 8 years. She enjoys connecting with people and being creative. In Apeldoorn, she started studying theology, but unfortunately, she had to put it on hold. Now, Martina is gradually picking up the pieces and is in the process of reintegration. “Through my reintegration program, I got in touch with Apeldoorn Pakt Aan. I had a discussion about my options and which vacancies would suit me. I also kept an eye on the website myself. I checked out three different organizations that seemed interesting to me. There wasn’t a match with one of them. The second organization attracted me, but at that time, there was no suitable task for me. The third option was the meeting place De Graanhof. Initially, this vacancy didn’t catch my attention, but ultimately, I found my place there, and the work suits what I enjoy and do well!" Structure and Rhythm Martina is now regularly at De Graanhof and does so with great pleasure. “I’m glad I had the opportunity to try different things and have conversations with multiple organizations to make a good choice. I started with the World Kitchen on Fridays. Here, we cook a meal together with people from the AZC (Asylum Seekers Center) for the neighborhood. I’m mainly there for odd jobs, setting and clearing tables, serving food, washing dishes, and during the meal, there’s an opportunity to interact with the visitors. This was a great first step for me to gain more structure and rhythm in my life, and it has helped me take even more steps within De Graanhof. I’m grateful for the opportunities available! Now, I’m also a hostess during the coffee morning on Tuesdays and a cooking volunteer on Thursdays. With these steps, I aim to grow into a role that suits me.” Different Roles For Martina, there are several reasons to do volunteer work. “Initially, I came to Apeldoorn Pakt Aan because I wanted to get back to work and rebuild rhythm and structure. This has certainly succeeded, and I’m gradually building it up here. Additionally, I find it important to look out for others, broaden my horizons, and take on new challenges. I really enjoy helping to create a nice and cozy meal on Thursdays and Fridays. It provides a fun activity for the participants and creates a connection between volunteers and participants. As a hostess during the coffee mornings, I have different tasks and appreciate having more time for one-on-one conversations and helping or informing people with their questions. In short, with the different roles I have at De Graanhof, it’s never boring, and each day is a surprise.” Temporary? Martina now manages to combine her volunteer work well with her daily life. “I currently spend about fifteen hours a week on my tasks at De Graanhof. This is manageable for me now, as I’m still building up to a paid job. It’s hard to say how it will go alongside a paid job. I won’t be doing as many volunteer hours, but I’m certainly open to seeing what I can still do. Maybe a small task at De Graanhof or something extra within the church. I’ve experienced that the time I spend on volunteer work has definitely paid off. Not in money, but it has broadened my horizon, I hear beautiful stories, and I’ve been able to mean something to others, which is very valuable to me. I often go home richer than I arrived!” Formative “The work at De Graanhof has brought me a lot. I’ve discovered that something in the welfare sector suits me well, and I also enjoy doing organizational work (in the background). The conversations with visitors and fellow volunteers are enriching. I love hearing stories from people’s lives and often learn a lot from different perspectives on various themes. Finally, I find it wonderful to see how the place is supported by the volunteers. The work we do there is truly a team effort, and everyone has their valuable contribution. This creates mutual connection and appreciation. The work we do at De Graanhof matters, to me and others, and that makes me feel grateful and amazed!” Want to Know What Suits You? Get to know all our volunteer initiatives. Here you will discover how diverse, fun, and educational volunteer work can be. And how little time it actually takes. Because even the smallest things are often of great significance.

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."