Story of Noella
Let me introduce myself...
My name is Noëlla de Vos and I am 48 years old. I am married and have 2 sons.
After going through a few things, including losing my job, I was really through. Applying again and all the rejections made me very insecure. I felt like I no longer counted. A message appeared on Facebook in which Oosterhoutvoorelkaar was looking for volunteers for the NLDoet campaign. That is a national volunteer campaign set up by the Oranjefonds, where I dyed Easter eggs with the older people in the Volckaert on that day. That was a very nice day during which I also got to know a number of employees, including Debby from Oosterhoutvoorelkaar.
I was invited by Debby to drop by the head office to see if we could find more volunteer work that would really be something for me. That is how I eventually became part of the team that is located at the head office in the Klappeijstraat.
Oosterhoutvoorelkaar is a nice volunteer organization that tries to match requests for help and the offer of help. I am now part of the team and in this way I am also helping people who, like me, like to help other people. So I have a goal to work on again and I'm working on getting back into the work process in a fun way.
I was very well received by the super nice team and got to know voluntary work from a completely different side. And even if I don't get paid for it, it still makes me richer. For me personally, it is mainly the gratitude I get in return and that really boosts my self-confidence.
In addition to my volunteer work at Oosterhoutvoorelkaar at the head office, I also work as a volunteer at "Oosterheem" on Tuesday mornings from 10 am – 12 noon. Together with a number of nice ladies, we organize a beauty morning for the residents. You have to think of applying a mask, giving a manicure, but also just having conversations with people. Just give extra attention to the residents who make this so very happy. It's only 2 hours of my time that are so important to the residents.
It is a small effort for me as a volunteer and a world of difference for others as a requester, and that is why I am and remain a volunteer.
Got inspired? Then sign up at Oosterhoutvoorelkaar!