Jacqueline is a Care Bear

Right from the first handshake, I saw the sparkle and cheerfulness in Jacqueline’s eyes. I met her at the Community Center Het Blommetje in Amsterdam Osdorp. Initially in her role as a volunteer for Care Bears (more on that later), but eventually about all her volunteer work. And that’s quite a lot! Jacqueline Muntslag, 70 years old, but in appearance and energy definitely the new 50.

Interview: Jan Barnhoorn

Cheering up, where can I do that?

Jacqueline has worked in healthcare as a caregiver for over 30 years. “Working with people is still the thing I enjoy the most.” After retiring, she still wanted to maintain contact with people. “And to cheer them up and help where I can.” This led her to the Community Center ‘het Blommetje’, where she is still active. And how! “There are many fun activities here that I enjoy participating in, but also support as a volunteer. Like the creative handicraft group ‘Harmonie’, which meets once or twice a week. About 40 to 50 people regularly attend. All nationalities and cultures; always a great atmosphere.”
There is also elderly gymnastics, a children’s activity afternoon, a running group. On Wednesdays, they cook for anyone who wants to join (at a very low price). And on Fridays, there is a communal breakfast. Jacqueline is involved in all of these activities.

Care Bears

Care Bears Amsterdam is a colorful informal care organization, specifically focused on vulnerable non-Western elderly people in the Nieuw-West district. The Care Bears project provides support to these elderly people, helping them break out of their long-term social isolation. To achieve this goal, the elderly are paired one-on-one with multilingual volunteers called Care Bears. And one of those volunteers is Jacqueline. “I was approached by founder Jurney Gilliad and was immediately enthusiastic. I now support two elderly gentlemen, 95 and 92 years old.” She visits them once a week, or more often if necessary. “One of them wants to go to Hema with me every week, have a tompouce and coffee, and then go back home. With the other one, I go for walks, to the hairdresser, or visit his wife in the hospital. The contact with them gives me a good feeling. You can feel that it is appreciated.” “I still feel very good and hope to continue for a long time.” And that is something the people in the neighborhood can only hope for too!Photo: Marleen Hoogkamp

Want to become a Care Bear?

Viewherethe volunteer vacancy at Care Bears.
Other volunteer opportunitiesYou are here.