Helping people just gives a good feeling

Photo: Mark Rammers

September 15, 2017Every month Jan Barnhorn, a volunteer at VCA, interviews a different volunteer. Seeking the motivations of these people. This month Jan meets Frans Braam. He volunteers for three organizations, always focusing on organizing administration.Frans is sixty years old andgood in shape“I just cycled about 80 kilometers.” Over the years, he has held various management positions, most recently as operations manager at an office machine supplier. As with many companies, there was a reorganization and Frans found himself without a job. “And after my divorce, the worries about my daughter, and problems with my hip, things didn’t get any easier.” What followed was almost a burnout and a lot, a lot of job applications. “Often there was no response at all, and I wasn’t invited for interviews anyway.” Nevertheless, he wants to return to paid work and is looking for a job through a reintegration agency. “It seems that older people are considered unnecessary in the job market.”Debt restructuringThe UWV advised him to start doing volunteer work. “I actually didn’t know what the possibilities were. But they recommended me to register with the Vrijwilligers Centrale Amsterdam. I found out that there are many different types of volunteer work to do. Given my background, I am interested in administrative support activities. And I have found them. Since 2015, I have been active for Humanitas (Thuisadmimistratie), de Regenboog Groep (Vonk), and PuurZuid. I advise people and guide them to get their administration in order, prevent debts. I also guide debt restructuring. It is very constructive work and the personal contacts are educational and fun.”Grateful“Most people are also very grateful for the support they receive and for having a direction in their lives again.” Frans believes it is of great importance to gain the trust of his clients. Many very personal matters are discussed, but a good separation must also be maintained. “For example, I never want to know a PIN code.”

Of course, there are all kinds of situations that you cannot predict. Like a teacher who was actually too arrogant to accept intensive support. Or someone who said: “Once everything is resolved, I will spend my money and end it (life).” And of course, many people feel ashamed. Ashamed to admit that things are not going well for the moment. The period of assistance usually lasts about 6 to 12 months. “I try to guide everything as well as possible. And usually, when I ride my bike back home, I have a good and happy feeling.”Society“The current society is not naturally structured in a way that you are helped without costs. And that’s what I find enjoyable about volunteering. You deliver the best possible performance and help people who have run into trouble, the cause of which is not important. I also find this volunteer work very important for myself. But of course, I still hope to find a nice paid job.” And I sincerely wish him the latter!

Text: Jan Barnhoorn