A sense of humor is necessary

I conducted the interview with Carla de Vos (67) at the Multifunctional Center De Edelsteen located at Smaragdplein in the always surprising Diamantbuurt. It can definitely be described as a peaceful and multifunctional environment. Various activities organized by numerous social organizations take place in an old and charming school building.CareerCarla has had a career of more than 25 years at the Amsterdam police. Always in the field of catering. She has worked at many police stations. With great pleasure, “But the most enjoyable place was definitely the mounted police at the Amstel, with all the facilities, I could even go horseback riding there!”Just walk inA few years ago, after a reorganization, she found herself without a job. “I thought to myself: What now? I decided to just drop by the community center.” It actually clicked right away. “The atmosphere, the people, the environment, everything appealed to me immediately.” One more thing was very important to Carla: “I wanted to bring my dog Roxy every day.” And fortunately, she could. She not only finds it pleasant herself, the regular visitors have also become very attached to Roxy, and she really doesn’t want to show up without her dog anymore!Feeling at home is importantCombiwel has established the Edelsteen at AOC de Pijp, a day care center for people with dementia and their caregivers. On average, about 25 people aged 60 to 90 visit daily. Carla is also involved in catering here: sandwiches, coffee, and tea. “But it goes much further, of course. Like organizing trips to a museum or the beach.”

It gives her a good feeling to see how people feel at home here, how they bond. And the humor is abundant. “People here can be incredibly funny.” And there are also practical matters. Like Guus who bought shoes that were a size too small. Just going to the store together to exchange the shoes. Small things make people happy.

If you can empathize with the situation of these people a little and have a sense of humor, you can do this work with a lot of pleasure and for a long time.

“I also find it very important that they can rely on you as a volunteer. I work three days a week and I am there.” The good feeling seems to be mutual: as of April 1st, she has been offered a permanent contract!SecurityAround us, Guus is playing chess with his regular partner, while the others in a group are playing word games. The whole atmosphere exudes a sense of security. “If you can put yourself in the situation of these people a bit and have a sense of humor, you can do this job with a lot of pleasure and for a very long time.” And she wants that too.

Interested in doing volunteer work?

Go to the job board ofMake an appointment for a mediation conversationText: Jan Barnhoorn
Photo: Marleen Hoogkamp