“Everything revolves around connection”

Jack, 35 years old, volunteers once a week at Cordaan’s day care center. He helps with physical activities and chats with the elderly who attend. Over time, he has gotten to know the regular visitors, which sometimes leads to meaningful conversations. “Just like in my personal life, it’s all about connection there. That’s the most important thing,” says Jack.

Safe house

“I live in a Safehouse in Amsterdam,” Jack openly shares. “I actually live in Brabant, but I am recovering from substance and process addiction. I have been clean for six months now.” A Safehouse is a home for a small number of peers where a counselor is also involved. Everyone has a strict daily schedule. “For me, my main activities are sports, meetings, and volunteer work. But not all in one day. I have to manage my energy very carefully. The goal is to get through today well. Every day.”

This suits me well

Jack was 25 years old when he started using drugs daily. He has tried to quit several times but always had a relapse. “But now things are better than ever. I live day by day. Today is the only day that matters.” He is trained as a service engineer specializing in smart technology in elderly care. Jack got involved in volunteering through a conversation at the Volunteer Center in Amsterdam. “This suits me well. Besides various tasks like making coffee and assisting in physical activities, chatting with the elderly is my main responsibility. And I really enjoy that.”

My daughter is my biggest motivation

Connection is not only the main goal of his activities at the day care center. “I also experience connection with my support worker. And of course during the meetings with peers. Connection is everything and it is essential for success.” Jack is now well on his way in the fight against his addiction. “I can enjoy life again, the little things every day. And I am grateful for life every day.” Jack does strength training six times a week. “Finally a healthy addiction,” he laughs. He also cycles a lot. “Not everything is completely in order yet and not all damage has been repaired, but things are slowly improving. I have a three-year-old daughter. She is my biggest motivation to really make something of my life.”

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Choose something that suits you. Inour online job boardyou will find 1001 possibilities.Or come by one of our consultations without any obligationHello.Interview: Thecla Groot Koerkamp
Photos: Jackie Mulder