From volunteering to a paid job

“People sometimes come in here crying and end up leaving with a smile, which is very beautiful,” says Henny. She isStarted as a volunteer four years ago, and have since grown into a paid staff member at Community Center Olympus; a neighborhood center for residents where many activities are organized, such as Scrabble, portrait drawing, and dance.Several times Henny is called away during our conversation, she is indispensable at Olympus. She never expected to be standing here now, as she started as a volunteer at Olympus. As a hostess, she helped the people who came in, provided information, and poured coffee. “I have to admit, at first I was not motivated at all to become a volunteer. Due to my past with debts, I sometimes visited a debt counselor, who suggested that I should do volunteer work. I jokingly suggested working here at the reception desk, and coincidentally they needed someone. I started to enjoy it more and more, and I started doing more things. Whenever they needed someone, I was there. I have no regrets about my choice, I have learned a lot. It was extra nice because I live nearby and know many people, I also met them here.”

How should I do this?

Due to the previous manager’s departure, Henny had the opportunity to advance to a paid position as a manager. “I must admit that at first I really didn’t believe it when I was offered a contract. ‘Why me?’ I thought. But I am so grateful for this opportunity.” The tasks are very different from the volunteer work. “Now I rent out the spaces we have, do the shopping, and keep track of all the hours of, for example, the hostesses. Sometimes I manage the other hostesses, at first this was difficult because I have also been a volunteer myself, but it is getting better. I do things I have never done before. Sometimes I get things that make me think: how am I supposed to do this? But then I do it anyway and eventually it works out. I am learning a lot.”

The diversity makes it beautiful

Hello! How can I assist you today?Every day is different; different people, different things, and especially different stories. One person is very cheerful and the other is feeling down and has problems. Loneliness and financial issues are common. Sometimes people come in crying and need help, a good conversation often helps them so much. I find it beautiful to see. We, as the Community Center, truly play a connecting role. Some people come in here not knowing anyone at all. But by continuing to come, they get to know others and sometimes even couples are formed. Nowadays, everyone is on their phone, but here you hardly see any phones. People just talk and chat a lot with each other.”(text continues below the photo)

“I even get goosebumps when I tell this”

In addition to her paid job, volunteering has brought Henny even more. “I have always had some struggles in my life, and by doing volunteer work, I have discovered that I am highly sensitive. I now understand myself much better and have truly gotten to know myself. Through volunteering, I also realized that I did have problems, but that there are people with much bigger problems. I even get goosebumps as I tell this. You really want to help people. But helping doesn’t always work out. Sometimes you have to dare to say ‘no.’ I really had to learn that. I find this very difficult but super important.”

From misery to something positive

“At the moment, I am not doing any volunteer work as I don’t have the time for it now, but in the future, I would like to do it again. For example, something with animals, that is a small dream of mine. But for now, I am focusing on the Community Center. I wanted to find a job and make my house nice, and I have achieved both, so in fact, I have now achieved what I wanted to achieve. I am quite happy now. This is partly thanks to the volunteer work. From misery to something very positive.”Interview: Kiki Dusebout
Photos: Jackie Mulder

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