“How can I help someone so that they can do it themselves?”

25 October 2025

Interview with Leo de Vrijer and Adrienne Garber

Leo de Vrijer (69) is retired and lives in the Eastern Islands. He was a labor expert at the UWV and in recent years served as chairman of the works council. He coached colleagues and advocated for their interests. Now he does the same, but for neighbors. At the consultation hours of Pluspunt at the Community Center de Witte Boei, he assists residents with various questions. Adrienne Garber was one of them.

How did you become a volunteer at Pluspunt?“I was at the New Year’s drinks at the Oosterkerk and I thought the atmosphere was so nice. I started talking to someone and it turned out to be organized by volunteers from the Community Center right next to it. They asked me if I might be interested in doing volunteer work as well. Through Dock, I then ended up at the Pluspunt.”

I enjoy helping people who are facing challenges get back on track

What was your motivation for choosing Pluspunt?“I enjoy helping people who have a problem get back on track. How can I assist someone so that they can do it themselves? Because I prefer to let people do it themselves. That way, they benefit more.”In what way did you help Adrienne?“She had a big issue with money being deducted from her account by a telecom provider even though she had canceled the subscription. I didn’t let myself be brushed off. There seemed to be no communication between two departments, eventually I asked for the manager and then it was resolved.”What do you gain from this volunteer work?“You will be happy!”What other types of questions do you receive?“I helped someone who was at risk of being fired and didn’t want that. It often involves writing letters to authorities, such as an objection letter or a request for remission. Every question is a question.”No translation needed.Adrienne Garber (68) has been living on the Eastern Islands for about fifteen years, after spending over twenty years in Israel. Back in the Netherlands, she resumed her former profession as a medical assistant. Since her retirement, she writes poems, creates mosaics, and recently started sewing beautiful face masks for clients of the Food Bank.

Why did you go to the Pluspunt?“Through an acquaintance, I ended up there. I had issues with a telecom provider, they were sending incorrect bills. I couldn’t get in touch with them. They kept deducting amounts. Leo took it upon himself to handle everything, I didn’t have to do anything. That was super nice.”How often have you seen each other?“About four or five times. Until it was completely resolved. He kept asking, wouldn’t take no for an answer.”

I recently applied Leo’s tactic, and it worked!

What did you like about Leo?“That he takes so much initiative, is decisive. I don’t know how I would have solved it without him.”Have you learned anything from him?“Yes! Recently, I had another issue with a provider, and I applied his tactic, successfully!”

Buddies at CentraM

Volunteers who sign up at CentraM help promote the well-being and independence of vulnerable people. This can be done through Home Administration, where you assist clients at home in organizing their administration. It can be helping people who are not very mobile and need assistance with shopping. Also, assisting people who are less digitally skilled. New volunteers receive a general introduction training at the beginning and are assigned a dedicated contact person.Want to become a buddy too? Check outwww.vca.nu/gappie

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