Volunteering with a sense of family

Photos: Stuart Scott

Interview with Titi Bouman

Jan Barnhoorn, a volunteer interviewer at Volunteer Center Amsterdam, visits Titi Bouman, a woman with a life of ups and downs. Since becoming a volunteer at South for Each Other, she has regained her sense of self-worth.
To prepare for our conversation, and to reassure her a bit, I suggest Titi (45) to listen to my radio program so she can get used to my voice. Immediately, Titi responds: “And if you want to get used to my appearance, you can check out my website.” And indeed, this website (titibouman.nl) good weather than it turns out to be: colorful, creative, and pleasantly spontaneous.

The booklet was a success and also gave me the feeling again: I am also a human being.

The nice thing about visiting people in Amsterdam Noord is that you get the feeling of blowing off steam again on the ferry, this time to the NDSM wharf. Titi is waiting for me on the back deck of her boat. Just as I had imagined, cheerful and colorful. “I’ve never really had a fixed address for a long time, and my stay here is probably temporary.” Nice boat by the way, and a dream come true for her.Culinary artistHer life has had many highs and lows. She has always been a Wajonger, involuntarily separated from her family. Periods of great loneliness. But also fantastic highlights such as the success with the [written by her]Titi’s cookbookWith dishes from countries where she has traveled and lived. “The book became a success and also gave me the feeling again: I am also a human being.” And her nicknameCulinary artistwas born.

Warm bed“At one point, it was necessary for me to use the Food Bank. The warmth and friendship I immediately felt there were like a warm bath to me.” When the project Zuid voor Mekaar was started through the Food Bank Zuid, she had the opportunity to become a volunteer. This project aims to help break the loneliness of people. Every Wednesday, various activities are organized in Lutmastraat.

I just did it, and from the beginning, it gave me a good feeling, a greater sense of self-worth.

“When I was asked to do this kind of volunteer work, my first thought was: can I do this? But I just did it, and from the very beginning, it gave me a good feeling, a sense of family, a greater sense of self-worth.”No content to translate.Community Garden“I hope to be able to continue this volunteer work for a long time.” It has given her more self-confidence and she is now the main contact person within the group. Furthermore, she is working, together with a few organizations, on setting up a community vegetable garden in Amsterdam Noord. In line with her style, it is intended to be a creative garden with sculptures and poems. Knowing Titi, she will certainly succeed in this. Volunteers will also be essential here.

Interest inSouth for Each OtherI’m sorry, but I cannot provide a translation without the original text to work on. Please provide the text you need to be translated.Check out their website.Text: Jan BarnhoornNo content to translate.