Beeworkz has emerged as a social care company on Brunelstraat, with 45 people under its wing, who are busy with catering and recycling activities in De Hippe Kringloop. Alétho takes IT professionals under its wings.
Their target group is the same, ‘people at a distance from the labor market’, and they are of all ages. “We have them from 14 years old, but also from 60. Whether they are school dropouts, people with an intellectual disability, autism, or from psychiatry. They can go to De Hippe Kringloop. As a shop assistant, sorting brought-in items or to pick up goods by truck. And right next to our thrift store in this building, we run a neighborhood café with a kitchen, so catering enthusiasts can also get started here.” That café has now grown into a social meeting place.
In the meantime, Beeworkz is an important safety net, but also a springboard for people who cannot easily find work elsewhere. “We are focused on development, with work-based learning to help people progress and move on to another workplace, if possible. But it is not necessary,” says Boskma.
When the deal was finally completed, one of the people who does day care there called home enthusiastically. Boskma’s eyes start to sparkle. “He shouted into the phone, ‘we never have to leave now’, that joy and relief, that is beautiful.”
The purchase is therefore completed for only 1 euro, but there are obligations in return. The ‘social place’ that is De Werkwereld must be maintained for at least ten years. And they will spend 1 million euros on the building to make it more sustainable.
Much needed, Boskma acknowledges. “The climate is not good, in the winter you don’t get warm in some rooms, and you don’t get cold in the summer. We have to replace windows and much more. There will be a plan for that. But first the transfer.” That will follow on Thursday, when the parties will sign the purchase agreement with Assen.