When you think of daytime activities, do you think of a boring workplace in which you have to fold the same boxes day in and day out? Think again. At Teamwork Care, part of Efford, Stephany and her colleagues arrange daytime activities that really suit someone, from recycling to butterfly garden. “Even if people have autism or a disability, for example, they can spend their days meaningfully and fun”, says Stephany.
Stephany van der Goes (39) has been updating for about six years Teamwork Care, which has been under the banner of inZet since 2021. “I am the first point of contact for all new clients, the families and, for example, municipalities. At Teamwerk we have a number of permanent daytime activities locations in and around Zoetermeer, but we also create new places based on the wishes of the person requesting assistance.”
Guidance and self-reliance
“For example, is it someone’s big dream to deal with dogs? Then we will see if we can place them with an external company,” says Stephany. During daytime activities, supervisors are always ready to support you. We also visit regularly, at workplaces and at people’s homes. For example, if you want to build a larger social network or learn how to keep your house tidy, we also help with those kinds of questions. Everything to ultimately increase self-reliance. And sometimes we just offer a listening ear.”
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From daytime to paid workplace
Many people with a physical or mental disability are unable to find a regular job. Then daytime activities are often a very nice form of meaning, as shown by the countless examples that Stephany can give. “For example, once a boy with autism came to us who had become incredibly insecure due to his bullying past and isolated himself because of this. We started with a very accessible work at one of our locations. He soon felt safe and allowed to be himself, which made him blossom completely. He has now even become department leader at that daytime center and has a paid position! Beautiful to see.”
These people should not be pushed aside
Stephany gives another good example. “Another boy was completely out of place at his previous daytime position. We asked him: what do you dream of? He responded that he loved butterflies. Then we were able to realize a place for him in a butterfly garden. I will never forget how happy he was with that. With the right support, anything is possible. These people should not be pushed aside. Fortunately, more and more companies are open to offering such workplaces.”
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Hot spot in Zoetermeer
Clients can also always visit the permanent locations of Teamzorg. “De Omkeer opened in Zoetermeer this year, for example, a very cool place,” says Stephany. “This consists of the well-known cycle Het Goed, a catering facility and Ecoware technical workplace, where bicycles and other equipment are refurbished for minimum wages. Super fun to drop by but also as a day spending place. Our clients work here with other organizations and that goes very well, so that they really get the feeling that they are participating in society.”
Social club
Teamwork takes people out of isolation so that they are seen again. “We receive a lot of new reports through inZet that have to do with loneliness,” explains Stephany. “That is why, in addition to workplaces, we have also started organizing more and more social activities, such as sports on Saturdays. This gives these people a larger social network and even beautiful friendships arise.”
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Need a push in the right direction?
Do you also need a listening ear or practical support, for yourself or a loved one? Efford is the central entrance for Zoetermeer residents with a request for help. It is a partnership of nine organizations and five partners, each with its own specialism. For example, you can easily contact various care providers in the following areas with your care or request for help:
- Money and administration
- Living and environment
- Health and balance
- Family and relationships
- Participate in society
Here you can read what commitment could mean for you or a loved one. “If you could also use some help or, for example, a nice place to spend the day, you are more than welcome at inZet and Teamwerk Zorg,” says Stephany. “Feel free to contact us, then inZet will look at how you can best be helped.”
Also commit yourself to fellow citizens
Have you become enthusiastic about Stephany’s story and are you looking for a nice job in the heart of the neighbourhood? on Bet’s website find the vacancies that are currently open. You can also read more information about the possibilities for volunteers here. In this way you can mean something to someone else in an accessible way, be active and develop your own talents.
“We can always use supervisors and volunteers, they are more than welcome!”, says Stephany. “I myself originally come from the commercial world. Very instructive, but I think it’s super nice that in my current job it’s not money but people and care that come first. You can really help people further, so I have completely found my place here and get a lot of energy out of it.”