In conversation with Desi, former FlexiForum Development Center participant

Four years ago Desi came to live in Kerkrade. After a difficult start, she is now building a nice life. An intensive workshop by the municipality gave her the right push toward a job as a canteen supervisor.

"Because of my Social assistance benefit , I was required to attend a workshop to get back to work. That was difficult because I didn't feel much like it. At first I was very quiet in the group and just listened. I wanted to know what was expected of me. I was sometimes confronted with myself quite a bit. The workshop leader would then announce it by saying, "I'm going to say something very ugly now. But it always remained safe and helped me take steps.

The whole environment was new to me. In 2020 I had moved on my own from The Hague to Kerkrade. After struggling with my health for a while, things slowly improved. Now I am starting to feel at home. Through work I am meeting people and starting to get used to my new life. The workshop helped me get out of my house and crawl out of my shell. What I learned is to look at what is possible. 

With a push from the workshops, I had the courage to get started. It was December, and we had a fun afternoon where everyone in the workshop brought something delicious. I made a salad with chicken and beets. That one was so well liked that it attracted attention. My preference for administration and experience in catering suddenly came together. I became canteen manager at Limburg Catering. Now I am completely in my element with the job that came my way.

I really enjoy showing my colleagues the way and being a support to them. They all have a backpack. Together we make something beautiful out of it every day. You can learn so many things. If only you dare to make mistakes. I always put it this way: the person who needs me doesn't know I'm here yet."