AT THE KLUTS WORK PLACE, PEOPLE FIND A SUITABLE ENVIRONMENT FOR THEIR PERSONAL GROWTH
Delen
PROBLEM?
The job market isn't yet as inclusive as we'd like it to be.
WHAT DOES De Regenboog DO?
Through a variety of day activities, we offer people a suitable place to be and help them develop as they work toward employment, such as at our Kluts employment agency.
WHAT CAN YOU DO?
Socially responsible procurement: check out the Kluts Catering page at the bottom of this article.
A BIG HELP, DELICIOUS FOOD
The Kluts catering company helps people who are distant from the job market get back on track through participation, empathy, and support. Meanwhile, Kluts! preparing dishes renownedthroughout Amsterdam: continuously, professionally and in large quantities. How does that work?
“It’s great to be working here,” says Annemarie. “To give you a bit of my background, I’ve had a burnout, and it’s important to really take the time to heal. So I’m definitely keeping a close eye on my so-called capacity. But starting this week, I’m working an extra day, and it’s going well. That’s such a great feeling.” Radja, who works in the kitchen, walks by carrying plates full of delicious-smelling curry. He hears what Annemarie says and agrees with a smile. “Such nice people here, too,” he says. A moment later, he explains that he’s been having some headaches and needs to take it easy, but he’s feeling stronger all the time. “I’m just working,” he continues, “and that feels so good.”
Grow on your own terms at Kluts!
To describe the atmosphere at Kluts in Amsterdam-Zuid using menu terminology: a homey, cozy atmosphere built on a foundation of solid organization, structure, and collaboration. And with a clear goal: to improve people’s lives. “What I find important is that people in a work-training organization like this grow within the limits of what they’re capable of,” says program counselor Mileen Doets. “The Work and Activation department of De Regenboog Groep offers you the chance to gradually gain more control over your day, meet new people, and apply your talents toward work. Kluts is a prime example of this.”
“What I find important in this regard is that everyone in the kitchen is equal and every positive contribution is immediately appreciated,” adds Claartje Lindhout. She works as a job coach at Kluts! two days a week and also runs her own business. “Above all, people need to feel good,” she continues. “It’s all about having realistic expectations.”
Finding Strength in Work
Things have really improved since Claartje started working at Kluts! just under a year ago. “I worked in restaurants for twenty years,” she says, “and that experience definitely comes in handy in this support work. The people who come here often have a lot of baggage and sometimes a history of homelessness, but they find a lot of strength in doing their work as well as they can. Of course, I started here to make a social contribution, and we don’t have a strict kitchen hierarchy here, but once you’ve been assigned to a task, it’s really appreciated when you show up and do what you can.”
Kluts Program Coordinator Mileen Doets
Affordable Quality
It goes without saying, of course, but ultimately, a catering company stands or falls on the quality of its food. And given recent developments, Mileen believes things are moving in the right direction. Kluts is receiving an increasing number of requests, both from De Regenboog Groep locations and from external parties. Long-standing favorites like the pumpkin soup with herb croutons, the vegetarian quiches, and the dishes with homemade pesto find their way to a long list of customers every day. “Of course, it’s all very affordable,” says Mileen, “it’s not exactly a for-profit venture, but the business side of things is becoming increasingly well-organized.” “And,” Claartje continues, “that can help fund a fun outing. So as a customer, you’re contributing to that, while also simply helping people who need that support at this stage of their lives.” The next phase, according to Claartje, is to gradually increase the number of employees and add even more organizations to the customer base. Radja is ready for it. “Kluts is really great,” he says, “we’re making more food, and we need to hire more people. Kluts is a huge help… and the food is delicious.”
* The Kluts! employees did not want to be photographed
Social sourcing at Kluts
The most divine catering sourced from a workplace that helps others? So, delicious food while also helping people who need a little support at this stage of their lives?