The line of activation that began in the 1990s continues. Projects such as the laundromat in the Westerpark neighborhood and the candle maker in Oud West got off the ground. The offer was further expanded in 2006 through intensive cooperation with other day care providers in Hi5. This partnership offers more than a hundred work projects: from simple chores to serious work experience places.
John Quadvlieg, coordinator of the Oud West walk-in centre at the time, has seen how participation can become a stepping stone to volunteer work, training or a paid job: "We started our own candle-making workshop here in Oud West. It's fun and rewarding work and we produce a beautiful product. For the participants, it offers the opportunity to get used to a daily routine again and to build up the necessary self-confidence. They can escape the struggle for existence for a while and think about what they really want. You give them a chance to shape their identity in a positive way and you see that this approach works. With the necessary professional guidance, these people can indeed achieve a great deal."
In 2008, the Colors store opened next to the Oud West walk-in centre, and the candle-making shop also moved to this building. An addition is Buurtboerderij Ons Genoegen in Westerpark, since 2010 part of what from 2008 is called De Regenboog Groep. There is a lot of work there for participants and volunteers.
"You give them a chance to shape their identity in a positive way."
Colors kaarsenmakerij
The Candle Making