Marleen Hageman

I would like to give something back to society

We agreed to meet at the residents' area of the Haagsebos. Only a small sign on the wall makes it clear that I am at the right address. Behind this door is a large room with tables and chairs where residents of the Haagsebos meet weekly. On the tables are the prizes for this afternoon's children's bingo.

Marleen is a pleasant person. In addition to her volunteer work at the toy bank IKROS, she is especially involved in helping people in her own apartment connect with each other. She does this by playing games and doing crafts with the children on Thursday afternoons. And by organizing a walk-in evening for residents where everyone is welcome. More and more people attend.

"It's necessary," says Marleen. "Many people stay inside their own flat. This applies to people who come from other countries, but also to Dutch people. People don't speak to each other. And there is an idea among many people that other people are no good. That's a shame, because those notions are often wrong. I would like to break that stigma. On Thursday evenings, therefore, everyone from the apartment is welcome. One of the few agreements is that we don't gossip about other people. Because we keep it cozy.

She herself has had quite a difficult time in her life. She herself has experienced that there are several agencies that offer help. For example, she has used the Food Bank. She now uses her experiences to help others. Because she has her life back on track. Much attention is paid to her four children. And especially to her 14-year-old daughter who has a form of autism. This requires so much time and attention that she is now unable to do regular work. "Yes, that's why I have benefits, but I think it's important to give something back to society in return. I do that by bringing people together. Or by getting involved in the toy bank. I've always done that bringing people together".

On the table is a calendar with the first names written on it of some of the apartment dwellers of the Haagsebos and a house number attached. Marleen makes sure that those people receive a present on their birthday. This is paid from a municipal "Love and Sorrow jar. She also gets some money from Vidomes and the municipality so that the activities do not cost the residents anything. As a result, there is no barrier to coming and meeting other people.

Thursday, December 7, 2023 was National Volunteer Day. During a festive evening in the Council Chamber of City Hall, Marleen was elected Volunteer of the Year 2023. "I thought it was great. Quite an honor. The statuette has a special place in my living room. It gives me even more positive energy to start doing things for people. One of those things is a barbecue for the residents of Haagsebos on National Neighborhood Day on Sept. 28. We are also organizing that together with other residents, including 2 Syrian youths. I'm very happy about that".

Every Thursday the residents' room is open for the residents of the Haagsebos. For the children in the afternoon from 3:30 to 5 p.m. And for the adults from 7:30 to 10 p.m.