March has flown by! This month has given us a chance to reflect, strategize, reassess, and prepare for a busy upcoming period. Here’s a snapshot of what we’ve been up to:
- Strategizing, professionalizing & optimizing
- Team expansion: Welcome Tom, Holly, and Lina!
- Expanding and cementing our business partnerships
- Kickstarting three exciting new projects
- Strengthening international partnerships
- Wintertour continues in the Netherlands
- What Design Can Do: bringing together design and migrant women
- Looking ahead…
Strategizing, professionalizing & optimizing
As our projects deepen, partnerships grow, and programs multiply, we’ve reached a significant milestone—three years since the start of People for People. This moment of reflection has fueled strategic planning for the future. The past period was a time for us to further professionalize and optimize our processes so we can more effectively support those forced to flee their homes—structurally and efficiently.
Team expansion: Welcome Tom, Holly, and Lina!
A key part of our growth is the incredible team behind People for People. We’re excited to welcome new talent that will help streamline our warehouse processes, manage our projects in the Netherlands, and share the stories of the people we support. A big welcome to Tom, Holly, and soon, Lina!
Expanding and cementing our business partnerships
Tom and Holly quickly jumped in, joining one of our business volunteer days. Our partner Otrium helped us in the warehouse for their “B-Corp do-good month.” 24 volunteers packed 189 schoolbags for reception centers in the Netherlands, along with 4 pallets of clothes, 3 pallets of winter jackets, and several pallets of shoes. This was a fantastic way for businesses to get involved and deepen our partnership, all while providing essential support to children arriving in the Netherlands with very little clothing.
We’re also excited to explore how businesses can collaborate with us in a more comprehensive way. At the Picnic quarterly onboarding for new colleagues, we shared how collective action can make a difference, and how businesses and individuals within those can join our collective efforts. Together, we can bridge the gap when time is of the essence. How? Get in touch so we can explore opportunities together!
Kickstarting three exciting new projects
In recent months, we’ve engaged with grassroots organizations to better understand the gaps in support for people forced to flee their homes. These conversations and collaborations – using the process below – have allowed us to clearly map out the needs and barriers, and identify how we can support and make the most significant impact. From this, we’ve launched three exciting new projects, which we’ll share more about soon!
Strengthening international partnerships
One of our strengths is the ability to quickly identify gaps, mobilize our resources, and connect the right people to take collective action. While we focus much of our work in the Netherlands, our network of business and foundation partners extends far beyond our borders. We build a web of organizations—like Anera, SOS Children’s Villages, Lifeline Ukraine and Better Shelter—that work together to support those fleeing their homes. By pooling resources, connections, financial support, and volunteers, we can achieve more. With your help, we aim to extend our reach and assist more crises abroad, where help is desperately needed.
Wintertour continues in the Netherlands
In the Netherlands, many COAs (Central Agencies for the Reception of Asylum Seekers) continue to request more winter items for newly arrived children. Despite the warmer weather, essential items like socks, coats, and jackets remain critical for children cycling to school. Thanks to our business partners, we continue to deliver essential winter clothing to several locations every month, helping children in need. This impact is only possible through collaboration.
What Design Can Do: bringing together design and migrant women
We also had the pleasure of attending the jury panel for the Redesign Belonging Open Call at What Design Can Do. Research shows that even after several years in a host country, many migrant women find themselves overlooked by systems that presume they’ve already integrated. Something we see in our work every day. What Design Can Do brings together design enthusiasts and migrant women to co-create innovative solutions that foster solidarity and promote a sense of belonging within the EU. An innovative and moving project that our team was happy to be a part of, supporting people to feel connected – to people, places, and communities.
Looking ahead
As we gear up for the upcoming period, we’re focused on expanding and strengthening our partnerships with businesses and local organizations, both in the Netherlands and globally. We’ll be launching three exciting new projects, which we’ll share in the coming months, and solidifying our strategy during a People for People offsite. Additionally, we’ll resume our Rolling Aid Events after a two-month reassessment period.
There’s much more to come! Stay tuned for updates on our website and socials.
