September 25, 2019

Intermediary Stefanie: 'Helping families get back on track'

People entering a debt counseling program must meet certain requirements. Stefanie Veen is a Debt Stabilization Support Specialist at the De Schoor welfare foundation in Almere. She helps families enter the debt counseling program from a stable situation. "We are the safety net for families."

She believes she has a unique job. Stefanie Veen helps people who aren't yet ready for debt counseling prepare themselves. "There's no point in debt counseling if there's no stable situation," says Stefanie. "For example, if there's addiction involved, there's no insight into the debt, or the income isn't in order. In those cases, people are referred to us. We take a very broad view because the problems almost always go beyond just debt. We look at what a family needs and help them get started."

Not being able to be a child

"Long-term poverty, families without prospects," Stefanie answers when asked what affects her most in her work. "Having to live on a subsistence level for a long time, while being dependent on things like social services, and not being able to get out of that situation, is harrowing. The effects on children are profound. Their world shrinks. Everything happens at school, and the rest of the time they're at home, confronted with their parents' difficult situation. Children often take on a different role, start caring for their parents, feel responsible—in short, they can no longer truly be children. I understand those parents too. If you have to choose between paying the rent and going to the sports club, the choice is easily made. But children then lack skills that other children acquire at, for example, the sports club. Parents find it incredibly difficult when they can't give their children what they need. I'm really happy that I can help by telling them about our partnership with the Youth Fund for Sports & Culture and submitting an application for them. Children shouldn't suffer the consequences."

Prevention is better than cure

Applications are received after screening by PLANgroep, but also through the Vroeg Eropaf (Early Start) project, in which housing associations, Nuon, Vitens, and municipal tax authorities report arrears. "We get a heads-up if there are two months' rent arrears or if bills are unpaid," says Stefanie. "We then make unannounced visits. Sometimes people are shocked when we show up, but I see that many people are happy that someone is looking. Moreover, during the process, arrears are temporarily suspended to prevent further debt accumulation. It's a method that's being used in a growing number of municipalities and is proving successful. We hope that this will prevent further problems."

Back on my own feet

Stefanie faces difficult situations in her work, but she also sees the silver lining. “I work with people who, for example, lack the skills to manage their finances. Or don't know what they're entitled to, for example, if they've become unemployed. Things often go wrong after a divorce or the loss of a partner who managed their finances. People often wait a long time to ask for help because they want to solve it themselves. But things often work out well, too. Just this morning, I received an email from a mother who's starting a debt counseling program. She knows she'll be debt-free in three years and has a bright future. She's looking forward to being able to stand on her own two feet again. It's wonderful for her and her children.”

Read more about debt assistance