So human

About Wel zo Roze

A foundation for well-being, care, safety and connection within the LGBTQI+ community

Wel zo Roze grew from a clear conviction: no one should stand alone because they're LGBTQI+. We connect people who could use support with people who want to give it. From the community, for the community — and always in collaboration with professional partners where needed.

Three people involved with Wel zo Roze talking on a bench in Amsterdam

Young person with a name sticker at a meetup

What we stand for

A safe base begins with being seen

Wel zo Roze works towards a society where LGBTQI+ people can live safely, participate, recover, meet and grow. We focus on well-being, health, safety and social participation. With special attention for people who are extra vulnerable: homeless youth, asylum seekers, refugees, status holders and seniors.

Well-being

We support people in their daily lives, with attention for connection, confidence and perspective.

Safety

We work on places where people can be themselves without fear.

Care

We encourage appropriate support, with an eye for personal situations and vulnerability.

Connection

We build networks between generations, backgrounds, volunteers, organisations and participants.

Participation

We help people take part, build contacts and find their place in society.

Our approach

Not talking about people, but working with people

Wel zo Roze wants to develop activities and support together with the people it's about. Lived experience matters. Volunteers, participants, partner organisations and professionals each bring their own knowledge. That's how we build a living community that knows what's happening and acts on it — not a paper organisation.

The foundation works through collaboration. With volunteers. With LGBTQI+ organisations. With the municipality, healthcare, shelter, education and community partners. Real safety and connection don't happen in one place, but in a network that knows and strengthens itself.

Social support works

Safe and accepting communities are an important protective factor for the well-being of LGBTQ+ youth.

Source: The Trevor Project

Founders

The people behind Wel zo Roze

Sjaak Blenk

Sjaak Blenk is founder and chair of Stichting Wel zo Roze. His working life took place in the social work sector, where he started as a youth worker and consultant and ended his career as director of a welfare foundation.

After retiring he remained socially active, with a particular commitment to the LGBTQI+ community. Among other things he coordinated a Cocktail buddy project in Amsterdam, connecting LGBTQI+ young people with seniors. There he saw how valuable meeting, recognition and mutual support can be.

From those experiences the idea for Wel zo Roze emerged: a foundation that uses the strength of the LGBTQI+ community to support asylum seekers, status holders and (homeless) young people. Not only with attention and meeting, but also with guidance, practical help and — where needed — shelter.

His motto: "If we don't do it, who will?"

voorzitter@welzoroze.nl

Nelly Duijndam

Nelly Duijndam has worked in healthcare as an occupational therapist, in inland shipping and in Amsterdam politics. Above all, she was an entrepreneur. She ran a handyman company, taught crafts and acrobatics, and had a sailing school.

She was co-founder of Roze buddyzorg in Amsterdam and volunteers for homeless people. Through her activities within Roze Stadsdorp, she heard about the idea of supporting LGBTQI+ homeless youth and asylum seekers from the pink community. A project she is happy to commit to.

secretaris@welzoroze.nl

Want to meet or think along?

We'd love to hear from you. Get in touch and discover how you can contribute to Wel zo Roze.

Get in touch Support with a donation

Wel zo Roze is registered as an ANBI organisation in the Netherlands. Donations may be tax deductible subject to applicable regulations.

ANBI information

Wel zo Roze is officially established and has been granted ANBI status. On the ANBI page you'll find information about our purpose, board composition, remuneration policy, budget and transparency information.

View ANBI information

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