Anouk (25) hasn’t had it easy in recent years. As a mother of two young children, one of whom has developmental delays and autism, her life largely revolved around caregiving. Working in the care sector itself proved too demanding alongside the attention her son needed. Still, she wanted to get back to work, contribute, do something. Through the municipality, she found her way to Sheltersuit — an unexpected but perfect match.
From care to creativity
Before joining Sheltersuit, Anouk worked at a daycare center for children with severe intellectual disabilities. “I helped the children regulate their emotions, kind of like structured day programs with guidance,” she explains. But when her eldest son needed extra care, staying home became the only option. It felt like stagnation — something she was determined to break through.
Her municipal contact person told her about a work-learning program at Sheltersuit. “He knew I always liked sewing as a hobby and thought this might suit me.” Anouk decided to go for the interview and was immediately excited. “Here I could learn and do something that made me happy, without exhausting me like care work did.”
A place to grow
From day one, Anouk felt at home at Sheltersuit. “It’s so different from the care sector. There you mostly hear what you're doing wrong.
She started with a few mornings a week to ease into it. “I didn’t want to end up in burnout again. Sheltersuit was really supportive about that. They gave me the space to find out what I could handle.”
One of her highlights was learning to make a pair of trousers. “I’m tall and slim, so standard sizes never fit me. Tailored pants are expensive and hard to find. I always thought I’d never be able to make them myself. But when I asked here, my instructor brought fabric and a zipper the next lesson to help me. Now I’ve made a pair that fits perfectly — I’m totally hooked on sewing!”
Here, they focus on what you can do and empower you.”
- Anouk, staff member at the Sheltersuit school. -
Work that gives energy
Where she once went to work reluctantly, things are completely different now. “I go here with joy. During my vacation, I missed it so much that I asked if I could come by just to work a little.”
Anouk not only discovered her passion for sewing but also regained her self-confidence. “I feel like I really matter here. I can be myself and feel appreciated. That’s such a huge difference from the work culture I was used to.”
Why Sheltersuit makes a difference
To Anouk, it’s clear why initiatives like the Sheltersuit school are so important. “They give people a chance to explore in a safe environment what they enjoy and what they’re capable of. You’re given time to grow, and instead of being judged for what you can’t do, you’re supported to find what you can do.”
Her advice to others who are hesitant? “Just try it. You’ve got nothing to lose. And if you’re even a little bit into creative work, you’re going to love it here.”
Her perspective on work and collaboration has changed because of Sheltersuit. “I always thought work had to be rigid and impersonal, with strict rules and structures. But here I’ve learned that a workplace can be flexible, social, and creative. That’s been a huge eye-opener for me.”
Will Anouk stay at Sheltersuit? “Soon I’ll be officially employed for three mornings a week. Eventually, I hope to work more hours and take on more projects. Because now I know: if I really want something, I can make it happen.”
