Helping others feels like a calling :)

Lina’s journey with Serve the City Amsterdam 

For Lina, giving back has always been second nature. Originally from Jordan, she has spent years working with NGOs, focusing on humanitarian causes such as fighting gender-based violence. When she moved to the Netherlands seven months ago, she knew she wanted to continue making a difference, but this time, in a new community.

“I really like to help,” Lina shares. “I wanted to contribute and help the elderly and people with disabilities, that is why I joined today’s project at the Reade Center. A fellow volunteer introduced me to Serve the City Amsterdam, and when I saw the opportunity to become a project coordinator, I felt like I could bring in my experience from past missions.” 

Since then, Lina has volunteered with STC three times, each time strengthening her connection to her new home. “Being together with the whole community, feeling important, and feeling valued is a nice feeling for people,” she says. 

Ida, one of the residents at the Reade Center, echoed that sentiment. “This is really great because everyone has some kind of sadness, and right now all the residents are happy,” she said. “I love receiving the treatments. I’d love to have treatments for the hair next time.” 

For Lina, the impact of volunteering is personal. “By volunteering, I realized how compassionate I am and how much I can truly connect with people and their energy. They give me back positive energy in return,” she explains. The experience has also allowed her to build new networks, meet like-minded people, and integrate into Amsterdam’s community. 

“Serve the City is a very flexible organization, and you get to learn a lot. You meet different people, work with different organizations—it’s a great opportunity I think.” 

As she continues her journey in the Netherlands, Lina hopes others will step forward and experience the same sense of purpose she has found. “Going home at night knowing I made someone happy is the most fulfilling thing for me.” 

Are you ready to make a difference?

Join Serve the City Amsterdam and be part of something meaningful.