Brainport for Each Other, one association of socially committed employers
Today, 4 July 2024, the Brainport for Each Other association was officially established. Over 50 employers have immediately joined the association and just as many employers indicated during the founding party that they also want to join. Chairman Jeroen Dijsselbloem sees many opportunities for Brainport voor Elkaar: 'Helping each other is part of the culture here. We have demonstrated economically that our way of working together works, now we want to make at least as much impact socially.'
General board
During a festive lunch, the founding of the association was celebrated and the board was introduced. The General Board, led by chairman Jeroen Dijsselbloem consists of four sections. The business community is represented by Marc Cootjans (Rabobank Eindhoven), Jennifer van der Leegte (VDL, Eindhoven & Kempen) and Jeroen Driessen (Driessen group, Helmond). From the social organisations, Yvonne van Mierlo (Ergon, Eindhoven and region), Jolanda Teeuwen (LEV group, Helmond and de Peel) and Marinus Biemans (woCom, Someren) are the ambassadors. On behalf of education, Ingeborg Janssen Reinen (ROC Ter AA, Helmond and the Peel), Joep Houterman (Fontys, Eindhoven & Helmond) and Hilbert de Vries (Special education SSOE Helmond & Eindhoven) joined. And the initiators from the municipalities are Janneke van Kessel (Eindhoven), Bram Bots (Valkenswaard) and the alderman from the municipality of Helmond.
Social Brainport Agenda
The members of Brainport for Each Other establish the Social Brainport Agenda annually. The Social Brainport Agenda starts with four program lines. The first is 'Groundbreaking' and focuses on social innovation. This includes a charity broker to match foundations and donors with the many social initiatives in our region, and a social innovation catalyst to link high-tech knowledge and smart technology from the business sector to social organizations.
The program line 'Existential Security' is aimed at ensuring existential security for all residents. The approach is that everyone should have the opportunity to build a secure existence. Programs like Financially Fit and Buddy Works 50+ are dedicated to this goal.
The third program line is 'Basic Skills', focusing on developing basic skills to remain active participants in society. For example, with the DigiTaalfit program, employers can help employees become proficient in both language and digital skills. Language buddies at work assist international colleagues with language and Dutch customs and practices to help them feel at home.
Finally, there is 'Together', the program line that aims to promote social cohesion, in part through the extensive efforts of many thousands of corporate volunteers.
One Association of Social Employers
Brainport for Each Other is an association. This word conveys that we will do it together. Together, we achieve more. By connecting parties and building bridges, Brainport for Each Other increases the realization power in the region. Through a single point of contact, 400,000 employees, as well as students, tenants, help seekers, and residents, can be reached. The approach is to get more and more municipalities, companies, organizations, and institutions to join. Therefore, the call to those present at the founding lunch on Thursday was to inspire each other to do so.
