(part 1 of 2) I was so excited when I saw the ad of the University of Aruba announcing that Mr. Bekkers, permanent representative of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to the United Nations, was in Aruba, and that he wanted to meet with community members to engage in a meaningful conversation about human rights and a stimulating discussion. Just the day before the Human Rights Council held its annual debate on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, Focusing on Support Systems to Ensure Community Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities. Woohoo, I thought! That’s me, and the people I advocate…
Category: Blog
4 Years and 9 months for an online intake for possible fitting treatment
I have cPTSD (complex post traumatic stress disorder). I have probably suffered from it since pre-school. Though I was treated in my mid twenties for PTSD in the Netherlands (e.g. my acute traumatic experiences), I was not diagnosed with cPTSD till 2019. It’s taken 4 years and 9 months to get to an online intake for possible fitting treatment abroad. I realized I was heading toward a complete breakdown halfway through 2018. I informed my employer, and asked to come up with solutions in order to prevent said break down. My boss suggested I quit. I protected myself and called…
Why Jeffry Stijn?
The reactions to my inaugural blog post have been incredibly overwhelming. The positive feedback and touching personal outreach has exceeded more than anything I could have hoped or wished for. The question most asked is: “why Jeffry Stijn?” The name Jeffry Stijn Foundation is a tribute to two of my cousins. Both intelligent, witty, social and empathic. Both seemingly successful and well adjusted. Interested in a wide range of subjects and experiences. Being an only child, and not having been raised in the same country consistently with family at all, these two were the first ones that FELT like family…
A perfect inaugural day
Today was a day of firsts. The first forms filled out for the incorporation of the Jeffry Stijn Foundation. The first pages of its site live. The first emails sent and received bearing a logo. The first day I became the founder of something I truly and passionately believe in. Allow me to introduce myself: My name is Julie, I live in Aruba. Though I am Dutch by birth, I’m international by parentage and past residency. I love dancing, reading and writing. I love learning new things. My home is besieged by pets, filled with books, surrounded by greenery. My…