Banner made from the collaboration of Netherlands Exchange members at a workshop.

After eight incredible years, Economic Mobility Pathways' global learning network, the Economic Mobility Exchange™, and our partners in the Netherlands, the Dutch Mobility Mentoring Network, are wrapping our partnership as the Dutch network enters its next chapter.

The Dutch Mobility Mentoring Network, also known as the Netherlands Exchange, was created by a partnership between EMPath and a network of Netherlands-based human services organizations. Its formation has played a pivotal role in amplifying social work practices to address pressing issues uniquely faced by the Dutch. Serving as EMPath's on-the-ground agency in the Netherlands, the Netherlands Exchange has diligently worked towards disrupting poverty for local families.

Now, as the Netherlands Exchange embarks on its next chapter, we’re thrilled to celebrate and reflect on the profound collaboration that has deeply impacted families in the Netherlands.

Overall, the Netherlands Exchange supported more than 2,500 adults and 750 children with EMPath’s research-backed coaching approach, Mobility Mentoring®, which helped guide the lives of many towards their own goals around economic well-being and success. Over time, the Netherlands Exchange was able to share valuable feedback with EMPath about what coaching methods work for their participants, which overall strengthens EMPath’s family support approach and intercultural awareness.

The 17-member Netherlands Exchange network successfully reached families in major cities while simultaneously impacting the lives of people living in smaller communities. For residents of a small neighborhood known as “Geitenkamp” in the city of Arnhem, the results of the network’s economic mobility coaching were life changing. Coaches from Arnhem guided parents with EMPath’s Mobility Mentoring approach and witnessed a boost in confidence and a positive shift in attitudes, which inspired residents to be actively involved in their community.

“We saw participants grow and become more powerful. Now, they dare to participate in the neighborhood again,” shared a coach in Arnhem. The Mobility Mentoring approach not only empowered parents to maintain control over their lives but also had a cascading effect. Parents began to experience less stress and more confidence, which not only improved their day-to-day lives, but also the well-being of their children's lives too.

Group photo of the Dutch Mobility Mentoring team during a visit to Boston.

At a larger scale, the Netherlands Exchange saw a strong impact we saw at the Department of Financial Assistance in The Hague. Because of the network, all the counselors working with clients – serving about 2,000 adults – practiced Mobility Mentoring. “I think it is important to be a pioneer and to continue to improve services to be more effective and have an impact. And to always put the resident first,” shared one of the counselors. “We see that people are really helped with the [Mobility Mentoring] approach. They start doing things themselves again and coming up with their own solutions, and they have more autonomy and confidence in their own abilities grows.”

Many other initiatives over the years have contributed to incredible outcomes for families in the Netherlands. The Netherlands Exchange coined the Bindkracht10 bicycle project, an initiative that encouraged an overall active lifestyle; mind, body, and spirit. This "Positive Incentives" project by network member Bindkracht10 showcased innovation by collaborating with the local business community to refurbish old bicycles to then redistribute amongst participants. The goal was to promote increased physical and economic mobility via free repair services, while also fostering growth for local businesses. The success of the Positive Incentives bicycle project was evident by the hundreds of bicycles refurbished and donated among program participants since 2020.

Over eight years of our partnership there is profound gratitude for making a significant difference in the lives of individuals and families. The impact achieved goes beyond the anecdotes shared in this story and serves as a testament to the transformative power of cross-cultural collaboration.

“Over the years, it has been amazing to see the Netherlands Exchange serve as a hub where members were able to learn about and adapt Mobility Mentoring,” shared Jennifer Lowe, EMPath’s Vice President of Shared Learning and one of the founders of the Economic Mobility Exchange. “That's what makes the Exchange so powerful in its reach and impact.”

EMPath is so grateful to the Netherlands Exchange for their dedication, innovation, and unwavering belief in the mission of Mobility Mentoring and the Economic Mobility Exchange! We’re looking toward the continued practice that no matter where we are in the world, we’re meeting people where they are and supporting their journey up the economic ladder.

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Learn more about the Economic Mobility Exchange