The Municipality of Arnhem awarded two Arnhemse Meisjes on January 22 to Jan Boot and Cheryl Lucassen. Alderman Paul Smeulders surprised them with the municipal distinction as a token of appreciation for their more than twenty years of dedication to the Emergency Shelter Assessment Committee in Arnhem.
Photo: Cheryl Lucassen and Jan Boot together with Alderman Paul Smeulders. (Photo: Milan Schellingerhout)
Jan Boot and Cheryl Lucassen have been involved with the assessment committee since its inception and played a key role. Boot as chairman, Lucassen as legal secretary. Together they were responsible for carefully reviewing applications for emergency shelter.
Paul Smeulders, Alderman for Refugees: “Jan Boot and Cheryl Lucassen have made an indispensable contribution over the years to sheltering vulnerable residents of Arnhem. Helping people who have fled war and violence and have nowhere to go. Their safety net hangs between the cracks. An Arnhemse Meisje is a beautiful recognition for Jan and Cheryl because they show what Arnhem stands for: a hospitable city.”
Careful and humane compass
Jan Boot provided direction to the assessment committee for many years as chairman. He led the meetings, maintained contact with municipalities, and spoke annually with the council about the committees working methods. Smeulders: “With his background in public housing and his strong sense of justice, he knows exactly how to deal with people in vulnerable situations. And above all, that they deserved a fair chance.”
Cheryl Lucassen brought in her extensive legal experience, including from immigration law. Smeulders: “Cheryl looked closely at the rules but never lost sight of the personal circumstances of the refugees. In such complicated moments, many conflicting interests arise. Bringing calm at such a moment is a special quality.”
Arnhemse Meisje
The Arnhemse Meisjes were awarded on the occasion of their departure from the committee. The Arnhemse Meisje is a municipal distinction awarded to people who have made a special contribution to Arnhem society. The bronze statue is based on the statue designed by artist Joop te Riele in 1980.
With the award, the Municipality of Arnhem expresses its great appreciation for the years of dedicated commitment by Jan Boot and Cheryl Lucassen to residents in vulnerable situations.