About
SafePlace4me is a community-built platform for youth mental well-being in Curaçao, and beyond. Created by young people, with the support of local professionals, and coordinated by CITI, we exist to make sure every young person has a trusted place online to feel seen, heard, and supported.
Our mission
Give young people a digital SafePlace they can turn to in moments of stress, sadness, or feeling lost, while equipping them with practical tools and habits to care for their mental health long-term, and clear pathways to real help when they need it.
Built together
This platform exists because of collaboration: youth voices, community volunteers, local professionals, and coordination by CITI. SafePlace4me was born from the MEO × CITI Innovathon, and the concept was the brainchild of Sorayda and Jenny.
Our first sponsor, Rotary Curaçao, believed in this mission early and helped us take the first step, we’re grateful for their leadership and community spirit.
We continue to partner with forward-thinking organizations to sustain operations and create high-quality, youth-friendly content that truly resonates.
Our team
Meet Sorayda - Founder
Sorayda Arrindell is a theologian, educator, and applied psychologist specialist in missiology passionate about helping others find purpose, confidence, and joy. Deeply rooted in her faith, with studies in education, psychology, law, and tourism, she blends knowledge and heart to uplift her community.
Winner of Hackathon 2024, her idea, SafePlace4.me, became a reality with CITI’s support, creating a digital mental wellness platform for Curaçao’s youth.
Sorayda believes living happiness isn’t just a goal — it’s a way of life.
Meet Jenny - Founder
Meet Monique - Creator
Meet Lisa - Content manager
Hi, I’m Lisa Koppes. I’m 25 years old and I studied Applied Psychology in Leiden. During my studies I focused mainly on young people and how to train and coach them to grow into the best version of themselves. I worked on themes like stress, (sexual) boundaries, drugs, anxiety and more.
During my internship and thesis at different high schools in Curaçao, I saw how much young people can grow when they feel seen, heard and supported. I’ve also been through my own rough period with mental health. Because of that, I’m not only a applied psychologist, but also an ervaringsdeskundige: someone with lived experience who really understands how hard it can be.
I hope we can make mental health a more normal topic to talk about and create a space where getting help feels easy and accessible. Being part of SafePlace4.me is truly a dream for me: a chance to make a real difference for our youth.
Meet Deveni - Project coordinator
Deveni Baloriano is a dedicated life coach who helps individuals build self-love, accountability, confidence and self-discipline. Through project sessions, he guides youth and adults toward personal growth, positive habits and overall well-being. Driven by a passion for helping others reach their full potential, Deveni focuses on inspiring change.