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The VNSNY TimeBank Team
We hope you will get to know each of the TimeBank team members. Learn about them here:
Mashi Blech, Director
Mashi is one of the original pioneers in the TimeBank movement, starting to build TimeBanks
more than 20 years ago. With a background in long-term care and geriatrics, Mashi was excited
to explore new ways to help people "age in place." Her work has been recognized nationally and
internationally–she received a Points of Light award from President Clinton, which was presented
to her in the Oval Office. She received her master's degree from New York University and is a
Certified TimeBank trainer.
Mashi has given music and language lessons, as well as driving services to other members in the
TimeBank. She has received cooking services from a retired caterer, Spanish and salsa lessons, and alterations.
Ana Miyares, Manager
Ana is known around the world as the "Mother of TimeBanking." She has started more TimeBanks in
more countries than anyone in the world. She assisted in the start-up of the TimeBank National
Networks in Japan and Spain and is currently helping launch models in Chile and the Dominican Republic.
Prior to her work in TimeBanking, Ana was an international banker for 20 years. The traditional banking
world lost Ana to the world of TimeBanking in 1987. She built a TimeBank network in Miami with 63 sites
and 3,500 members. Ana gave up the warm life in Miami to move to New York and help build the VNSNY
TimeBank. (Thank you, Ana!)
Ana has provided translation and language lessons within the TimeBank and has received alterations, help
finding an apartment and computer training.
Omayra Torres, TimeBank Coordinator, Washington Heights/Inwood
Prior to joining the TimeBank staff in January 2007, Omayra worked for the Department of Labor and Office
of Temporary and Disability Assistance helping individuals on public assistance find employment. When she
first heard about TimeBanking, Omayra was excited to help implement a model that focused on a community’s
and individual’s assets. Her goal is to create a "small town" feel in NYC that’s similar to the one she
grew up with in Puerto Rico.
Omayra has been receiving knitting lessons since last March and still meets regularly with her TimeBank
partner. (She is almost ready to take orders for winter scarves!) Omayra has provided assistance with
apartment organizing and companionship.
Mercedes Rivera, TimeBank Coordinator, Lower East Side
Mercedes has worked extensively organizing community programs for youths and seniors, as well as continuing
education services. "The TimeBank philosophy resonated with me and the values with which I was raised."
Mercedes has cooked for other TimeBank members (she is a closet chef!) and is looking forward to receiving
crocheting and scrapbooking lessons.
Belkis Miranda, Administrative Assistant
When you call the main number at the TimeBank, you will likely hear the friendly voice of Belkis Miranda.
Belkis has many years experience as an administrative assistant, a customer service representative (where
she acquired her patience) and a home health attendant (where she learned to love gefilte fish). "I am
excited to have the opportunity to work directly with TimeBank members from all different backgrounds and
make use of my Spanish skills."
As a TimeBank member, Belkis has provided cooking services and is scheduled to teach Spanish and Microsoft
Excel. She is looking forward to receiving help with her Spanish grammar.
Joanna De Oleo, Outreach, Americorps Vista grantee
For the past year, Joanna has worked feverishly on developing partnerships with the local businesses in
Washington Heights. It seems as if nobody could say "no" to Joanna, as she has helped develop perhaps the
largest network of TimeBank business partners in the world!
"TimeBanking is totally different from any program I’ve experienced. With TimeBanking, I felt I could
do more for the community by helping connect people easily to others and to services they need. It’s
very flexible and freeing. We’ve never had anything like it in Washington Heights."
Joanna has provided cooking services, visited with a member returning from the hospital and offered
companionship for other members. She helped another member get food stamps and provided support for a
member who is a caregiver. She received a baby shower from the TimeBank before the birth of her twins
and some support and visits since the babies were born.
Unfortunately, Joanna’s term with Americorps’ VISTA program has ended, but we are thrilled she will
continue to help the TimeBank grow its business partnerships in Washington Heights/Inwood.
Olnia De Moya, TimeBank Associate
We are so thrilled to announce that Olnia has joined the staff of the VNSNY TimeBank. Since the beginning,
she has been a champion of the TimeBank. In her role coordinating the Spanish Homebound Visiting Program for
St. Elizabeth’s Church, she encouraged all her volunteers to join–and they have become some of the most
active members of the TimeBank.
Olnia has worked in Washington Heights and the Bronx for the past 19 years and knows the area and its residents
well. She will be a wonderful asset in our efforts to expand this hub.
As a member of the TimeBank, Olnia has provided cooking services, visits to residents of Isabella Geriatric
Center and to those who are homebound, as well as helped in organizing our Team Leader meetings. She has
also received computer lessons and a visit from a member when she was sick.
Annie Lin, TimeBank Associate
We are excited to announce that Annie Lin just accepted a position with the TimeBank and will be working
in the Chinatown community. She is fluent in Cantonese and Mandarin and has worked in family and health
care services for the past few years. We are pleased to welcome Annie to the VNSNY TimeBank Team!
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