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The VNSNY Community Connections TimeBank
In the winter of 2006, VNSNY proudly launched the first multi-neighborhood, community-based TimeBank in the greater metropolitan area. The VNSNY Community Connections TimeBank, which currently serves Washington Heights and Inwood in Upper Manhattan, is open to all residents and requires no membership fee.
What is a TimeBank?
A TimeBank is a community-building tool that rewards decency, caring, and concern for the community. It’s a way for people to use their skills, share their passion, meet their neighbors and lend a helping hand! And it’s completely flexible: Members contribute what they want, when they want and with whom they want.
How does it work, exactly? Every hour a member spends helping another TimeBank member can be redeemed for one hour of assistance from another member. It’s a pay-it-forward model. For example, a person who accompanies an elderly member to a doctor’s appointment can then use his or her credit to, say, have another member install a smoke detector.
Best of all, this "bank" encourages debt and charges no interest!
What Services do Members Exchange?
The possibilities for exchange are vast. Members swap non-licensed services that neighbors can safely do for one another.
Some typical examples include:
- Language lessons/translation
- Computer lessons
- Alterations
- Cooking/baking
- Assistance with shopping
- Serving as an escort to the doctor’s office
- Music lessons
- Social visits
- Minor home repair
- Light housekeeping
- Tutoring
What are the Benefits of Joining the TimeBank?
By becoming a TimeBank member, you can:
- Access many services with no out-of-pocket expense
- Meet new people from your neighborhood
- Enjoy discounts at dozens of local and online shopping outlets
- Attend TimeBank gatherings
Who Should Join?
Everyone should become a member! The TimeBank can benefit kids, teenagers, parents, adults, baby boomers and older adults.
How Do I Join?
It’s easy to become a member. Just call us at 212-609-7811 or send an email to timebank@vnsny.org,and we’ll invite you to our next gathering. You’ll see for yourself why others enjoy TimeBank membership!
The VNSNY TimeBank is scheduled to expand to the lower east side of Manhattan in the Spring of 2008. And stay tuned for future TimeBanks coming to other neighborhoods in the NY metro area!
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