About Us
Reach Service Exchange Network was started with a grant to the city of Montpelier from the U.S. Administration on Aging and we are now under the umbrella of COVE, the Community of Vermont Elders.
Reach is based on the TimeBank model and we are a partner with TimeBanks USA. The mission of TimeBanks is to nurture and expand a movement that promotes equality and builds caring community economies through inclusive exchange of time and talent.
So what’s the difference between Reach and a regular Time Bank?
- Funding. Reach Service Exchange Network received a grant through the City of Montpelier which was awarded $1 million to implement an innovative program to support people living where they want, for as long as they want.
- Mission. Reach is more than a Time Bank, it’s a Care Bank. It’s similar to Time Banking but has a particular focus on preventive health care and wellness.
- Commitment. All members of Reach make a commitment of time to give and receive in the network. How much and how often depends on each member.
- Process. All members undergo a criminal record check (and a DMV check if they offer driving), attend an orientation and are met in person by Reach staff before their profiles are activated.
- Training. All members have access to caregiver training and other health & wellness-related workshops and activities to improve the quality of exchanges between members.
- Support. Reach Service Exchange Network has 3.5 full time staff, including a trained case manager who serves as our Member Navigator. This means we facilitate matchmaking and exchanges, help people through the process of using Community Weaver, log and record hours, offers, and requests on their behalf, and follow up on exchanges and other issues as they come up.
Reach Staff:
Daniel Hecht, Director
Chloe Budnick, Member Navigator
Sonya Ohlsson, Outreach Director
As we continue to grow, we will depend on member and community feedback to structure the program so it’s most effective. If you are interested in participating in the development of our Service Exchange Network, please email us.
I understand that this program is for residents of Montpelier. My question is do you know of any other cities in Vermont who have this program or a similiar program?
Hello Sally- Reach is not only for residents of Montpelier. Right now we have members through out Central VT and plan to expend even further. There is also a Time Bank in Brattleboro, VT called Brattleboro Time Trade- here’s their website- http://www.brattleborotimetrade.org/ .
Take Good Care,
Reach Staff
there is also a time bank in White River Junction.
Yes, I heard that Transition Town has started a time bank and is now on Community Weaver- that’s great! We heart TT!!