Time Exchange of the North Shore

Tag: Time Exchange of the North Shore

14
Dec
2010

Giving Back: Time Exchange Promotes Ability verses Disability

Last week we were introduced the Time Exchange of the North Shore, a local organization committed to providing a sense of community to all of its members. This week we’ll meet Michael Doherty, a valuable member of the Time Exchange who understands the value in being able to give and receive support from others.

Why the Time Exchange?

Michael shared the reasons why he initially joined the Time Exchange.

“Three years ago I had a stroke and was unable to return to work-I was pretty successful as an international banker. It was tough at first, but once I adjusted, I realized that I wanted to give back to the community. My mother set the example when we were young by all her volunteering; she taught me that reaching out to your community is rewarding.”

Michael further explained the value of being able to give to others, despite the long term effects of his stroke.

“The time exchange is like the people in the past who all got together to build a log cabin for their neighbor. It gives you a sense of community. I chose this organization because they see me as someone who has something to offer, not as someone with a disability.”

A valuable exchange

Michael started building time exchange hours by using his truck to help people move. He knew he couldn’t do the lifting or carrying but he could do the driving and offer the use of his truck.

As he became more involved, Michael was asked to join the “Kitchen Cabinet”, a small group of members who support the coordinator and board in managing the organization. The kitchen cabinet meets once a month, with separate committees meeting more often. Every hour of meeting time is banked in the exchange for services.

As Michael built up his hours, it was his turn to ask for help.

“I had a walkway at home from my fence to a deck that I was having trouble with after my stroke. When some members of the exchange heard about it, they offered to rebuild the walk for me. It took three men all day; 27 hours of time exchanged. It was a great day with the music going and people working together. Now when my parents visit, they can even get over the hilly terrain.”

Everyone can give back

Michael summarized his feelings being able to contribute to others.

“Just because I am disabled, it doesn’t mean I can’t help. Every time I help someone else, I get a shot in the arm of my own self esteem. For people with disabilities, I would say you need to find out what you can do, not what you can’t.”

08
Dec
2010

Neighbors Helping Neighbors: A Time Exchange Creates a Community

categories: Community, Education

As a child, I remember when the road in front of my house needed to be repaved; my father, along with the neighborhood men would get together and pave it. That was how things got done back then.

This month, I was reminded of that same community spirit when I interviewed Lauren Kilcoyne, Coordinator for the Time Exchange of the North Shore.
Here in Lynn, that sense of community lives on.

A community is born

The Time Exchange began in 1996 when a group of parents of children with developmental disabilities came together to offer each other babysitting and help with chores; simple but basic supports that made a difference.

As more people joined, they formalized the group into the Lynn Time Bank and received funding from the Department of Developmental Disabilities (DDS). For every hour of service given, a person would bank an hour of service to be used when needed

Over the years, they realized the time bank should include everyone, not just people with disabilities and their families. Lauren describes the transition from the initial time bank into a larger community.

“We’ve reorganized in the last couple of years and have expanded from families within the DDS system to all populations, even expanding from Lynn to encompass the North Shore. We also include every ethnic group in our community since the area is so diverse.”

The organization’s new name, The Time Exchange of the North Shore, represents the wider community now being represented.

Everyone has something to offer

Lauren explains the reasons why people join the time exchange today.

“The sense of community is strong within the time bank membership. Meeting each other in the time exchange and putting faces to services makes it easier for people to request help”.

Presently there are 175 members of the Time Exchange of the North Shore that all give in a different way. There are tradesmen such as carpenters and electricians, along with others offering grocery shopping, companionship, childcare, and yard work.

Regardless of age, education or disability the idea of a time exchange is that everyone has something to offer their community; everyone.

And like the old days, neighbors are helping neighbors again and things get done.

Sound like a good idea?

01
Dec
2010

Building a Community through Time Exchanges

categories: Community, Education

Everyone needs support in their life to be successful.

It may begin with physical support, someone to take care of us as a child and later, depending on needs, as an adult. We also have a basic need to know that someone cares, for it is this basic caring and respect for one another that will truly make a difference in our lives.

A sense of community is lost

There was a time when our local communities provided this support, with each member contributing regardless of age or disability.

Yet as society and government grew, we began to pay people to provide support and our sense of community was lost in the process. This was never the intent, as social services were supposed to create additional support not replace our communities.
But the truth is most of us don’t even know our neighbors anymore, never mind other people in our town to help us out when needed. Simple tasks such as shoveling the driveway, raking leaves or maybe buying groceries can be overwhelming if you have to pay someone because you can no longer do it yourself.

Time exchanges build community

The good news is there are groups known as time exchanges that are bringing our communities back. Their approach is to bring people together committed to supporting one another and building a community based on mutual respect. Every member, regardless of age or disability, has something to offer based on their strengths and interests while in exchange, they receive donated services as needed.
This month we will introduce The Time Exchange of the North Shore (TENS), a successful program in our local area. Through interviews with their director, Lynn Kilcoyne and one of their members, Michael Doherty, you will be reminded of a simpler time when people went out of their way for one another simply because they cared about the people in their community.
As you read about the Time Exchange, think about your own community and how it provides support to you or someone you know with a disability . . . and if not, is it time to think about creating a time exchange in your community?