Technical Assistance, Training and Capacity Building for Volunteer Service CreditPrograms. Final Report

摘要

Government intervention and private industry have never been able to fully meetthe range of needs of disadvantaged elderly in the United States, needs that used to be provided for by informal family and community structures--the non-market economy. Market prices for basic services that family and neighbors used to provide for each other (e.g., child care, elderly care, tutoring, transportation, counseling) are such that no one can afford all the basic human services that are needed to survive at a decent level. That is why service credits, a mutual self-help currency that enables the rebuilding of family and community, are vital. They empower the elderly and those in greatest economic need. How they work are simple: for every hour of community service provided, one receives a credit, which can be exchanged for services from someone else. For example, a person can secure transportation to the doctor or supermarket by providing child care for a single mother working towards a nursing degree. The possibilities in which neighbors can support each other while at the same time get help for themselves are endless. The Time Dollar Capacity Building, Training and Technical Assistance Project was initiated to help agencies start and operate service credit programs to help create community and improve the lives of disadvantaged elderly.