Around the Region

Hour Exchange encouraging new members for the holidays

    Jack Does That, an Hour Exchange located in central  Maine, has a number of orientations and events scheduled in late November and early December. According to Patrick Myers, the coordinator of the Hour Exchange, the goal is to introduce as many new members as possible to the benefits of the Hour Exchange before the holidays.

    “The Hour Exchange can be a great resource for folks during the holidays, whether they are looking for gifts or just need some help with day-to-day activities,” Myers said.
    While the concept of an Hour Exchange, or Time Bank, may be unfamiliar to many in our community it is something that Myers says is easy to understand. “Jack Does That is a way to connect people who have time and talents with people who need help. Instead of getting paid with dollars, members of Jack Does That earn hours for the work they do. They take those hours and use them for things they need from other members of the exchange.”
    New members of the Exchange are required to attend a 1-hour orientation. At the orientation they learn about how the exchange works, get a demonstration of the on-line software and are asked for a suggested annual donation of $10 for individuals and $50 for businesses and organizations. However, Myers stresses that this is a suggested donation and that it should not be seen as a barrier to joining the hour exchange. “We know that times are tough and even $10 might be a burden on someone’s budget. We want everyone to be involved regardless of their financial means. In fact, Jack Does That can have huge benefits for someone who is unemployed or under-employed. It can give them a chance to do something positive with their time and earn hours that they can use for services and/or support they might need.”
    There are several orientations scheduled for the upcoming weeks: Wednesday the 20th at the Milo Town Office and Dec. 11 at the Abbott Memorial Library in Dexter.  By attending an orientation new members receive their first hour in their bank to get them started in the Exchange.
    Myers states there are also some pot-luck dinners being organized for members of the Hour Exchange. “The pot lucks are a great time to meet other members and get to know the other people in the exchange.” Pot lucks are scheduled for Friday, Nov. 22 at the Congregational church in Dover-Foxcroft and Dec. 5 at the Milo Town Hall. Anyone interested in learning more about the events can visit www.jackdoesthat.org or call (207)270-3613.
    Members of Jack Does That exchange services on an hour-for-hour basis and everyone’s time is equal.  Jack Does That is a program of the Charlotte White Center and has received support from the Maine Community Foundation and the Piscataquis County Economic Development Council.

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