ShareCare Bank is a project designed to build a community of families and friends who care for adults with disabilities as well as senior adults but is open to anyone in the community. Each member will contribute something to the collective, mowing a yard for example, and his/her time contributed will be banked as time so that in the future when he/she needs a service they can call on the bank. One hour/one service equals one Time Dollar.  The basis of the program is building relationships and as a by product alleviating caregiver burden and isolation. This program is not just for caregivers and their families, but is an excellent opportunity for anyone to give their time and talents to their community.

Introducing ShareCare Bank

History

On Oct. 1, 2005, ShareCare Bank, with funding from the Mississippi Council on Developmental Disabilities, was launched to build stronger, broader support for families. ShareCare is now funded by the Foundation for the Mid South.

The Bank

The Bank targets family caregivers of persons with disabilities and senior adults and includes opportunities for the entire community.  ShareCare Bank members are networked to build a community of sharing in order to help one another, using whatever skills or resources anyone may have to share with the group.

TimeDollars

Members earn TimeDollars by doing the things they enjoy and spend TimeDollars on the services of other members in the Bank.  Service needs can be shopped through the skills available in the group. One hour of service equals one TimeDollar, regardless of the service.

What We Offer

The ShareCare projects always offer an educational and counseling component through group meetings, classes, events, speakers, and our online newsletter ShareCare Notes. This Web site offers links to helpful resources, an events calendar and archives of past newsletters.

Currently the project is facilitating caregiver support groups and monthly ShareCare member meetings.

Click below for printable publications about ShareCare Bank

How it works

Examples of Exchanges

ShareCare Bank Brochure June 2009

ShareCare Bank Meetings

Member meetings are held on the third Thursday of each month at 12:00 p.m. at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 115 North 25th Ave. , Hattiesburg, Miss.  These are potluck socials. Please bring a dish to share. Current members, as well as anyone interested in knowing more about the program, are encouraged to attend.  Call and ask for Ivie Pulliam at 601.266.5163 for more details.

ShareCare Bank in the NEWS

WDAM News Coverage
MidDay Spotlight