Some of the credits she spends also come from a pool of credits donated by other participants. In addition to assisting those in need, CBN is helping area residents build a strong sense of community. After CBN participant Molly Reinemann rejuvenated the garden of Meredith and Paul Falley, a disabled couple, their friendship developed to the point that Molly now house sits when Meredith and Paul are away. In CBN, time is not money, but credits. An hour of service earns one credit in the barter system.
Participants start with five credits so they can use the services right away.
Later that same participant can use the earned credits to receive an impressive variety of services from bike repair to massage therapy to tax preparation. Everyone completes a satisfaction survey after each barter. Credits earned and spent are recorded on a data base. Members receive periodic reports of their status within the system, much like bank statements. CBN welcomed its charter members in January 1996.