The growing new economy in and around Austin, Texas, has changed the model of philanthropy for the region, but some smaller social service agencies are experiencing neglect, the Austin American-Statesman reports. Although Shayne's organization has received a number of gifts from New Economy philanthropists, none has approached the size regularly given to the area's established arts, environment, and education institutions. And yet the demand for the food bank's services is exploding.
Some observers blame certain social trends for the difficulties social service agencies are facing.
And the social service people speak a language of the needs of their constituents and of entitlement. When people in social services speak as though the invocation of those needs creates an entitlement, they aren t going to reach people in the new economy.