The Challenge of the Resource Exchange Network: From Concept to Action

With service coordination as a major goal of early childhood services (0-3), a model is provided by the resource exchange network--an informal association of organizations -- colleges, hospitals, social, welfare or counseling agencies, businesses-- who voluntarily join together to exchange knowledge, services, products, personnel, and other resources to accomplish a common goal--barter-style. They trade available resources for needed sources without primarily relying on new or outside funding. The goal is the mutual benefit of all network members. The synergies enabled network members to mount programs that would otherwise have been impossible.

Human Services and Resource Networks presents the theory and rationale for the network, using an existing experience as a case study. The Challenge of the Resource Exchange Network is the "how-to" book, containing numerous case examples of resource exchange networks in action. It offers practical step-by-step guidelines for overcoming the obstacles to network development and operation.

In a time of reduced funding and tighter budgets-- with the mandate to coordinate service offerings in each community-- the resources exchange network offers public and private institutions more effective use of their resources.

Volume I: Human Services and Resource Networks: Theory and Practice
Seymour B. Sarason, C. Carroll, K. Matson, S. Cohen & E. Lorentz

Volume II: The Challenge of the Resource Exchange Network: How to Construct and Maintain Resource Networks
Seymour B. Sarason and E. Lorentz