The Neighborhood Service Exchange (NSE) is a volunteer time bank program for people of all ages and abilities who live in or work in Washington County. The NSE began in February 1998, with the support of the Community Thread Board of Directors and a dedicated group of concerned citizens who believed in the importance of people becoming more self-reliant and involved in the community to meet their needs.

The focus of the NSE is on the development of a network of volunteers in local neighborhoods who share their skills and talents with one another and at the same time increase their community connections. The NSE is a grassroots program of Community Thread, formerly Community Volunteer Service and Senior Centers. It is modeled after the "time dollar" concept created by Edgar Cahn of Time Banks USA in Washington, D.C.

Edgar Cahn created "Time Dollars" in the 1980's and TD programs can be found throughout the world. Some programs are called "Time Banks." In 2005, Time Dollar USA became Time Banks USA. Each program develops to meet local needs and will vary in how it operates. Members are eligible to provide and receive services to create a system of reciprocity. All services have equal value. Social capital is increased through the exchange of helping others.