How Mediation Works

Each year, CFR receives more than 400 phone calls from individuals who are experiencing conflicts with neighbors, landlords, tenants, employers or family members. It isn't uncommon for callers to be on the brink of taking matters into their own hands. Often, before reaching us, these callers have contacted the police or court system -- believing law enforcement or the justice system are able to handle the situation. Police and courts are often restricted in how they are able to respond to community conflicts. Lack of resolution to the conflict results in repeated calls to the police who often regard neighbor complaints as a nuisance. There is very little an officer can do to remedy a situation without issuing a citation or making an arrest.

CFR's process looks at the issues, identifies the interests of each of the parties and facilitates an exchange of ideas. CFR's goal is to allow parties to express themselves in a safe, neutral place and to ensure that all sides of a conflict have a chance to be heard. During community mediation, participants are encouraged to seek solutions that will work for them rather than having restrictions imposed by a police officer or judge. All agreements are put in writing and each party receives a copy.

Many attorneys, judges, police and employers who refer to our mediation program are amazed at the transformation that occurs during the mediation process.  Our volunteer mediators (who are often referred to by our clients as "miracle workers") are humble and often say that they really did not “do” anything, but rather, it is the "process" that works miracles.

CFR serves children, adults, neighbors and family members.  Our mediation program offers anyone involved in conflict the opportunity to discover his/her own solution.  

People benefiting from Center for Resolutions’ services:

• Neighbors in a housing project whose fights repeatedly bring the police.
• An family living in fear because of harassment from neighbors.
• A businesswoman who has noisy teens hanging around the store entrance.
• Divorcing parents who want to work on a parenting plan that will help their children cope with the divorce.
• A Senior citizen fearful of her young neighbors.
• A single mother threatened with eviction and is afraid to talk to her landlord.
• A teen arrested for making threats over the Internet.
• A condo association immobilized by internal conflicts.
• A child who is consistently being harassed by his peers for being different.
• A school community where learning takes a back seat to disruptions and fights.

If you are involved in a dispute and are seeking resolution, click here to go to Open A Case on this website. All information is strictly confidential and a CFR mediator will contact you shortly. Please feel free to call 610-566-7710 for assistance.

If you are interested in becoming a mediator, please call 610-566-7710 or turn to the Learning Opportunities on this website.