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The Community Mediation Center
of Stark County
Progress Report
From the desk of the Executive Director
Creating Value is a marketing term and one that is often heard in strategic planning. What is the product or value of the Community Mediation Center of Stark County? The value of the organization is in the work being done to resolve conflict peacefully and effectively between individuals, neighbors, employees and within families and organizations. When people have the opportunity to voice their concerns, have their position validated without judgment, and concerns vindicated; that is value. Improved quality of life, in the broadest sense, is the value created by the work of the Center. When people have the opportunity to work things out to their satisfaction; it has value to them.
The more value something has for us the harder we work at it. It is amazing to see how hard people work in mediation to come to agreements that meet their concerns. Our staff and volunteers use a range of conflict resolution techniques to achieve this “product”’ called agreement. These techniques range from simply listening to someone who is frustrated and asking them what are their options, to conciliation, facilitation or mediation. It is also interesting that when our mediators are finished with a case, what they remember is the outcome and the positive energy that results when agreement is reached.
An improved quality of life, in the broadest sense, is the value created by the work of the Community Mediation Center.
Teresa P. Cusma, Executive Director
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Client Quotes
Question: What will change for you as a result of this mediation?
"To be more understanding and (I will) talk to my father more" - Angie
"I am hoping that we can work things out and have a better relationship" - Ryan
"I hope my child's father and I can reach agreement to work together in her care, and I appreciate this service being available for our family situation" - Jerri
"The process was a pleasant surprise- much better than a previous experience. The session was very helpful" - Anonymous
"Try to be more open with my child" - Shelly
"Closer communication with my son, and found key issue that causes our confrontations" - Scott
"My grades (will improve)" - Vincent
"I will change my attitudes (about school)" - Kim
"This experience was comfortable and I felt like I could say anything I believe needed attention. The mediators were both compassionate and I believe were effective in our mediation process" - Carina
"To be more open with my child" - Shelly
"My girls will get along better" - Lynn
"I will be more compassionate" - Helen
"Mediate again. (For future conflicts) This experience was comfortable" - Sam
"I will listen to Mom" - Karina
"I have hope now that my child’s mother and I will work together in the future" - Gary
"My relationship with my son" - Lynda
"As neighbors we will get along now and talk" - George
"Joe and I will communicate better about our children" - Ladonna
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Results of a Pilot Program between the Center and the Canton Police Department
The Community Mediation Center saves our community time and money in resolving neighbor disputes. In Canton, the average time spent by police on a complaint investigation is thirty minutes and usually involves two officers. The average complaint investigation takes up to one hour of police time. According to Stark County Family Court, a typical hearing costs about $300. When issues are referred for mediation and are effectively resolved there is less reliance on law enforcement and the judicial system.
This pilot program was established between the Mediation Center and the Canton City Police to refer neighborhood disputes for mediation and to determine if it would be successful. A longitudinal study of one year was based on data provided by the Canton City Police Department and the Community Mediation Center then analyzed by Walsh University faculty using a frequency distribution. 71 cases were categorized as family disputes, neighbor disputes, or juvenile disputes. The results of a Chi-square frequency distribution stated that mediation had a positive effect on the outcome
Statistical evidence supports mediation as significant in dealing with neighbor disputes. Out of 71 cases, 55% were classified as successful in that parties did not involve the police again. This is a 75% success rate.
Participation in Mediation:
- Reduces number of calls to police and reduces the number of service hours on repeat calls resulting in a cost savings
- Reduces neighborhood friction and helps to stabilize neighborhoods
- Creates a model for future communication between participants
- Increases citizen satisfaction with community services
- Reduces the potential for violence
Partnering with the Community Mediation Center for neighbor complaints is very successful. Utilizing mediation services effectively reduces community costs and improves quality of life.
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Art of Mediation
Our first Fundraiser, The Art of Mediation, was held in July of 2004 at the Perennial Vineyards in Navarre. By all standards it was a huge success. Over one hundred people purchased ninety-five percent of the artists’ works from both silent and live auctions. The event raised a total of $8,033.00 with a net profit of $1,513.65.
Businesses that supported the event were Canton Data Print, Sutton Auctioneers, Sliman’s Printing, USA Quickprint, Mahon Studios Inc., Champs, and Ribcage. Thank you to all the local artists who generously donated artwork to the cause. Volunteers and board members worked very hard to succeed if not for the work of the volunteers and board members who assisted with the event and donated financial support. The work of the center is founded on community support and this was another to help get people involved.
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