The Mediation Center of Charlottesville, Inc. (MCC) is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization serving Central Virginia. The mission of MCC is to provide affordable and accessible dispute resolution services through mediation and education in order to transform conflict into an opportunity for growth and change. Mediations that are referred by the courts are at no-cost to participants. Other fees are based on clients’ incomes.
HISTORY
In 1984, local community members founded The Community Mediation Center of Charlottesville-Albemarle in order to provide an effective, cost-saving alternative to traditional methods of dispute resolution. From 1991 to 2004, the Center was associated with FOCUS Women’s Resource Center. It then was incorporated as an independent nonprofit organization and was renamed the Mediation Center of Charlottesville (MCC).
MEDIATORS
MCC mediators are extensively trained and have been certified by the Supreme Court of Virginia. Mediators have previous professional experience in fields such as law, business, management, health care, education, and mental health.
This year we are adding a new mediator training option that prepares mediators to address neighborhood disputes without certification by the Supreme Court of Virginia.
PROGRAMS AND NEW INITIATIVES
- Mediation. A process involving a trained mediator who helps disputing parties to resolve their conflict. The Center receives private referrals and referrals from the General District (GD), Juvenile and Domestic Relations (JDR), and Circuit Courts. Its court referrals come from the city of Charlottesville and the counties of Albemarle, Fluvanna, Greene and Louisa.
- Mediator Training. Training and mentoring for those interested in becoming certified mediators and for anyone interested in learning conflict management skills for personal or professional use. All training programs have been certified by the Supreme Court of Virginia.
- Continuing Education. Classes for recertification of mediators, open to all certified mediators who need credits to maintain their certification.
- Co-Parenting Class. A class for parents raising children in separate households.
- Community Education. Workshops and speakers on conflict management and communication.
- Police-Referred Mediation. A partnership with the police departments of Albemarle and Charlotttesville, providing mediation to neighbors in conflict. Cases referred by a police officer are mediated at no cost to clients.
- Community Mediation. A new initiative funded by the City of Charlottesville to provide neighborhood based mediations to resolve disputes.