My Nonprofit Reviews

The Dispute Resolution Center of Montgomery County has provided invaluable support services to the diverse communities of the county. They have successfully developed a respected pool of bilingual/bicultural mediators who are able to serve the growing local Spanish speaking population. The addition of the center's new outreach staff guides diverse communities in the area. This position provides needed support to communities that have traditionally not received information on the many benefits of mediation resources. These efforts could have a tremendous impact on the progress of local families and the relationships needed between community institutions and diverse communities. Through the Covid 19 pandemic DRCMC has become a leader in adapting to the difficult challenges in providing continuity of services for families. They successfully incorporated virtual mediation services, and avenues to access these services, in order to maintain high quality mediation programs in training and court mediations. It has been an honor to work with DRCMC and their many dedicated volunteers. The center's flexibility, high standards of leadership, and professionalism through unprecedented times for communities has been inspirational as many organizations have struggled to create avenues of service in crisis.

I've served on the DRC-MC advisory board, and have been on the Board of Directors since 2017. As the President of the Texas Familias Council, I work to connect resources for underserved populations with a focus on our local Latino communities. The DRC-MC has provided our community consortium members with a wonderful workshop training on conflict resolution for community resource professionals. This training was unique as it taught invaluable skills needed for providers to work across diverse cultures. As a board member I'm aware that the organization is keenly focused on it's mission, on the accountability of resources, and on nurturing a caring organizational culture. The Executive Director, Elaine Roberts, and leadership have made great strides in connecting with underserved communities, including the recruitment of more bilingual mediators to serve growing populations that too often don't realize these resources are available. Through annual art projects for all county school districts, the DRC-MC engages youth and families in the concept and value of dispute resolution. I've also recently completed the DRC-MC General Mediation training to assist with more bilingual mediations. The training was comprehensive, and provided us with an expansive overview of the process and importance of mediation for communities. For bilingual students, the training included unique elements specifically for mediators serving diverse populations. Seasoned DRC mediators mentored the students during the training with caring and insightful guidance that enriched the excellent teaching of the training's expert instructor. Through collaborative efforts, the DRC-MC is a premier community resource organization recognized by law enforcement, justice systems, governing and resource organizations, and the private sector. It is a true asset, and a leader in creating a culture of connection and bridge- building that is essential for healthy communities today. I'm proud to serve this organization, and so grateful for its innovative efforts and mission. Thank you!