The Mediation Center of the Coastal Empire has been awarded $2,000 from South State Bank. The funds received will benefit the Mediation Center’s Community Conferencing program, which has gained momentum over the past few months as an in-demand dispute-resolution option.

The Community Conferencing program, which is overseen by Mediation Center’s Director of Youth Programs Crystal Commodore, provides a safe and structured space for people involved in a conflict or crime to meet and resolve the incident. Community Conferencing can be used to resolve a multitude of situations, such as minor assault, breaking and entering, shoplifting, property destruction, burglary, trespassing and auto theft.  The process helps people respond in constructive ways by inviting everyone affected to the conference and encouraging them to share their feelings and thoughts on how best to remedy the conflict.

Mediation Center Executive Director Jill Cheeks expressed gratitude for South State Bank’s generosity and the value the bank sees in the program.

"Community Conferencing is a response that has been demonstrated in many jurisdictions to be effective more than 90% of the time, which we’re currently exceeding in Chatham County. The conference provides an opportunity to heal the harm that has been caused and for the community to heal. The person who caused harm is held accountable for their actions and they contribute to the development of a specific plan for how to prevent future incidents and define a better path going forward,” Cheeks said. “We’re thankful to South State Bank for awarding us these funds, which will support a program that, ultimately, benefits our whole community.”

Commodore and Mediation Center board member Buddy Metzger accepted the donation check this week from bank representatives Holden T. Hayes, Division President, and Eula J. Parker, Senior Vice President and Community Development Officer, during a brief ceremony at the Mediation Center.