Press Releases
Volunteers Adapt to Pandemic Challenges
With appreciation for the Mediation Center of Dutchess County mediators, Executive Director Leanne Lawson spoke with Northern/Southern Dutchess News about the importance of volunteers. Read more about their contributions, along with those of other Dutchess County organizations here.
Restorative Justice Initiative Receives Dutchess County Agency Partner Grant Award
The Mediation Center of Dutchess County is pleased to share that its Restorative Justice Initiative will be receiving grant support from the Dutchess County Government Agency Partner Grant Program. In its 10th year, the program provides vital support to nonprofit organizations addressing unmet community needs. The grant awarded to MCDC will help provide restorative services to nonprofits, schools, and individuals throughout the county. This investment will strengthen relationships and resilience for all. For the full announcement, click here.
Dutchess Mediation Center secures almost $10K in grants
The Mediation Center of Dutchess County secured nearly $10,000 in grant money to fund training sessions.
The two grants obtained from Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley add up to $9,375. The money will go toward Restorative Justice training sessions, according to a press release.
"With this grant from the Community Foundations, we can train in a new modality, known as Restorative Justice, which looks to identify and address harms, needs and obligations in order to not only resolve, but also heal situations," said Jane Cottrell, executive di
rector of Mediation Center of Dutchess County. "By investing in this training for staff and volunteers, Restorative Justice can also be taught and applied in our communities and schools."
The training sessions will start in spring 2017, and Restorative Justice techniques will be implemented into the organization within a year.
Serino lauded for protecting elderly
Congratulations to Sen. Sue Serino, R-Hyde Park, on receiving the 2016 “Champion of Elder Rights and Safety” award, in recognition of her work on elder abuse awareness.
The award was presented recently by the Coalition on Elder Abuse and the Mediation Center of Dutchess County at its World Elder Abuse Awareness Day events.
In her role as Chair of the Senate Aging Committee, Sen. Serino has done a tremendous job in the area of elder rights, making awareness of elder abuse and exploitation a priority.
After assembling local and statewide advocates for the aging for an elder abuse roundtable, Sen. Serino successfully sought and secured hundreds of thousands of dollars for a statewide program to assist those who are victims of elder abuse.
As the recently retired Director of the Dutchess County Office for the Aging, I witnessed firsthand Sen. Serino’s keen focus on — and commitment to — improving the quality of life for our senior population (especially those who are most vulnerable), her advocacy for programs and services that allow older adults to safely “age in place” and the need to call more attention to the issue of elder abuse.
I commend her for working on behalf of the growing senior population and providing all of us with a much needed voice in the state government.
Mary Kaye Dolan Anderson
Poughkeepsie Journal, July 2, 2016
Chamber of Commerce recognizes Mediation Center during Ribbon Cutting event
Many gathered to celebrate as the Chamber of Commerce recognized the Mediation Center of Dutchess County during its Ribbon Cutting event. Our center has reorganized and expanded to the 3rd floor allowing for an additional mediation room, client consultation room, a new waiting area on the 2nd floor, along with a new volunteer/intern work space on the 3rd floor. The Mediation Center of Dutchess County offers mediation, training and conflict education. It's programs include placing mediators in the courts, helping resolve family conflicts, an Anti-Bullying Initiative, and a Coalition on Elder Abuse.
