It has been reported that Community Mediation Services in Anderson County, Tennessee has received a grant of $2,500 to continue its important work of helping community members learn to resolve disputes amicably and without resorting to adversarial proceedings such as lawsuits.  The grant was funded by the East Tennessee Foundation as part of its celebration of 25 years serving the people of Tennessee.

The grant was just one of 25 such awards.  The East Tennessee Foundations serves 25 different counties in the eastern portion of this state.  In each county, a single organization was selected for recognition and financial support. 

Community Mediation Services Provides Prevention Programs

In selecting CMS to receive the grant, the East Tennessee Foundation looked closely at the organization's activities and philosophical basis.  Terry Holley, senior vice president at ETF, was pleased with what he found; remarking that CMS "provides not only intervention programs, but prevention programs, too." As he handed the grant check to Cindy Helton, CMS Executive Director, Holley continued, "What you're doing really is changing lives and families."

CMS operates as a non-profit, community-based foundation.  It currently offers three separate mediation programs that teach people how to be proactive about resolving small conflicts before they escalate into huge problems.  All CMS programs are offered free of charge to the public and are staffed by volunteers who receive training in mediation and facilitation techniques. 

Personal injury mediation, however, would normally be handled by a professional mediation attorney rather than a community services organization such as CMS.