Northwood News ♦ October 2010

Help is Available in Montgomery County for Resolving Conflicts

By Jacquie Bokow

The Conflict Resolution Center of Montgomery County, Inc., is a nonprofit organization which provides dispute resolution.  Most services are free of charge to Montgomery County residents; Spanish translation is available.

In mediation, two or more participants in a dispute get together with the help of neutral mediators who “assist them to develop their own solutions according to their needs and values.”  Mediation is voluntary and confidential.

Here are the types of problems which conflict resolution can help:

• A noisy neighbor,
• You’re feeling disrespected by a coworker,
• You’re trying to work out a plan to share childcare responsibilities after separating from your spouse,
• Your landlord isn’t listening when you have a problem,
• You need to plan for the care of an elderly parent,
• You owe someone money and want to come up with a payment plan that works for both of you,
• Your neighborhood meetings always end in more bad feelings than solutions, or
• You’re having problems communicating with your teenager.

CRCMC mediates disputes between neighbors, between homeowners and homeowner associations, employers and employees, businesses and clients, between family members, landlords and tenants, parents and teens, seniors and their families, and settles small claims, parenting plans, and friendships in trouble.

CRCMC also offers education and skills-building in mediation and facilitation and in improving communication, listening skills, and resolving conflicts.

CRCMC is a 501(c)(3) organization located at 2424 Reedie Drive, Suite 301, Wheaton, MD 20902.  Mediations are held seven days a week, from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. at locations throughout Montgomery County.  Contact them at 301.942.7700 or via email at info@crcmc.org.  Visit their website at www.crcmc.org.   ■