Sumner Mediation Services mission is a simple one, "To promote reconciliation through mediation."

 

Sumner Mediation Services is a full service resource center for mediation, reconciliation, and conflict resolution. Sumner Mediation Services is committed to educating the public about mediation and making mediation accessible to those who would like to use it. 

 

SMS is committed to train and educate the community in the principles and process of mediation and conflict resolution. We are a 501c3 non-profit, non-governmental agency that helps people in our community resolve disputes through the process of mediation. Our program has been in operation in Sumner County since January 2000. Our goal is to promote reconciliation and reduce recidivism in the court system.  All Board Members and Mediators serve on a volunteer basis.

 

SMS trains and certifies community volunteers to mediate and encourages the participation of Rule 31 listed mediators. We offer the opportunity to receive practical experience through observation and co-mediation. Rule 31 listed mediators can meet the required pro-bono guidelines by volunteering with SMS.

After a long search for an appropriate location we are pleased to be in the midst of a family of community service organizations. SMS has settled into its new office space in the Union High Resource Center in Gallatin. 

 

In 2008, we were the proud recipients of the Marvin Runyan Leadership Award hosted by the Center for Nonprofit Management. This award was given to the Middle Tennessee agency that, through vision and strategic actions, succeeded in overcoming difficult obstacles to survival.

 

We serve juvenile and adult General Sessions Court, through our Victim/Offender Reconciliation Program (VORP). We also receive court referrals for custody and visitation access for parents who were never married and or those separated by or seeking divorce. In addition to court referred cases Sumner Mediation Services will mediate community based disputes including self referrals, police, community organizations, civic groups, religious institutions, government agencies and others.

 

In these troubled economic times, individuals, families and businesses are under elevated stress levels and are more likely to lose control over their emotions and subsequently offend others. Sumner Mediation Services is here to assist in and reduce disruptions which if left unchecked can have devastating effects on the whole community

 

For more information check out our website, sumnermediation.org or contact Doris Brocker, Executive Director, 615-206-7447