Concord Mediation Center

Concord Mediation Center restores peace and strengthens community well-being through family preservation, conflict resolution, and restorative justice. Serving more than 2,700 clients and 800 youth annually, the center provides evidence- and needs based problem-solving methods to empower families and communities to collaborate, mend, and move forward. A nonprofit founded in 1999, it is the only state-recognized dispute resolution center serving Douglas and Sarpy Counties. Supported by contracts, grants, donors, and volunteers, Concord Mediation Center provides a cost-effective and bridge-building alternative for handling disputes. The center also provides educational programing to organizations seeking problem-solving, mediation, and facilitation skills.

Concord Mediation Center created programming to support youth who have become involved with the justice system and are currently participating in a formal diversion plan. 
The Restorative Youth Dialogue and Engagement (RYDE) program is utilized as part of the diversion program, as part of a community-centered, community-focused approach. RYDE uses the restorative justice principles of relationship, respect, responsibility, repair, and reintegration. 
Participants who have caused harm are given the opportunity to take accountability, show respect for themselves and others, reflect on ways to repair the situation, and emerge from the program learning lessons to reintegrate into their communities and in some instances schools in a more positive way. The curriculum has been developed using pedagogy to support learning and, sharing of information/knowledge. We aim to using restorative teaching tools to include dialogue, engagement, and circles.