OUR IMPACT

IMPACT ON THE PARTIES:

• “I would definitely recommend mediation. Professional and thorough!”

• “We didn’t know what to do about our estate. The mediators led us through some difficult conversations and helped us to make decisions that were fair and will last.”

• “A great experience!”

• “I have learned so much from my training. Becoming a mediator changes you. I think much more clearly about conflict and disputes. Thank you MVMP.”

• “If a divorce can be pleasant at all, we had that kind of experience. We are still friends and our agreement has really helped us to go forward as separated parents.”

IMPACT BY EXAMPLE:

An off-island heir had only two days to evict her recently deceased aunt’s caregiver from the home before the home sale closing.  The situation was tense and painful.  Through mediation, arranged with only a few hours’ notice, the two were able to talk, cry, laugh and make fair decisions.  What could have been a tragedy all around ended up with two people who had lost someone dear to them, being able to unite in their grief.  At the end they were able to come to a mutually satisfactory agreement.  The caregiver had a home to go to and the heir was able to finalize the sale. Both continue to be in contact today and thank mediation for helping through difficult days.

Two lawyers were having difficulties with coming to an agreement in an employment dispute.  Utilizing a Portuguese interpreter, on two occasions and negotiating toward the end through email, after over 10 hours, an agreement was reached.  Lawyers cited the importance of having neutral mediators guiding the discussion.  “We were going to war and you brought peace.”

IMPACT BY FACT:

• Mediation services and conflict resolution education to hundreds of residents.

• Divorce and family mediation saved families thousands of dollars

• Volunteer and professional mediators from all walks of life, all six towns

• Providing Portuguese interpretation

• Regularly called upon by Dukes County Court to mediate

IMPACT BY NUMBERS:

• 90% of mediation clients say the process helped them.

• 85% of cases end with an agreement.

• 100% of our mediators are Massachusetts qualified

• 85% of mediation clients say they would choose mediation again.

• 40 years of service to the Martha’s Vineyard Community

• 300 + inquiries, cases, facilitation and other services per year

Testimonials

“I was terrified when I came into the court. It seemed like the end of the world. Thanks to my compassionate and understanding mediators, I was able to have a productive conversation with someone I considered an adversary. I couldn’t believe we were able to work it out without going in front of a judge. Thank you MVMP.”

– Small Claims Client

“I was really not looking forward to mediation. But it turned turned out to be relatively pleasant. I really enjoyed working with the two of you. I plan to recommend mediation to others.”

– Divorce Client

“You brought us all together. It was awesome. I am so relieved. All our people felt uplifted, more united and part of a team. In particular one Board member said she felt she was taken care of with kindness and wisdom. We all know each other much better, have defined our work together and are in such better shape than we were when we started. Thank you MVMP.”

– Facilitation Client

“If you have the chance to do Conflict Coaching, DO IT! It was eye opening for me. My coach was kind, insightful and such a great listener. Most importantly, I learned so much about myself and about how I handle conflict. I now have a good, solid conflict management plan for the future.”

– Conflict Coaching Client

“It was valuable to help me handle a current conflict in my workplace. Putting a positive spin on conflict was an eye-opener for me. It gives me a structure to address problems. We had a very serious conflict at work recently so this is very important and relevant to me right now.”

– Workplace Conflict Management Services