To meet the rising requests for its services, the Mediation Center plans to recruit and train volunteer mediators from throughout Henderson and Polk counties.

Those interested in becoming mediators are invited to attend cost-free training sessions taking place this month.

Mediators will help individuals, youth, families and groups to resolve their conflicts, reach agreements and find long-term solutions.

“We are interested in adding community-minded volunteers from all walks of life,” said Laura Jeffords, the center’s executive director. “We are especially interested in hearing from young adults, people of color, those without a college degree and those who are fully English/Spanish bilingual.”

The 32-hour training sessions will be held in Hendersonville on two weekends in a row, April 14-15 and April 21-22. Those interested in acquiring more details can email coreyh@mediatewnc.org.

The Mediation Center provides a safe and neutral environment for resolving conflicts and offers an alternative to going to court.

-Submitted by Ernie Mazzatenta