Super Hero Luncheon honors volunteers with DRC-Montgomery County

CONROE, TX -- The Annual Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon “Superheroes Unite” hosted by Dispute Resolution Center of Montgomery County, Inc. (DRC-MC) honored both Service Award recipients and Achievement Award recipients with a Super Hero theme on April 13 at TRIS Restaurant in The Woodlands.

All mediators have participated in intensive training in order to assist with mediations. They use their experience to assist with mediation training for new recruits as well as shorter, practical training for outside organizations. Without their assistance the DRC-MC could not provide the same type of affordable, high-quality mediations for Montgomery County residents. Presently the DRC-MC relies on over 60 volunteers who donated over $260,000 worth of time in 2018!

Judge Jennifer Robin of the 410 District Court believes in the efforts of the organization to reduce the court’s time as well as efficient disposition of cases. “Your efforts allow litigants the opportunity to take control over the outcome of their cases and to minimize the risks and costs of litigation. Montgomery County is fortunate to have such a well-run and well-staffed ADR facility. Your contributions do not go unnoticed”, said Judge Robins.
Volunteers, board members, and elected judges were celebrated in true Super Hero fashion with capes and masks. Judges in attendance included Kathleen Hamilton of the 359th District Court, Judge Claudia Laird of Montgomery County Court of Law 2, and Associate Judge Scharlene Valdez of the 418th District Court. The judges also commented on the many positive ways mediation has impacted Montgomery County courts and the community.
Three categories of awards were presented at the luncheon to honor volunteer service to the DRC-MC: Service Awards, Achievement Awards, and Hero Board Awards:

DRC-MC Service Awards: Ben DeVries-20 years of service; Charlsie Moore- 19 years of service: Gaye Henley-16 years of service.

DRC-MC Achievement Awards for 2018: Charlsie Moore-209.45 mediation hours; Lois Voth-203.84 mediation hours; Glenna Rodgers-201.04 mediation hours.

Hero Board Awards-
Social Guru: for significant interactions on Social Media, particularly during Conflict Resolution Month-Ben DeVries, Jennifer Engel, Mike Fortner, Charlsie Moore, Lois Voth, Tammie Haynes, Carmen Troyo
Justice League: volunteers who fill in for emergencies- Ben DeVries, Mike Fortner, Jack Mixa, Charlsie Moore, Ronnie Pace, Ken Smith, Lois Voth, Glenna Rodgers, Kathy Black, Tom Tuohy, Glenda Livingston, Amy Lecocq, Diana Pino, Rhonda Cannon, Randy Zantor, Norm Gautier, Joyce Gautier, Becky Moore
Iron Man: outside event attendance on behalf of the DRC-MC- Francis Bourgeois, Ben DeVries, David Dewhurst, Lynn McDonald, Lois Voth, Glenna Rodgers, Diana Pino
Hidden Talent: special skills outside of mediations-Mike Fortner, David Dewhurst, Josh Zientek, Tammie Haynes, Charlsie Moore, Glenna Rodgers, Ben DeVries, Lois Voth, Sara A., Cathy Yowell
JP All Stars: assist with mediations in JP Court-: Ben DeVries, Jauna Drake, Mayor Jim Kuykendall, Jim Parker, Dave Teall, Karen West, Gary Smith, Dennis Wymore
Best Sidekick: for most dedicated new volunteers-Jennifer Engel, Mike Fortner, Dennis Wymore, Amy Lecocq, Chris Renne, Becky Moore, John Herbig, Gary Smith
Jedi Master: Board Member Awards-Charles McBride, Lois Voth, Maria Banos-Jordan, Glenna Rodgers

There are many reasons people learn about mediation and volunteer to be involved. A couple of volunteers shared their perspective:

“I took the mediation training because I thought it would be helpful when negotiating real estate deals, little did I know how hooked I’d become! I saw so many truly magical moments between people that came in angry and left in peace that I couldn’t wait for the next chance to experience that high. After 19 years I still get that high when I see people in crisis get relief,” stated Charlsie Moore, DRC-MC volunteer.

From Chairman of the Board, Lois Voth, “I find it immensely satisfying to be part of a process that allows parties to resolve issues themselves. I strongly believe in providing individuals a process that allows them to relax and work through disputes collaboratively in a confidential, non-judgmental setting”.

Lois added, “It is a pleasure and an honor to work alongside other volunteer mediators. These folks contribute time to further a more peaceful, problem-solving community. I love having warm, caring people in my life. They believe individual stories matter, they’re able to suspend judgement, and they’re open to possibilities.”

The annual luncheon is a fun way to pay respects to the dedicated volunteers that give their time to make a difference to individuals involved in local disputes. In mediation, solutions are generated with the help of an impartial volunteer mediator which meets the needs of the participants without deciding who is right or wrong. Viable options are explored in a timely, economical manner through mediation.

“We are most appreciative of the volunteer service to the community through the DRC-MC,” shared Executive Director, Elaine Roberts. “We have 3 full time staff and rely heavily on volunteers to complete over 1,000 mediations each year. Our volunteers truly have Super Powers!”
Disputes are handled Monday through Friday at the Dispute Resolution Center of Montgomery County, Inc. (DRC-MC) in Downtown Conroe on Thompson Street across the street from the Courthouse. The non-profit organization was established in 1988 by Commissioners Court and the Montgomery County Bar Association.

Mediation fees are affordable and offer an opportunity to prevent disputes from escalating into serious civil or criminal matters.
There is still room to sign up for upcoming mediation trainings scheduled in May and July. Family mediation training is May 22-24, from 8:00am-5:00pm in Conroe. Participants must have completed a General 40 Hour mediation training and 4 hours of domestic violence training prior to registration. A second General 40 Hour Mediation Training session is scheduled for July 10-12, and July 18-19 (all 5 days required) from 8:30am-5:30pm in The Woodlands. Qualified Volunteers with the DRC-MC receive discounted fees for trainings. Learn more about these trainings and others at https://resolution-center.org/training-schedule/
Find out more about the Dispute Resolution Center of Montgomery County, Inc. by visiting www.resolution-center.org. Visit their Facebook page at www.Facebook.com/MontgomeryCountyDRC. Call (936) 760.6914, 8:00am-5:00pm Monday – Friday.

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