Board of Directors

Lance Reyes, Chair

Robert Boggess, Vice Chair

Pam Westland, Finance Chair

Liz Shelby, Secretary

Nicolle Aleman

Benjamin Bloom

Isis Contreras

Jon Lange, Past Chair

Mike Mastroni

John North

Sally Wise

Debbie Vought

Staff

Deltra Ferguson Executive Director

Brian Graunke Director of Mediation and Facilitation

Cara Walsh Director of Restorative Justice

Raphaelle (Raphi) Kunkel Director of Education

Chad Woodward Mediation and Facilitation Coordinator

Chris Hernandez Restorative Justice Specialist

Andrew Jordan Restorative Justice Specialist

Isleen Glatt Training and Outreach Coordinator

Elizabeth Guenard Center Operations Coordinator

Louise Parke Administrative Support Experience Works

Transforming the way the people and communities of southern Oregon manage, resolve, and heal from conflict.

Fall/Winter 2016/17 The Feather and Stone

W hat does it mean to implement restorative justice in schools? How can I tell when a school is adopting restorative justice values, principles, and philosophy? These are a couple of

the questions I am frequently asked. At its most basic level, restorative justice in schools is about building and repairing relationships, although in practice it is infinitely more complex. Let me share what I am seeing this year at school.

Teachers, administrators, staff and students circle up to discuss and adopt school-wide values such as learning, perseverance, respect, and community. These values don’t just live on a piece of paper; they are integrated into conversations in the hallways, discussed during English class in relation to the books students are reading, and utilized in discipline processes to both set agreements and to problem-solve how to make things right.

In each of our eight school projects, school administrators work diligently to reimagine systems, letting go of old definitions of “justice” and asking what justice really means, what it should achieve, and how to align systems and policies to meet those outcomes. Referrals are reworked to be less punitive, with greater focus on identifying the needs of the people impacted and supporting teachers, students, families and members of the school community to create an inclusive approach to address harm.

Now we are beginning to understand how restorative justice aligns as a trauma-informed practice. Entire school districts are beginning to embrace the importance of what it means to be trauma-informed. We’re learning how adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) impact brain development and how we can shift our understanding from “kids do well when they want to” toward “kids do well when they can”.

After all, discipline means “to teach,” so what can we, the caring adults in our community, do to support a child’s learning and the development of new neuropathways to enable social and emotional growth and the ability to be responsible, accountable and empathic?

All of this is just the tip of the iceberg. I am in such awe of our schools and all of the professionals, youth, and community partners that will make this school year successful. Our current whole-school restorative justice partners are: Phoenix High School, Talent Middle School, Rogue River Jr. Sr. High School, North Medford High School, Central Medford High School, Roosevelt Elementary School, Jefferson Elementary School and Ruch Community School.

~ Raphi ~

Welcome Back to School!

Page 2 Fall/Winter 2016/17

R esolve has been growing! Chris Hernandez and Andrew Jordan will fuel Resolve’s work with school communities as we grow our restorative justice programming from four school projects to eight!

In response to our valley’s increasing need for community conflict resolution, Resolve is launching an initiative for municipalities to integrate mediation as an alternative response to community conflict. Mediation can be one way to support our often overburdened police and sheriff’s agencies. Through municipal partnerships, we hope to increase access to dispute resolution services for residents before a conflict becomes a matter for law enforcement.

To create greater capacity for this initiative, Chad Woodward has transitioned to full-time Mediation and Facilitation Coordinator. In mid-July, Elizabeth Guenard was hired to replace Chad as Center Operations Coordinator.

As Resolve continues to roll out its brand, we will also increase our offerings to the community for public seminars and workplace training services. Conflict

resolution and communication skills are fundamental to a healthy and productive workplace. Employers who invest in their employees through annual conflict resolution skill-building know that this investment saves time, money and anguish. Isleen Glatt has been hired as our new Training and Outreach Coordinator to help propel this work.

Finally, Resolve’s Board of Directors has grown from nine to twelve members, and has elected a new slate of officers. Lance Reyes, Robert Boggess, Liz Shelby and Pam Westland will provide executive leadership this year. Our Board has now achieved gender parity with its new membership, with representation from schools, the non-profit and business community, and the courts.

All signs point to a bright and exciting year ahead!

~ Deltra ~

Deltra Ferguson, Executive Director

Greetings From the Board President

W hat an honor it is to serve this great organization as Resolve continues to enjoy tremendous growth in both services and staff. It is with both excitement and optimism that I look forward

to see what Deltra and her team of professionals and volunteers will accomplish in the coming year. A heartfelt thank you to each of you who have supported Resolve. Your volunteer and financial support has been invaluable.

What a boost it is to read the great reports coming from our school-based restorative justice partners that students are being provided with “a safe place to share” how they feel! All youth should feel like they belong at their school and that they can feel safe and find support.

Resolve’s eight current restorative justice projects include big schools like North Medford High, schools with greater need for resources such as Rogue River Jr/Sr High and Roosevelt Elementary, and schools with highly challenged students, such as Central Medford High.

Once, more let me say “thank you” for making it possible for us to provide our services to youth and adults in our communities. This year, as the season of giving begins, we appreciate any support you can give to Resolve that is both meaningful and significant to you.

Warm Regards, Lance

The Year Ahead

Lance Reyes, Board President

Page 3 The Feather and Stone

New Faces at Resolve

Isleen Glatt, Training and Outreach Coordinator

I joined the staff of Resolve in August 2016 to coordinate trainings, support volunteer development, and increase community awareness of Resolve’s services. I bring over 20 years of experience with non-profits, health education, training, facilitation, outreach, and volunteers in Santa Cruz, California. I hold a Bachelor of Arts in social sciences from Brown University and a Master’s in Public Health from San Jose State University. My partner Bobby and I resettled in the beautiful Rogue Valley in the summer of 2015. Since then, we have been enjoying hiking, bicycling, the arts, and our wonderful new friends in this welcoming community.

Elizabeth Guenard, Center

Operations Coordinator

I am happy to have joined Resolve in July 2016 as Center Operations Coordinator. Having crossed the country with my dog, Oscar, I arrived at Resolve from Vermont with a background in advocacy and social services. I’m currently pursuing a Master’s of Social Work through Smith College School for Social Work, and hold a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology from the University of Vermont. Through my graduate school education, I completed clinical field internships in Intensive Family-Based Services and Outpatient Mental Health. In my spare time, I enjoy trail running, hiking, reading, and exploring the Pacific Northwest.

Chris Hernandez, Restorative Justice Specialist

I graduated from Azusa Pacific University in May 2016 with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies, with an emphasis on interpersonal communication and a minor in Leadership Studies. Prior to moving to southern Oregon and joining the Resolve team in August 2016, I served as a mediator for small claims, eviction, and civil harassment cases in southern California, and worked with youth to foster relationally-focused cultures through safe communication. Now serving as a Restorative Justice Specialist with Resolve, I will continue this passion at high schools in southern Oregon. Outside of the office I love music, recording songs, climbing trees, playing sports, exploring new places and laughing in good company.

Andrew Jordan, Restorative Justice Specialist

I joined Resolve this September after four years working at the Wyoming Boys School for the Department of Family Services. While at WBS, I mentored students and facilitated group sessions on victim awareness, anger management and criminal thinking errors. Formerly, I worked with youth as a Community Service Officer and Bicycle Patrol Cadet with the Redmond Police Department.

Born and raised in central Oregon, I moved to Hawaii and earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Hawaii at Hilo. I’m thrilled to be back in my home state and am looking forward to using my skills to further advance Restorative Justice practices throughout the Rogue Valley. In my spare time, I enjoy visiting family and friends, spending as much time on the lake as possible and having great conversations with great people.

~ Isleen ~

~ Elizabeth ~

~ Chris ~

~ Andrew ~

Page 4 Fall/Winter 2016/17

Community Mediation Partnerships

W hat do you do when you and your neighbor just can’t seem to come to an agreement over an irritating issue? Well, if you are reading this newsletter you probably know that you can call Resolve Center for Dispute Resolution and Restorative Justice and pursue mediation as a solution

to your conflict. However, if you didn’t know about Resolve, you might call your local police or sheriff’s office; you might not even look up their local number and instead just dial 911.

Many times these disputes are not crimes and may not even be municipal code violations. Law enforcement may be ill equipped to fix the underlying problem that is driving the conflict. People can find themselves in ongoing cycles of conflict rather than getting assistance from their local community dispute resolution center. Furthermore, with the legalization of recreational cannabis in Oregon in July of 2015, regional law enforcement agencies and code enforcement offices have experienced a significant increase in the number of complaints relating to the cultivation and use of cannabis in neighborhoods and rural areas.

Clearly there is an opportunity for partnership between Resolve (your local community dispute resolution center) and law enforcement. Through partnerships with law enforcement and municipal agencies to provide services, citizens of participating municipalities would be empowered to utilize mediation and hopefully resolve the conflict they are experiencing. Not only will this benefit citizens by resolving conflict, but it will help reduce the number of low-level or nuisance calls for response by area law enforcement agencies, freeing their resources for fighting crime.

What’s New in Restorative Justice?

Since June 2016, Resolve’s Restorative Justice Program...

Provided training and consultation to Rogue Valley Youth Correctional

Facility (RVYCF).

Partnered with 8 schools to deliver whole-school implementation

restorative justice in schools.

Hired 2 new Restorative Justice Specialists to support our work within schools.

Delivered restorative justice training to 450 teachers, staff, and administrators and provided a 4-day Restorative Justice Facilitator training.

Maintained current partnerships with the Juvenile Department, delivering our Victim Assistance, Youth Accountability (VAYA), Theft Impact,

and Detention Center Programs.

Hosted a statewide meeting for the Restorative Justice Coalition of Oregon that convened local and statewide practitioners to discuss challenges, share learnings, and support each other in this work.

Thank You to Ryan &

Heidi Chackel for

bringing The Classic to

Southern Oregon and

benefiting Resolve

THANK YOU!

Resolve staff and volunteers gather together at 2Hawk Winery, July 2016

~ Chad ~

Page 5 The Feather and Stone

I n 2012, I owned and operated a property management company where I was surrounded by complaints, problems, fear, anxiety, and criticism. When my chaotic work environment began to take a toll on my personal relationships, I knew something needed to change. It was at that time that I

found Resolve (then Mediation Works) and took a community class.

After completing Resolve’s Fundamentals of Mediation Training, I began to put my new skills to use and empowered my employees to do the same. Not long after, an angry and volatile tenant approached with a complaint. Instead of playing the old me who thought she needed to have control, I used my newfound conflict resolution skills. I stopped, took a deep breath, listened to what the tenant had to say, and calmly engaged in a compassionate conversation aimed at mutual understanding. To everyone’s surprise, the tenant left happy and smiling!

From then on, our life in the office changed dramatically. The number of phone calls, complaints, and emails were cut in half. We learned to communicate in a much more effective way, which eliminated excessive waste of time and energy. We left work on time, experienced fewer emergencies, and most importantly, everyone—from owners, tenants, to staff—was happier!

Although I sold my company in 2014, I now make use of my mediation skills with Resolve as a Jackson County Court Mediator and volunteer at the Jackson County Detention Center, working with incarcerated youth. I also serve as a board member for the Jackson County Community Accountability Board. I continue to learn and improve my skills. I look for opportunities to give back and share the peace and harmony I am so grateful to have achieved.

~ Laurel Young, Resolve Volunteer ~

T he afternoon July heat surpassed the 100-degree mark as Resolve volunteers past and present made their way into the cool respite of 2Hawk

Vineyard and Winery for this year’s Volunteer and Community Appreciation Day. Board members, volunteers, staff, and friends greeted each other, laughed, and embraced like family.

As a new Resolve staff member only a few days at my desk, it was an unexpected joy to discover this tribe of change-makers. We heard the stories and legacy of our organization from those who have shaped and continue to embody this work through their countless acts of service. I was inspired by the many volunteers who share a vision for alternative systems of justice, conflict resolution, and the power of dialogue.

On behalf of Resolve staff, I wish to extend our most sincere gratitude to all volunteers who represent Resolve, to our many community partners, and to those who worked hard to build the foundation that makes our current expansion possible. While our Volunteer and Community Appreciation Day happens only once a year, the remarkable work of our many active volunteers is a daily reminder that Resolve is truly rooted in community.

~ Elizabeth ~

Volunteer Voices

Volunteer and Community Appreciation Day 2016

Community Appreciation Day, July 2016

Page 6 Fall/Winter 2016/17

2015-2016 Services Overview

2015-2016 Financial Overview

Reserve: $60,000

Foundation Account (OCF):

$27,596

Volunteer Value through Service:

$76,413

INCOME EXPENSE

Contributions: $94,232 Indirect Costs: $6,838

Private Grants: $36,070 Payroll: $262,812

Contracts: $98,833 Program Costs: $84,085

Services: $86,576 Fundraising: $9,431

Training: $14,507

Government Grants: $58,492

Total Income: $388,710 Total Expenses: $363,166

T his last fiscal year, volunteers and staff provided over 2,400 hours of services to 7,100

individuals. This represents an increase of 1,900 persons served over the prior year.

Further, with our increased presence in the schools our school cases increased 58% from

53 to 133 cases. Finally our foreclosure avoidance facilitation cases continuing to decrease as our

economy improves.

0

1000

2000

3000

4000

5000

6000

7000

8000

July 15 - June 16 July 14 - June 15

Adults Served Youth Served

0100200300400500600

2015 -2016 2014 - 2015

Page 7 The Feather and Stone

Training Opportunities

January 26 & 27, February 2 & 3 of 2017

Restorative Justice is a community-based and trauma-informed practice used to strengthen communities, repair harm, and restore relationships when wrongdoings occur. It is a set of principles, values and practices that create safe spaces for honest dialogue to take place. Restorative Justice is growing regionally and internationally, expanding into school, criminal justice, and community settings.

In this 4-day experiential training, you will learn the philosophy and practices of restorative justice, develop skills to facilitate restorative interventions, discover applications for different contexts, and explore how to integrate restorative justice in your daily work and life. Space is limited. Please register early at: www.resolvecenter.org

Restorative Justice Facilitator Training

Workplace Solutions

Do you struggle with miscommunication or conflict

in the workplace?

Resolve can help with on-site training! Our experienced, professional trainers offer a menu of programs that can be customized to meet your organization’s unique needs. Improve communication, collaboration, and productivity.

For a complimentary initial consultation, contact Isleen Glatt, Training and Outreach Coordinator, 541-770-2468 x302 or isleen@resolvecenter.org.

Fundamentals of Mediation

March 1, 2, 3, 9 & 10 of

2017 (CEU credit available)

This 5-day training is a state recognized professional qualification for mediators. You will learn communica-tion skills, effective negotiation, and mediation theory and practice from a highly skilled staff of trainers. Included in this 36-hour training are interactive exercises and mediation practice. This training is only offered once per year and seating is limited, so be sure to register early by visiting our website: www.resolvecenter.org

Mediators We Need Your Help!

Support Resolve with your Fred Meyer Rewards Card!

Fred Meyer donates $2.7 million per year to non-profits in Alaska, Idaho, Oregon and Washington, based on where their customers tell them to give. Please help Resolve by linking your rewards card to us for donations. Here’s how:

Go to www.fredmeyer.com/communityrewards Log into your existing account or create a new account.

Follow the instructions to link your Rewards Card to non-profit #90855. If you do not have a card, follow the link to sign up online, or pick up a card

at the Customer Service desk of any Fred Meyer store. Now you still get all your rewards benefits, and Resolve will earn a donation each time you shop!

Thank you for your support!

R esolve is looking for experienced and new mediators to join our team of court volunteers for both Jackson and Josephine County Circuit courts. Jackson County’s FED (forcible entry and unlawful detainer, i.e. eviction) sessions take place every Monday and Wednesday afternoon at the

courthouse. Eviction mediation provides a valuable and rewarding service with a high level of agreement between parties. Over the past 12 months we have come to agreement on over 81% of our cases; helping those parties avoid having an eviction on their record plus the added costs and time of going back to court . In Josephine County, there are volunteer opportunities with Small Claims mediation on Friday mornings. Small Claims mediation cases are similar to snowflakes in that no two are alike; providing endless opportunities for a mediator to refine their skills. If you are interested or want to learn more, please contact Brian Graunke or Chad Woodward at 541-770-2468.

Gordon Elwood Foundation

Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention

…and of course, the United Way

Welcome Back to School! Greetings From the New Board

President The Year Ahead New Faces at Resolve Community Mediation Partnerships Volunteer Voices Training Opportunities ...and Much More

Inside this issue:

Thank You So Very Much!

Ford Family Foundation

Cow Creek Umpqua Indian Foundation

Frank L. Touvelle Trust Fund

Anna May Family Foundation

United Way of Jackson County

Resolve Center for Dispute Resolution and Restorative Justice

Holiday Open House

Mark your calendar!

Date: December 8, 2016

Time: 4:30-7pm

Location: Resolve

1237 North Riverside Ave.,

Suite 25, Medford, OR 97501

Come Share the

Holiday Cheer!