The Mandell Gisnet Center offers low cost mediation services to community members through the Neighbor Project. This program was established several years ago as a result of a tragedy that occurred in our County resulting from a neighbor dispute. At the Mandell Gisnet Center we encourage early resolution of disputes before they escalate. We provide skilled mediators to guide the parties to a successful result. We also offer peer mediation training to community groups who may be interested in developing or expanding mediation and communication skills. To set a Neighbor Project mediation or a community training contact us today.
NEIGHBOR Project FAQ'S
Click a Tab to know more!
In the middle of every difficulty lie opportunity.
-Albert Einstein
We view conflict as an opportunity for growth and change.
Mediation is a form of Alternate Dispute Resolution that utilizes a neutral, third- party mediator who facilitates a conversation between the parties. Conflicts escalate when there is a breakdown in communication, therefore mediation stresses the importance of effective communication. The mediator will ask thought provoking questions, lead the conversation, and ensure all parties feel safe and secure. The mediation process is 100% confidential, therefore anything said within a mediation session cannot be used outside of mediation. Confidentiality allows all parties to speak openly and freely, thus making the process as effective as possible.
Each appointment will be allotted a three-hour time slot. Your appointment may not take the full three hours, however the time is available if needed.
Nominal $25 fee for each side once a mediation is scheduled.
UPDATE- All mediations are held virtually while we navigate the COVID 19 pandemic.
Mediations are held at the Mandell Gisnet Center for Conflict Management located at the Community Justice Center in Seaside, CA. Click here for directions.
The mediator will be an independent, third party. The mediator has no stake in the outcome of your case and will remain neutral throughout the process. The mediators are trained and have extensive experience working as mediators.
UPDATE- All mediations are held virtually while we navigate the COVID 19 pandemic.
The mediation appointment will take place at our office (2620 Colonel Durham St. Seaside,
CA 93955). A mediator will be assigned to your case and will sit down with both parties.
The mediator will facilitate the conversation by asking questions. Through this conversation,
we will attempt to reach a resolution to your current conflict. Once a settlement
is reached, the mediator will write up a settlement agreement which will be signed
by both parties.
UPDATE- All mediations are held virtually while we navigate the COVID 19 pandemic.
You are welcome to bring family members and those who live with you. We ask that you
do not bring any young children unless it is necessary. If you have an attorney, please
request their presence at both appointments. In addition, if you need assistance during
the appointment, we ask that you bring your support person.
The Mandell Gisnet Center can provide an interpreter at the mediation appointment, if requested ahead of time. If you wish to have a court-certified interpreter, you may retain one at your own expense.
We cannot require you to participate, however we strongly encourage you to take advantage of this opportunity. Mediation allows both parties to discuss the current conflict and reach a resolution that is beneficial to both parties.