North Essex Mediators of Community Action, Inc. (NEM) has provided Face-to-Face Mediation services for the residents of northern Essex County since 1984. Many different types of conflicts may be mediated by NEM, including family, business to business, private-party, and consumer and merchant disputes.

Face-to-Face Mediation is a dispute resolution method by which the involved parties meet together with a mediator to discuss a conflict. The mediator is an individual trained to help parties resolve their disputes in an efficient manner. Acting as a neutral facilitator between the parties, the Face-to-Face mediator does not give advice to any side. All information provided to a mediator is confidential under Massachusetts Law.

In Face-to-Face Mediation, the parties craft their own solution to the conflict. Approximately 80% of the cases utilizing Face-to-Face Mediation meet with success. Individuals who have participated in constructing their own resolution to a conflict honor their agreements over 98% of the time.

NEM receives case referrals from the Consumer Protection Program of Community Action, Inc.; Newburyport, Haverhill, Lawrence and Ipswich District Courts; numerous area agencies; and private individuals.

NEM has approximately 50 volunteer mediators. Individuals wishing to offer their services to the program must complete a 32-hour training program which is offered periodically throughout the year.

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For more information call (978) 373-1971 extension 287.

"Working in cooperation with the Massachusetts Department of the Attorney General"