Resolve Conflict. Restore Relationships.
Neutral • Confidential • Faster than court
At R.E.A.C.H.—Real Educational Answers for Community Hope, our mediation services provide a constructive path to resolution for families, neighbors, workplaces, and community groups across Luzerne County. Trained mediators help people find common ground and craft fair, durable agreements.
What Is Mediation?
Mediation is a voluntary, confidential process where a neutral third party facilitates dialogue so participants can design their own solutions. The mediator does not take sides or impose decisions.
Voluntary
All parties choose to participate and can pause or end the process.
Confidential
Private setting encourages honesty and creative problem-solving.
Neutral
The mediator remains impartial and ensures balanced airtime.
Collaborative
Participants craft agreements they are more likely to honor.
Efficient
Resolves disputes faster and at lower cost than litigation.
Why Choose R.E.A.C.H. Mediation?
Experienced Mediators
Professionals trained in conflict resolution, active listening, and trauma-informed practice.
Accessible & Affordable
Sliding-scale fees; remote and in-person sessions across Luzerne County.
Whole-Person Support
Seamless referrals to counseling, education, and job training as needed.
Types of Mediation Offered
Family
- Parenting plans & visitation
- Parent–teen communication
- Caregiving & inheritance issues
Workplace
- Peer/team disagreements
- Supervisor–employee conflict
- Communication breakdowns
Community
- Neighbors & property concerns
- Tenant–landlord issues
- Organization/civic disputes
School-Based
- Student peer disputes
- Bullying & restorative circles
- Parent–teacher misunderstandings
Small Business & Consumer
- Customer–provider issues
- Partnership disagreements
- Contract misunderstandings
The Mediation Process
Step-by-Step
- Intake & Screening: Private meetings with each party.
- Agreement to Mediate: Ground rules & confidentiality.
- Opening Statements: Each perspective without interruption.
- Issue Identification: Align on topics to address.
- Discussion & Exploration: Clarify needs and options.
- Negotiation & Agreement: Draft clear, workable terms.
- Follow-Up: Optional check-ins to support implementation.
Sessions typically last 1–3 hours; most cases resolve in 1–3 sessions.
Benefits
- Parties retain control of the outcome
- Lower cost and quicker timelines
- Preserves relationships & privacy
- Builds communication skills for the future
Training & Standards
Core Competencies
Conflict analysis, negotiation strategy, nonviolent communication, ethics, and confidentiality.
Cultural Competence
Trauma-informed and culturally responsive practice.
Ongoing PD
Continuing education and supervised practice to maintain quality.
Success Stories
Family Reconnection
Parents reached a cooperative holiday plan—stress down, communication up.
Neighborhood Harmony
Shared driveway dispute resolved with a written maintenance plan—no court required.
Workplace Productivity
Two coworkers restored collaboration after guided sessions.
Accessibility & Inclusion
- Meet at R.E.A.C.H., libraries, community sites, or via secure video
- Evening/weekend scheduling available
- Bilingual staff & interpreters on request
- Sliding-scale fees; some cases free via partners
See our Accessibility Statement and Non-Discrimination Policy.
How to Request Mediation
- Contact: 570-730-6081 · mediator@letsreachtogether.org
- Screening: Confirm suitability and answer questions.
- Schedule: Choose time/location; in-person or virtual.
- Participate: Work toward a written agreement.
Volunteer & Partnerships
Volunteer Mediators
Train with R.E.A.C.H., co-mediate with mentors, and serve your community.
Referral Partners
Courts, schools, housing authorities, and nonprofits can refer cases and co-host sessions.
Turn Conflict into Cooperation
Mediation helps you take control of outcomes, preserve relationships, and move forward with dignity.