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Peer mediation, as a bedrock of conflict resolution, forms a key part of present and future programming for CC,CD. This program aims at conferring problem solving skills upon students as well as providing a mechanism for address dispute issues more quickly and effectively.

The core Peer Mediation training includes a basic introduction to conflict resolution principle, including among other things listening and communication skills. Building upon those core principles, students are then organized into small groups to practice through role plays. Current plans to take this to the next step including institutionalizing the programs through integration with school counseling teams.

The National Center for Families and Children (“NCCF”), a longtime powerful presence in the Washington DC community in support of at-need and at-risk youth, recently awarded its “Humanitarian Lifetime Impact Award” to CC,CD Co-Founder Larry Freedman, and his wife, Mary.

In bestowing this Award, NCCF said, “…you have altered the trajectory of countless lives and generously shared hope, compassion, and joy to at-risk kids and their vulnerable families.” The late Arne Sorenson, CEO of Marriott Corporation, was the prior year’s Award recipient. In accepting the Award, Larry noted, “Mary and I are grateful and appreciative of this honor. While we do what we do out of a passion for a better world for our children, and not for publicity, it is nevertheless heartwarming to be recognized along the way.” The Award will be formally presented at a Gala scheduled later this year.

Developing and implementing an advanced and dynamic Leadership Program for middle school students formed one of the great recent success stories for Community Cares, Community Does. This program incorporated the school Counselor to ensure coordination with educational curriculum priorities.

The “core” CC, CD Leadership Program constituted the foundation for this enhanced offering. Building upon that, CC,CD added a “project development” component pursuant to which each student joined a Team to conceptualize, and implement, a community project. Such projects ranged from fencing around a lake (solving a hazardous drowning problem) to offering of face masks (helping in the fight against Covid 19). The projects in many ways reflected concepts in adult professional work, including power point presentations presenting and explaining the plan.

A “Shark Tank” feature, where professional leaders from CC,CD gave direct feedback to the students, created an informative and fun environment. Plans for next school year 2021-2022 including further continuing and adding on to this program by among other things scheduling field visits with community organizations and leaders to see leadership skills in action.