Philadelphia's Only Community Mediation Center
History and Background
The Good Shepherd Mediation Program, established in 1984, is a neighborhood justice center located in the Germantown section of Philadelphia. People in conflict come to the Mediation Program to resolve their disputes through mediation.
Our mission is to empower Philadelphia community residents to creatively search for meaningful and lasting solutions to their conflicts without resorting to crime or violence.
After nearly 100 years of service to delinquent/dependent youth, Good Shepherd Corporation phased out its youth residential programs. In 1982, a needs assessment of the 14th and 35th police districts in Northwest Philadelphia was conducted to identify community concerns. It became apparent that crime and violence resulting from escalating, unresolved disputes - particularly involving youth - were the social problems about which community residents were most concerned. In 1984, Good Shepherd Neighborhood House was established as Philadelphia's first neighborhood justice center, serving the 14th and 35th police districts. Good Shepherd Mediation Program currently offers mediation, and training and consulting services to the Greater Philadelphia area.
Good Shepherd News
May, 2009
Good Shepherd Mediation Program Teaches Conflict Resolution Coaching in Israel
In May 2009, Cheryl Cutrona, the Executive Director of the Good Shepherd Mediation Program, spent two weeks in Israel offering Conflict Resolution Coaching training to community mediators. The opportunity was co-sponsored by Mosaica: The Center for Conflict Resolution by Agreement Gishurim Program in Jerusalem and the U.S. Embassy in Israel American Center. Read Article
October 28, 2008
Good Shepherd Mediation Program Names the 2008 "Shepherds of Peace"
Each year Good Shepherd Mediation Program it selects individuals who have been instrumental in encouraging peace and social justice in Philadelphia and honors them as "Shepherds of Peace." The 2008 Shepherds of Peace were chosen for their dedicated and compassionate work to ensure the health and safety of Philadelphia's children, youth and families: Dr. Victoria Yancey; Dr. Tony Chunn, and Dr. Estelle Jasnoff-Chunn. Read Article
