The VORP/Community Center, Inc. held a 20-year celebration with mediators and board members Oct. 20. The event was held at the Depot. A light lunch was donated with about 50 people attending. Much reminiscing took place and a lot of thanks to founder Leonard Stark from Pleasant Hill and Executive Director Rita Young.
The letters VORP stand for Victim Offender Reconciliation Program. Stark single handedly organized the Cumberland County VORP from his experience in developing one in Lima, Ohio during his ministry. Cumberland County became the second VORP in Tennessee in the fall of 1989. There are currently 13 operating in the state.
VORP provides free, neutral, confidential and voluntary access to everyone to resolve disputes through mediation. They work closely with the Cumberland County Court system for nearly all of their referrals. The judge determines when a case is referred and both parties in the dispute must voluntarily agree to mediate.
There is quite a contrast to the number of cases VORP has received over the years. They started with eight cases in the fall of 1989 and 19 years later received 1130 during the year 2008. Over 800 have been referred so far in 2009. In total, VORP has mediated 7,500 cases in Cumberland County during their 20 years of service.
Please realize that there is a minimum of two people involved in each referral, a victim and an offender. That means that at least 15,000 Cumberland County lives have been touched with mediation. There are two strong benefits from this process: 1.) the mediated results are 96 percent satisfactory to both parties; 2.) over $400,000 has been arranged for victims for restitution.
The court system is a winner because if gives more time to resolve more serious cases. The county is a winner because the mediation process is free. Tax payers must realize that prosecution and defense offered by a public defender cost a great deal of your tax dollars. District Attorney Randy York is quoted as saying, "You will never know how much the bar and my office appreciate the volunteers at VORP. Through your efforts, you have resolved many conflicts, have reduced overcrowding dockets and helped our justice system.”
Judge Larry M. Warner offered these words in honor of the 20-year celebration: “I wish to extend my gratitude for your service and dedication to Cumberland County. I truly appreciate the efforts that each of you gives so freely of yourself. You are making a tremendous difference in my court and this community.”
VORP operates with two full-time and one part time paid staff and over 30 volunteer mediators and board members. Currently there are 13 VORP offices in the state of Tennessee in cities like Nashville, Knoxville, Memphis and Chattanooga. The Cumberland County VORP office handles 74 percent of all the court referrals in the state thanks to the belief in the mediation system by Judge Larry M. Warner.
VORP/Mediation Center receives funding from several sources: United Fund, Tennessee Supreme Court, Tennessee Bar Foundation, city of Crossville, local churches, various grants and caring individuals. Cumberland County provides office space with the building at 584 Highway 70 East.
Referred cases include neighbor disputes, vandalism, shoplifting, bad checks, animal related and assault cases. Please call Executive Director Rita Young at 484-0972 to learn more about the VORP organization. New mediators are always needed and free training is provided.
Lifestyles
Related Photos
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Photo submitted Over 50 VORP mediators and board members gathered to celebrate 20 years of service to the community. Founder Leonard Stark was on hand to express his thanks and appreciation.
VORP celebrates 20 years of service to community
- Lifestyles
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The River WILD!
The Big South Fork of the Cumberland River winds its way through the 125,000 acres of the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area before flowing into the Cumberland River and Lake Cumberland in Kentucky. It’s a free-flowing river, with no dams to control release of the water, but the scenery and the magnificent rock formations make it a favorite of paddling enthusiasts who watch the weather to see if they can get out and explore areas that are hard to reach by foot.
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Farmer's Market opens for business June 2
The Cumberland County Farmer’s Market will officially open the growing season as it has every year since 1978. This year’s “opening” will be Saturday, June 2, at the traditional location on Livingston Rd., next to the fairgrounds. Selling will begin early (6:30 a.m. or so), although some vendors may set up a few hours later in order to provide the freshest vegetables picked just that morning. There is usually a good selection until well after noon.
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Around the Town: Children's letters to God
I received the cutest e-mail earlier this week and could not resist sharing it with Chronicle readers. The email contains a list of letters that children have written to God. I found them to be quite hilarious and feel sure you will as well. Please pardon the spelling as the notes were typed as the children wrote them:
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Cookbook sale benefits nutrition program
The Upper Cumberland Human Resource Agency (UCHRA) is currently selling cookbooks as a fundraiser to benefit the Nutrition Program for older adults and adults with disabilities.
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Crab Orchard DAR chapter hands out awards
Joe White, Cumberland County Korean War Veteran, was honored as the recipient of the prestigious Community Service Award by The Crab-Orchard Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution at its annual Awards Dinner on Thursday evening, April 20, at the Art Circle Public Library community room.
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Seniors plan day of fun, games
The 127 South Seniors met May 18 for bingo, dominos, coffee, sweets and conversation. Buckeye Home Health furnished the gifts and Arlene Simmons and Wendell Lester called the numbers.
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Marriage licenses
Published May 23, 2012.
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Memorial Day ceremony set
The Cumberland County Veterans Council will sponsor a Memorial Day Ceremony May 28 at the Cumberland County Veterans Memorial Park. The ceremony will begin at 11 a.m. with the Cumberland County Band performing, flag/colors presentation, an incredible singer, guest speakers and a special key-note speaker.
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Plateau Gardening: Make Plateau Discovery Gardens your information destination
Most home gardeners enjoy learning about plants and are all ears when new yard and garden techniques are discussed. If this description fits you, plan to attend the upcoming 2012 Classes at the Gardens series hosted by the Cumberland County Master Gardeners at Plateau Discovery Gardens on the grounds of the University of Tennessee Plateau AgResearch and Education Center next to the main office (320 Experiment Station Rd.; telephone, 484-0034).
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Pleasant Hill Ramblings: Spring Festival celebrates inaugural event
After six weeks of rainstorms missing the town, Saturday morning dawned with a drizzly rain, needed, but not that day. Always optimistic, the volunteers went to work setting up the festival, and by the 10 a.m. starting time, there was no more rain. The PH Ensemble, led by Bob Savage, began the day with a variety of melodies.
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