CANTON, Ohio (April 14, 2016) The Ohio Mediation Association has selected Stark County Judge Michael Howard to receive the 2016 Better World Award. This award recognizes those in the mediation community who have made outstanding contributions to the field of alternative dispute resolution. The honor is bestowed upon a single person each year in Ohio who was selected from all those nominated for their work and dedication to advancing the field. Judge Howard will receive the award at the Ohio Mediation Association annual meeting on April 15, 2016.
Judge Howard was nominated by Coleman Professional Services for his ongoing support of mediation services in Stark County. Teresa Cusma, Director of Mediation Services for Coleman Professional Services said, “Mediation is supported in Stark County largely in part to Judge Howard’s influence. He is truly deserving of this award.”
Judge Howard is an ambassador for the use of mediation in the Stark County Domestic Relations Court, promoting the use of mediation in resolving conflicts affecting families in the community. These include mediating juvenile diversion cases, developing shared parenting plans, and increasing school attendance by addressing truancy and tardiness. As a result, hundreds of children and families, as well as schools and courts, have benefitted.
A member of the United Way Impact Council, Judge Howard advocates successfully for funding support of Coleman’s county-wide Attendance Mediation Program. For the past eleven years, this program has proven to reduce court involvement and increase the likelihood of educational success for the youth of Stark County.
Coleman Professional Services offers mediation and conflict resolution services to assist families, neighbors, businesses, employers, groups and organizations in resolving disputes, differences and conflict. For more information, please call 330-430-9502 or visit: www.colemanservices.org. Coleman Professional Services is a nationally recognized provider of behavioral health, rehabilitation and social services in Stark and seven other Ohio counties.