Team Member Recognized for Volunteering

MVCAP Team Member Caroline Christian has been honored for her local volunteer work with the Dayton Mediation Center.

Caroline received the Center Ambassador Award for her work as a Community Impact Panelist. Panelists help young people and their families discuss quality-of-life infractions that result in youths receiving tickets.

“I discuss how the youth’s actions affect residents, public transport users and downtown visitors as well as the youth and their families,” she said.

“We have honest conversations and offer insight on how to make better choices while letting them know how valuable they are. We teach this moment is not who they are, just what they did and offer ways to avoid this situation again.”

In presenting the award, Mediation Coordinator Cherise D. Hairston said when Caroline first started volunteering three years ago it was quickly obvious she would “lean in.” In addition to volunteering herself, she has recruited others.

“She speaks beautifully and sincerely about the importance of giving your time, sharing your experience and making a difference in the community,” Hairston said. “She understands that when you give your time to the Dayton Mediation Center you become part of something larger. A community that believes in voice and choice, dignity and the importance of giving people an opportunity to be heard.”

Caroline also volunteers as a Victim Advocate with the Montgomery County Prosecutor’s Office. Two weekends each month she is on call to meet victims of domestic violence or sexual assault at the hospital.

Caroline began her career with Miami Valley CAP in the microenterprise program where she also facilitated computer classes. She has also helped on the HEAP team and at the front desk of the downtown Dayton office. She currently supports the Finance and Housing Department and is working to become a Certified HUD Counselor.

“I have had two of the best directors who have challenged me and afforded me opportunities to learn and grow which has made it easy to adapt in these different roles and be able to help in every department here.”