SOUTH CENTRAL PROGRAM Carter County Courthouse 20 B Street SW Suite 101 Ardmore, OK 73401
Our program strives to provide conflict resolution services that are fair, effective, expeditious, and free of charge to the communities and court system of South Central Oklahoma.
Several of the South Central Volunteers attended the Annual Volunteer Conference in Oklahoma City, OK. The conference included presentations on “High Conflict” from Megan Hunter of the High Conflict Institute, recognition of the service they give back to their communities, and an opportunity to visit with other volunteers across Oklahoma. Pictured from left: Chris Perry, Jaxie Johnston (Program Director), Sam Vanderbilt, Shelly Aljoe, and Cynthia Johnson.Congratulations to Shelly Aljoe who was nominated by the South Central Program for the John R. McCune V Volunteer of the Year award. Shelly has given over 337 hours over the last 5 years as a volunteer mediator. She was presented with her nomination award at the Volunteer Conference in April 2023. (Pictured from left) Phil Johnson, ADR State Director; Jari Askins, Director of the Courts; Shelly Aljoe; M. John Kane IV, Oklahoma Supreme Court Chief Justice; and Ted Roberts, Chairman of the Dispute Resolution Advisory Board.We were able to celebrate the retirement of Harold Davis in Ardmore on January 26, 2023. Harold has volunteered for our program for 22 years and has mediated over 1500 cases. Joining us at the event were local Judges and Attorneys from the area. (Pictured from Left) District Judge Dennis Morris, Associate District Judge Laura Corbin, Volunteer Harold Davis, South Central ES Director Jaxie Johnston, Associate District Judge Carson Brooks, and ADR State Director Phil Johnson. Our volunteer mediators met for our Semi-annual Volunteer Luncheon. Pictured from left to right are Robyn Matthews, Office Manager, Harold Davis, Barbara Davis, Joe Barrett, Cynthia Johnson, Chris Perry, Shelly Aljoe, and Jaxie Johnston, South Central Program Director. We are so thankful for the countless hours these individuals pour into our program!Indian Child Welfare Conference! The Alternative Dispute Resolution System was invited to present at the Oklahoma Indian Child Welfare Conference in Durant this week. Tim Scott, Statewide Child Permanency Coordinator, Jaxie Johnston, Director, Early Settlement-South Central program, & Phil Johnson, Statewide Director, Alternative Dispute Resolution System, presented a breakout session about our nationally recognized mediation program to attendees. “It is always exciting to share about our program around the state,” Phil Johnson said, “we look forward to working collaboratively with our tribal courts.” Felice Hamilton, Director, Court Improvement Program, attended the conference as well.
The South Central program is growing — and we want you to join us! As a volunteer mediator, you will assist people in your community in resolving conflict.