Check out the January RIM Newsletter here.

Located on the Lower Eastern Shore of Maryland and representing the three counties of Wicomico, Worcester, and Somerset, Tri Community Mediation (TCM) is a community-based organization dedicated to supporting people and communities through mediation and conflict resolution services. Probing through the demographics of their localities, TCM recruits members of diverse and critical communities to train as volunteer mediators who often receive referrals and respond to areas of social need at no cost.

One critical population TCM serves and collaborates with is the local Haitian community, many comprised of newly arrived families and individuals who face various sociopolitical and economic challenges abroad and here in the United States. In light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, TCM fosters and nurtures relationships with other community organizations, including Haitian Development Center of Delmarva and Rebirth, Inc., as well as Migrant Clinicians Network and Wicomico County Health Department to connect with Haitian communities to identify, understand, and address COVID-19 challenges including misunderstandings, congregated living and working settings, health education, and other needs that may exacerbate the burden and impacts COVID-19 is leaving these communities with. Through programs like one-stop-shop events in collaboration with libraries, food banks, partners, and volunteer community mediators, TCM connects communities with resources and social services related to housing, employment, childcare, school registration, utility assistance, health insurance, and various other challenges for vulnerable populations, especially people facing issues of documentation, discrimination, neglect, stable housing, and more. Through partnership building and elevating involvement, leadership, and contribution from critical populations like local Haitian communities, TCM is a part of a growing network that leverages collaboration and connection with community leaders through human-centered approaches to deepen relationships, trust, and access to more significant resources for populations most in need amidst the disproportionate impacts of COVID-19 and continuous health and systemic issues faced by many.