The Center for Dispute Settlement is accepting donations now for its benefit auction to support youth initiatives in an eight-county region. The general public is invited to donate goods and services such as gift certificates, jewelry, furniture, antiques, collectibles, art works and house hold items. Items must be in good condition.

Proceeds from the auction support CDS youth initiatives and Center for Dispute Settlement programs and services. This includes the Developing 21st Century Problem Solvers Project which brings conflict resolution skills to students and establishes peer mediation programs in their schools.

Youth initiatives also include: Development of a Youth Advisory Council; Creation of a Peer Mediator Web Page and Newsletter; Training in conflict and anger management; Recruiting and training young people to be trainers; Annual Awards Luncheon Event honoring area peacemakers; and Peer mediation summits.

Funding comes from the New York State Office of Children and Family Services through a 50 percent grant from the Livingston County Youth Bureau in the amount of $5,000. CDS trains and educates thousands of students in peaceful conflict resolution and peer mediation skills making schools safer for all children.

Any individual, group, or business can make a tax-deductible contribution to the CDS auction. Donations of an item or service will be accepted now until mid September. To make a donation, or have an item picked up, call (716) 546-5110 or mail gift certificates and letters of intent to Center for Dispute Settlement, 300 State Street, Suite 301, Rochester 14614. Acknowledgment letters will be sent to donors for their tax-deductible contribution.

The Center for Dispute Settlement is a not-for-profit agency serving individuals, neighborhood groups, businesses and organizations in eight counties including Monroe, Ontario, Wayne, Seneca, Livingston, Steuben, Cayuga and Yates. It uses and promotes peaceful dispute resolution as an alternative to the court system through negotiation, mediation, conciliation, arbitration, fact-finding and facilitation, training and education. The center offers services to parties experiencing conflicts such as divorce, custody and visitation, victim-offender, theft, small claims, noise, misunderstandings, property damage, vandalism, criminal mischief, parent/child, workplace and landowner disputes.

For more information contact Nanette Castle at the Center for Dispute Settlement at 546-5110.