The Upstate Mediation Center (“UMC”) is proud to announce that former Greenville County Probate Court Judge Diane Smock will be awarded UMC’s Extraordinary Achievement Award at the UMC’s Peacemaker Celebration on Tuesday, October 19, 2021.
When the great recession hit, the UMC lost most of its operational funding and faced closing its doors. Former Judge Diane Smock understood the important role the UMC played in our community and its court system. On a temporary basis Judge Smock volunteered to take over the helm and attempt to right the ship. She sought out and collaborated with local grant partners who contributed not only much needed immediate operational funds but additional funds to develop programs that would generate sustainable revenue.
All UMC’s services are provided by volunteers. Smock implemented programs to recruit, train, and retain volunteers and provide resources for the staff and volunteers. Her temporary leadership lasted three years during which the UMC experienced a cultural transformation and financial turnaround. Her innovative policies are still in effect today, and the UMC Board of Directors feel it is time to look back and applaud her lasting achievements.
The Peacemaker Celebration will also recognize the 2021 Peacemaker Award recipient.
The Peacemaker Award is designed to recognize a member of the community who has made a significant difference in promoting tolerance, building good will and understanding, resolving conflict, and striving for peace.
The 2021 Peacemaker’s name will be added to a plaque recognizing past Peacemakers at the Peacemaker Bench in Cleveland Park. The Peacemaker Bench was commissioned in 2019 by UMC and created by Greenville artisan blacksmith Ryan Calloway.
