Honoree’s Name: Kathy McFall Why This Volunteer is Extraordinary:
Honoree’s Name: Hank Montelongo Why This Volunteer is Extraordinary:
Honoree’s Name: Lorene Vance Why This Volunteer is Extraordinary:
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2023 Spirit of Volunteerism Honoree
Published: March 28, 2023
Kathy McFall completed her Basic Mediation Training with OC Human Relations in late 2021 and has been a consistent volunteer mediator with OC Human Relations since then, assisting with mediating civil cases in the Central Justice Center as well as community cases where Orange County residents seek support prior to formal legal action taking place. She approaches all of her cases with a patience and warmth that allows individuals in conflict to feel safe to put down their guards and collaboratively resolve their differences. Outside of the mediation sessions, Kathy always has a growth mindset and is great at providing feedback and sharing wisdom gained from cases during debrief sessions that allow veteran mediators and newcomers alike learn new ways to continue to improve. Kathy is a dedicated, reliable, and skilled mediator who volunteers her time selflessly for the people of Orange County.
Hank Montelongo is a volunteer mediator with OC Human Relations’ Dispute Resolution Program. Hank is one of our home-grown mediators, having completed our Basic Mediation Training and our Advanced Family Mediation Training. In the years since Hank first completed his training, he has co-mediated and lead-mediated hundreds of cases in Orange County in both English and Spanish, in a broad range of the areas including small claims, civil harassment, unlawful detainer, and family law. Hank is a steady and reliable volunteer who is always ready and willing when called upon. Hank’s efforts represent the very best of volunteerism: selfless dedication to others. Hanks actions always seem guided by doing what’s best for the litigants, or what’s best for the agency. Hank’s volunteerism isn’t to serve his own ego, but to serve others, which makes it a joy, an ease, and an honor to work alongside him
Lorene Vance, the long-time DRPA volunteer mediator for OC Human Relations, is a reliable, sharp, and dedicated mediator for the community. She has mediated hundreds of civil and family mediations helping people throughout Orange County find peace. The professionalism, patience, and tact of Lorene’s conflict resolution skills are unmatched. Lorene’s success can be attributed to keeping her composure in complex emotional cases to balance the energy in the room, and by directing the parties forward to keep them moving toward a mutual goal. Lorene’s unwavering dedication to the mediation field can be seen in the way that she acts as a mentor to new mediators, sharing wisdom and best practices. Lorene has always offered her support to staff and the development of the department to further back our advancement. It is with experienced volunteers like Lorene that the OC Human Relations Dispute Resolution Program is able to thrive.
Thank you all for supporting Orange County Human Relations!!
Kathy, Hank and Lorene ~ I am amazed by the depth and longevity of service you have provided to OC Human Relations! We are so grateful for not just the hours, but the care with which you serve others. It is a pleasure to celebrate you and an honor to have you as volunteers. Thank you, thank you!
Our volunteers are one-of-a-kind. Thank you so much for your dedication, gift of time & talent. We are so grateful for what you bring to our organization & feel humbled to be serving the community with you. Congratulations!
Dear Kathy, Lorence, and Hank,
Thank you so much for supporting OC Human Relations Dispute Resolution Program and for servicing the people of Orange County through your passion for helping people resolve their conflicts. You all are my unsung heroes.
Wow so exciting! thank you for all your amazing work and time you put into our organization!!! It’s because of you that we can have a greater impact here in Orange County!
Thank you for your amazing contributions to OC Human Relations! Your hard work does not go unnoticed!
Thank you so much for all the work that you do at OC Human Relations!
Thank you so much for your time and dedication. We appreciate you and are so grateful to have you as a part of the OC Human Relations team.
Thank you so much for your dedication and support throughout the years. We deeply appreciate your service and passion for helping the community.
Kathy, Hank, and Lorene,
You are amazing human beings who have done some incredible work bringing peace to the people of Orange County through mediation. The impact you have made and continue to make is inspiring!