2023 Spirit of Volunteerism Honoree

Honoree’s Name: Kathy McFall

Why This Volunteer is Extraordinary:

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.

Honoree’s Name: Hank Montelongo

Why This Volunteer is Extraordinary:

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

Honoree’s Name: Lorene Vance

Why This Volunteer is Extraordinary:

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.