WTOC+ series: Mediation Center staff discuss turning conflict into growth

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - The Mediation Center of the Coastal Empire’s work extends far beyond helping people resolve disputes. Through partnerships, training programs and community outreach, the organization works to strengthen individuals, families and organizations across the region.

Episode 2 of WTOC+’s series with the Mediation Center, which is celebrating 40 years of service in 2026, features Vira Salzburn, the center’s Director of Impact. She discusses the organization’s growing role in building resilience, supporting mental wellbeing and helping communities navigate conflict in healthy ways.

“We provide a myriad of services in the community,” Salzburn said. “Anything from mediation to family law services, helping families navigate crisis and conflict. We also provide workshops and training that support resiliency, emotional regulation, conflict management and de-escalation.”

Salzburn says a key part of the Center’s philosophy is recognizing that conflict is a normal part of life.

“Conflict is not necessarily something bad,” she said. “It’s an opportunity for learning, for growth, for achieving something together. At the end of it, there’s some kind of learning.”

Episode Guide

• Episode 1: The Mediation Center Learn about the organization’s history, mission and vision as it celebrates 40 years of service.
• Episode 2: Impact Programs A look at the Center’s impact across the region, including community partnerships and its Safety & Resilience Training Programs focused on emotional wellbeing, trauma-informed care and suicide prevention.
• Episode 3: Youth Programs Discover how the Center is investing in the next generation through Peer Mediation, Positive Peer Influencers and other initiatives that teach young people leadership, communication and conflict-resolution skills.
• Episode 4: Peace in the Park Get a preview of Peace in the Park, a free community celebration focused on unity, healing and connection. The event is scheduled for Sunday, Sept. 27, at Daffin Park.

Partnerships remain central to the Mediation Center’s work.

“Collaborations are very important to us,” Salzburn said. “We want to understand how we can collectively with our partners to improve systems and improve the way we coordinate and collaborate.”

She also noted that today’s challenges often require new approaches to connection and compassion.

“Stress and difficult emotions have always been a part of our human experience,” Salzburn said. “As a mediation center, we need to help people understand that they are not alone - to help them feel more connected, accepted and cared for.”

Next up: Episode 3 explores how the Mediation Center is shaping the next generation through youth leadership and peer conflict-resolution programs.

Watch the Series

The series streams on WTOC+ every Tuesday and Thursday at 3:30 p.m. throughout September. Episodes will also be available to watch on-demand following their premiere.