WAILUKU - The Atherton Family Foundation has granted $5,000 to Mediation Services of Maui for its conflict resolution program in the workplace.

The fund was will help develop workshops for business owners, managers and supervisors on evaluating and resolving conflicts. Workshops also are offered to the public, and there is on-site consultation and support.

They are provided by Mediation Services Program Director Sunny Gutierrez, who has a master's in negotiation and conflict resolution. She has been with the agency for 10 years as a mediator, trainer and facilitator.

In announcing the grant, Mediation Services noted that unresolved conflicts affect profitability because they can cause stress, employee turnover, absenteeism, sabotage and lawsuits. The workshops can show the cost-reducing benefits or collaborative problem-solving.

Mediation Services of Maui is a nonprofit, community-based organization established in 1982 to provide, teach and facilitate dispute resolution. It helps all age groups and in settings such as family, neighborhood, business and government. The process is meant to bring people together to find their own best solutions in a process that promotes respect, communication and peace.

For more information, call 244-5744 or visit the Web site at www.mauimediation.org