Growing up as a kid, I was closest to my dad, Petty Officer First Class Gene Shearer.  I loved him so much that I would go everywhere and anywhere he would let me tag along, even to work. Watching my dad's experiences in faith-based nonprofit management sparked a desire within me to create a nonprofit that embodies our heavenly Father’s heart in not only WHAT they do but HOW they do it; an organization that put God’s heart and people first in everything. After serving in the legal profession as paralegal and law clerk for over 25 years, I saw a gap in equal access to justice. So, I founded The Advocacy Center, Inc., a nonprofit non-attorney community mediation center to address conflict and social injustice through conflict resolution and nonprofit advocacy. TAC strives to bridge that gap and foster environments where every person feels honored, equipped, and empowered, promoting peace and equipping communities with equal access to justice, safeguarding basic human rights, and ensuring integrity for all.

 

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I myself have navigated unresolved conflict and narcissistic dynamics in the family and the workplace; so, I understand firsthand how poor communication and unresolved trauma can create deep wounds and divisions within families and communities.  Because of these combined experiences, TAC focuses solely in conflict resolution and nonprofit advocacy, reinforcing the belief that peace is not merely the absence of conflict but the ability to navigate it effectively.​ I sincerely believe it is possible for people to sit down across from each other and create a world where wisdom, integrity, tact and honor prevail for every person, every family, every organization and every community. So, welcome to The Advocacy Center, Inc.! I am so glad God brought you here. It is my hope that the communities where we serve are able to experience lasting peace.

- Michelle