About Us
A Non-Profit Organization serving the West Michigan community for over 35+ Years.
Our Story
The concept of a community resource for dispute resolution grew out of work done jointly by Calvin College and the Grand Rapids Community College Consortium in 1983. These organizations worked with the justice system, key agencies, and community leaders in the Grand Rapids area to create a vision for how disputes could be resolved outside of the courts. The Community Reconciliation Center was established in 1986. In 2005, we became the Dispute Resolution Center of West Michigan.
The Dispute Resolution Center of West Michigan is a nonprofit organization. We’re part of a network of Michigan community mediation centers that help people resolve conflicts either privately or in the courts. We help people learn how to communicate and work together to peacefully resolve disagreements.
Our funding comes from grants, service contracts, and fees. Donations from generous individuals in our community also help fund our programs and allow us to provide mediation free of charge to low-income residents.
The DRCWM serves Kent, Ionia, Lake, Montcalm, Mecosta, Newaygo, and Osceola Counties. Cases come to us directly and through the court. Parties may choose to start with mediation before filing a case in court and contact us directly; or the judge may suggest or order mediation.
In 2023, we provided conflict resolution services to 2500 individuals and families, including 1200 children.
Volunteer Driven
Our mediators are volunteers who receive extensive training. They are skillful communicators who work to bring peace and restore relationships. They give generously of their time and energy to build bridges between people.

Our Mission Statement ◺
Resolve conflict, restore connection, and promote healthier communities..
Board Members
Stewarding our Organization
Board members play a crucial role in guiding the strategic direction of our organization, making key decisions, and providing oversight to ensure our mission.

Alice Warner-Mehlhorn
President

Hannah Rathamel
President Elect

Ben Walsh
Secretary

Daisy Fredricks
Programming Committee

Elaine Isely
Director

Kathleen Teunis
Director

Robert Kamphuis
Treasurer

Craig Terpstra
Director

Bill Franks
Director

Martha Gonzalez-Cortes
Programming Committee Chair
Our Staff
Leading Our Mission
Our staff are running the organization every day and leading our mission with our customers.

Christine Gilman
Executive Director

Tina Murua
Director of Restorative Practices

Datasha Chapman
Restorative Practices Facilitator

Grace Darling
Program Manager/Admin Assistant

Pam Johnson
Program Manager

Kathy Corey
Accountant

Peggy Janei
Program Manager

Libby Brott
Program Manager
Contact Us
Get In Touch With Us
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