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.