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.

Members of our organization

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

Alice Warner-Mehlhorn

President

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Hannah Rathamel

President Elect

Ben walsh 2

Ben Walsh

Secretary

Daisy Fredricks 2

Daisy Fredricks

Programming Committee

Elaine Isely

Elaine Isely

Director

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Kathleen Teunis

Director

Bob Kamphuis

Robert Kamphuis

Treasurer

C. TERPSTRA

Craig Terpstra

Director

Bill Franks

Bill Franks

Director

Martha CG

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.

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Christine Gilman

Executive Director

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Tina Murua

Director of Restorative Practices

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Datasha Chapman

Restorative Practices Facilitator

Grace

Grace Darling

Program Manager/Admin Assistant

Pam Johnson

Pam Johnson

Program Manager

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Kathy Corey

Accountant

Peggy

Peggy Janei

Program Manager

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Libby Brott

Program Manager

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Get In Touch With Us

We'll get back to you as soon as possible.

Contact Us

More Ways To Connect

Call

616-774-0121

Email

[email protected]

Visit Us
(by appointment only)

678 Front Ave NW # 250, Grand Rapids, MI 49504

Support the DRCWM

We are always looking for volunteers and donations.

Donate                Volunteer