About Us - Dispute Resolution Center of West Michigan

About the Dispute Resolution Center of West Michigan

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.

We’ve been helping West Michigan Communities for 35 years

MISSION: We foster peaceful communities through the development of improved communication skills, restorative practices, and healthy conflict resolution.

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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 2019, we handled 1275 cases and served more than 4000 individuals.

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. Click here to donate and/or volunteer.