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Impact

A Letter from the Executive Director

Dear Friends,

As I reflect on the last couple of years, I'm inspired by the strength and resiliency that I have seen from our Staff, volunteers, supporters, and community. The DRC has overcome many challenges over the years, but in 2021 we were fortunate to have experienced exponential growth.

2021 was one of our most successful years with over 600+ cases accepted throughout Washtenaw and Livingston Counties and over 1000+ individuals served. Our volunteer Mediators and Facilitators dedicated 1040 hrs of service to the DRC, equaling in-kind contributions of $159,813. We are incredibly grateful for their commitment and dedication in serving the community.

The biggest change to the DRC was the creation of a new partnership with the Washtenaw County Prosecutor's Office, in developing and launching the Restorative Justice deflection/pre-charge program for Washtenaw County residents. Another emerging relationship we are excited about is with the 53rd District Court, who continues to expand mediation services for Livingston County residents. We were also able to add several more Staff members to our team and created a new and first time, Assistant Director position to focus on development strategies and help continue growing the organization.

We can't thank you enough for believing in us and our mission to bring more peace and healing to all.

In gratitude,

 

 

Executive Director, Belinda Dulin

To learn more about our organizations goals and outcomes, please review our annual reports below!

 

Impact in Schools

In the spring of 2018, two middle school students were suspended for fighting – a physical altercation that cost them the remainder of the school year. Because the boys had not seen each other since the suspension there hadn’t been an opportunity to work out their differences. Fast forward to the new school year; both […]

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Impact in Families

A grandmother was caring for three grandchildren, the youngest a toddler with special needs. She became overwhelmed and asked a state agency for assistance. Instead, the state sent the youngest to a foster home and the other two children to live with other relatives. The grandmother fought to retain her grandchildren. She maintained she could […]

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Impact in Communities

Two neighbors in a transitional housing community have been fighting over loud music, late night company and cigarette smoke. Rather than seeking each other out to “talk” about the issues, they have taken to complaining by banging on the walls, turning up the volume and yelling to “voice” their displeasure. Meanwhile, the housing management has […]

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Impact in Businesses

A small local business was experiencing workplace conflict among the employees and between management and employees.  The conflict had been going on for several months, and even as management made small organizational changes, nothing seemed to satisfy the staff.  Within months, services were compromised, frequent clients began to complain and routine processes were coming undone.  […]

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