Pierce County Center for Dispute Resolution

As we reflect on the accomplishments of the Center for Dialog & Resolution in 2022, we are honored by the impact we have made in the lives of countless individuals. Despite the unprecedented challenges faced, we remained steadfast in our commitment to providing exceptional conflict resolution servicesboth virtually and in-person. The demand for our services skyrocketed by over 700% since 2020, fueled by the success of the Eviction Resolution Pilot Program (ERPP). To meet this growing demand, we dedicated considerable time and resources to staff and mediator trainings while refining our processes, ensuring excellence in every interaction. Through the unwavering support of our 149 volunteers, we assisted 28,571 clients, collectively donating over 2,243 hours of transformative mediation. Over the past year, our team demonstrated remarkable resilience and dedication. We invested an impressive 16,000 hours in addressing a staggering 9,336 ERPP cases, providing much-needed relief and resolution. The immense surge in demand is evident from the 53,303 phone calls we received, seeking guidance and supporta substantial leap from the mere 3,833 calls in 2018. Furthermore, our successful transition to offering online mediation services resulted in 1,454 mediation sessions both in person and virtual, achieving an exceptional 74% settlement rate. We are immensely proud that 89% of clients surveyed expressed their willingness to recommend our services, a testament to the positive impact we have had on their lives. Our renowned 40-hour Basic Mediation Training (BMT) continued to empower the Pierce County community with the invaluable skills and knowledge needed to navigate conflicts effectively. In 2022, we trained 54 individuals through the BMT, welcoming 17 participants into our Practicum. Currently, we have 20 active participants in the practicum, fostering continuous growth and improvement for our mediators. To further enhance their capabilities, our mediators attended 38 In-Service trainings throughout the year, with an impressive total attendance of 582 individuals. This commitment to ongoing learning resulted in 35 mediators successfully completing their recertification. Additionally, we extended our training services to benefit an additional 1,000 members of our community, empowering them with essential conflict resolution tools.