Whatcom Dispute Resolution Center

What Whatcom Dispute Resolution Center does

Whatcom Dispute Resolution Center (WDRC) is a nonprofit community mediation center headquartered in Bellingham, Washington, serving Whatcom County residents since approximately 1992 (with organizational history referenced to 1984). The organization delivers conflict prevention and intervention services spanning mediation (family, small claims, housing stability, foreclosure), facilitation, coaching, supervised visitation, and youth conflict-resolution programming across K-12 schools and juvenile justice settings. Its underlying service architecture is the Facilitative Interest-Based Mediation methodology — a structured eight-stage model combining conflict theory, mediator communication techniques, and interest-based negotiation principles. Service delivery occurs in-person at the 206 Prospect Street office and virtually via Zoom, with on-site delivery at Whatcom County District Court (small claims) and partner schools. WDRC is approved by the Washington Mediation Association (WMA) as a Practicum Program site for mediator certification and is a member of Resolution Washington and the National Association for Community Mediation.

WDRC operates under a diversified nonprofit revenue model combining sliding-scale client fees, training program tuition ($50–$795 per course), foundation grants (Whatcom Community Foundation, United Way, James Boskey Memorial Foundation, Chuckanut Health Foundation), government funding (City of Bellingham, Whatcom County, State of Washington), corporate sponsorships (Samson Rope, event sponsors), and individual donations including a Partners for Peace monthly giving program. The organization is contractually positioned for court-mandated referrals from the Whatcom County Juvenile Court (Community Links, restorative practices) and participated in the state-mandated Eviction Resolution Pilot Program from 2021 through June 2023, serving 3,770+ clients and opening 2,400+ cases. FY2025 operational metrics include 11,230 individuals served, 2,034 youth in the Youth Program, a 78% mediation resolution rate, and 882 supervised visitation hours; 68%+ of clients fall within Extremely Low to Very Low income brackets, underscoring the accessibility mandate. The current leadership team has been stable for two decades, with Executive Director Moonwater in place since 2005.

Name

Whatcom Dispute Resolution Center

Legal name

Whatcom Dispute Resolution Center

Website

https://whatcomdrc.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1992

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Nonprofit community mediation center serving Whatcom County, Washington, providing sliding-scale mediation, training, facilitation, supervised visitation, and youth conflict-resolution programs to families, individuals, organizations, and courts.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Community Mediation Services

NAICS

Other Individual and Family Services (624190), Child and Youth Services (62411)

SIC

Services-Social Services (8300)

akta.pro primary industry

Peer Mediation, Conflict Resolution & Prosocial Playground Programs (Early Years) (EDACAOAJ)

akta.pro secondary industry

Interagency Coordination & Case Management (VR, DD, Medicaid Waivers) (EDAKANAM)

Keywords

• Community mediation services
• Conflict resolution training
• Family mediation programs
• Dispute resolution services
• Restorative justice programs

Headquarters

HQ city

Bellingham

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Training Program Fees: Revenue from professional development and certification programs including Professional Mediation Training ($695-$795), Parent-Teen Mediation Training ($325-$425), Family Mediation Training ($325-$425), and various workshops ($50-$250). Additional fees for CLE credits ($125).
2. Mediation Services (Sliding Scale): Mediation fees are based on a sliding scale. The organization states it never turns anyone away for inability to pay. Some services like small claims mediation are free for all parties.
3. Individual Donations (Monthly Giving): Partners for Peace monthly giving program where donors contribute recurring monthly donations at any amount. Monthly donors contribute 42% more over time compared to one-time gifts.
4. Individual Donations (One-Time): One-time donations from individuals supporting the organization's mission. Donations are tax-deductible as the organization is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit.
5. Foundation Grants: Funding from foundations including Whatcom Community Foundation (Project Neighborly Fund), James Boskey Memorial Foundation (Boskey Diversity Scholarship), and other regional foundations.
6. Government Funding: Funding from City of Bellingham, Whatcom County, and State of Washington supporting housing stability programs and other community services.
7. Corporate Sponsorships: Support from businesses and organizations including Samson Rope and other corporate partners who support the sliding-scale programs and free services.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Whatcom Dispute Resolution Center (WDRC) is a nonprofit community mediation center providing mediation, training, facilitation, coaching, and supervised visitation services to individuals, families, organizations, and businesses in Whatcom County, Washington. Core offerings include family mediation, small claims mediation, housing stability mediation, foreclosure mediation, workplace and customized professional training (including a WMA-approved Mediation Practicum Program), and youth conflict resolution programs delivered in K-12 schools and juvenile justice settings. All services are offered in-person and virtually on a sliding-fee scale, with a stated commitment to never turn anyone away for inability to pay.

Product overview

The Whatcom Dispute Resolution Center (WDRC) is a nonprofit community mediation center offering a comprehensive portfolio of conflict resolution services rather than a single unified product. The core offerings center on mediation services including family mediation, small claims mediation, housing stability mediation, and general facilitation, complemented by an extensive training division with programs such as Professional Mediation Training, Mediation Practicum, Family/Parent-Teen Mediation Training, and personal development courses (Understanding Conflict, Art of Accountability, Art of Feedback, Tools for Tough Conversations). Additional program areas include a Youth Program delivering conflict resolution education and restorative practices in K-12 schools and juvenile justice settings, Supervised Visitation services for families, and community engagement initiatives including the Peace Builder Awards and Wander to Wander 1K fundraising event. Services operate on a sliding fee scale with a commitment to never turn anyone away for inability to pay.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Mediation Services Voluntary, confidential, and affordable conflict resolution process facilitated by neutral, trained mediators using the eight-stage Facilitative Interest-Based Mediation model. Offered in-person and virtually for individuals, families, organizations, and businesses throughout Whatcom County.
• Family Mediation Mediation services for families experiencing separation, divorce, parenting plan development or modification, parent-teen conflicts, and elder care matters. Includes separation/divorce mediation, parent/teen mediation, and elder care mediation.
• Small Claims Mediation Free mediation service for parties involved in small claims disputes filed in Whatcom County District Court, providing alternative resolution before or on the day of court hearings with no fee to either party.
• Foreclosure Mediation Mediation program to help homeowners facing foreclosure navigate resolution options; service is temporarily paused with referrals directed to the Washington State Department of Commerce's Foreclosure Fairness Program.
• Housing Stability Program Free to low-cost mediation, conflict coaching, and phone conciliation services for residents facing housing-related conflicts including landlord/tenant disputes, eviction prevention, roommate conflicts, and neighborhood issues.
• Facilitation Small and large group facilitation services to help organizations and community groups achieve desired outcomes through structured facilitation processes.
• Coaching One-on-one customized support navigating conflict through conversations with experienced professionals.
• Supervised Visitation Safe, positive space with trained Visit Supervisors for parents and children to visit each other, including a warm environment with games and toys. Completed 882 visitation hours in 2025.
• Youth Program Conflict Resolution Education, Services, and Restorative Practices delivered in K-12 schools, Juvenile Justice, and community settings. Includes free workshops, peer leadership support, parent-teen mediation, and restorative circles; served 2,034 youth in 2025.
• Mediation Services — Family Mediation component (parent/teen and elder care mediation) Specialized parent-teen mediation and elder care mediation services delivered as part of WDRC's Family Mediation offering.
• Professional Mediation Training Intensive 40-hour course teaching the eight-stage mediation model, conflict theory and styles, mediator communication skills, and principles of conflict resolution. Serves as a prerequisite for WMA-approved mediator certification. Pricing: $695 early-bird / $795 regular.
• Mediation Practicum Program Rigorous WMA-approved practicum program for mediator certification. Requires completion of Professional Mediation Training, mock mediations, and evaluation against Resolution Washington and WMA standards.
• Family Mediation Training 3-day skill-building course in mediating conflicts between separated and divorcing couples, covering dissolution process, asset and debt division, effects of divorce on children, and family-specific mediation processes. Pricing: $325 early-bird / $425 regular; optional CLE credits $125.
• Parent-Teen Mediation Training 3-day skill-building course in mediating conflicts between teens and their parents/guardians using the 8-stage interest-based parent-teen mediation model. Pricing: $325 early-bird / $425 regular; discount for active practicum students and mediators.
• Understanding Conflict Training Six-hour training focusing on communication and conflict resolution skills applicable to home, community, and work, teaching active listening, understanding conflict responses, and effective communication in high-stress situations.
• The Art of Accountability Dynamic learning experience focused on the art of accountability as a keystone of positive relationships, covering foundations for trusting relationships and the elements of genuine apology and repair.
• The Art of Giving and Receiving Feedback Training on navigating feedback constructively, avoiding common barriers to communication, and practicing feedback skills with peers. Priced at $75 per person.
• Tools for Tough Conversations Three-part continuing education series teaching conflict de-escalation and productive communication strategies for application at home, work, and in the community. Priced at $250 for the series.
• Helping Children Through Family Changes 4.5-hour online seminar for parents focusing on children's needs during separation, divorce, and family residential changes; meets Whatcom County Superior Court's requirement for divorcing parents with minor children. Priced at $50 per person.
• Exploring Equity and Cultural Humility Three-hour training partnered with the REACH Center to honor human diversity, grow cultural self-awareness, explore diverse ethnic and cultural groups, and examine institutional power of isms. Free, fully funded by the Project Neighborly Fund of the Whatcom Community Foundation.
• Custom Professional Training Customized workplace trainings exploring conflict styles, interests and positions, and techniques for approaching conflict constructively, designed to enhance employees' communication and conflict resolution skills.

Quantifiable outcome

• 78% resolution rate across all mediations
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers8 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature2 records

Partnerships

23 partnerships are on record, tiered core, corporate partner, foundation, community partner and event sponsor.

• Whatcom Community Foundation (Project Neighborly Grant)coreGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2023Project Neighborly grant from Whatcom Community Foundation made possible the 20th Anniversary Peace Builder Awards E-Book and Exploring Equity training program.
• Samson Ropecorporate partnerGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate partner supporting WDRC programs. Samson Rope is a Ferndale-based company with over 200 local employees, committed to supporting local organizations and charities. With all programs served on a sliding scale, community support from businesses like Samson Rope is essential to reaching folks regardless of income.
• Bellingham Bay Rotary ClubfoundationGTM or Marketing PartnerFoundation partner providing support for WDRC programs and sliding-scale services.
• Whatcom Community FoundationcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerKey foundation partner providing Project Neighborly Fund grants that fully fund programs like Exploring Equity and Cultural Humility training. Essential to WDRC's ability to provide free and reduced-cost services.
• James Boskey Memorial FoundationfoundationGTM or Marketing PartnerFoundation supporting the Boskey Diversity Scholarship which helps diversify the pool of mediators serving Whatcom County, especially people from marginalized groups who identify as multilingual, multicultural, and people of color.
• United Way of Whatcom CountyfoundationGTM or Marketing PartnerFoundation partner supporting community programs and services.
• Lummi NationfoundationGTM or Marketing PartnerFoundation partner providing support for WDRC programs serving Whatcom County.
• Resolution WashingtoncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerStatewide association of Dispute Resolution Centers. WDRC upholds standards set by Resolution Washington for mediator certification. Moonwater serves as past president of Resolution Washington.
• Washington Mediation AssociationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerProfessional association for dispute resolution. WDRC's practicum is an approved WMA Practicum Program. WMA honors WDRC team members.
• National Association for Community Mediationcommunity partnerStrategic or Co-development PartnerNational organization supporting community mediation centers. WDRC is a community partner.
• Whatcom County Juvenile CourtcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner for Youth Program and Community Links restorative justice program. Court refers youth and families to WDRC services. WDRC implements programs required as part of probation or diversion referrals.
• Whatcom County Incarceration Prevention and Reduction Task Forcecommunity partnerStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity partnership supporting WDRC's work in reducing incarceration through conflict resolution and mediation services.
• REACH CentercoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerWDRC partners with expert trainers from the REACH Center (Respecting Ethnic and Cultural Heritage) to provide Exploring Equity and Cultural Humility training. REACH Center is a nationally recognized nonprofit providing cultural diversity services with over 250 trainers nationwide.
• Chuckanut Health FoundationfoundationGTM or Marketing PartnerFoundation partner providing health-related support for community programs.
• Ferndale Community Coalitioncommunity partnerGTM or Marketing PartnerCommunity partner supporting prevention and intervention efforts in Ferndale area.
• Whatcom Family and Community Networkcommunity partnerGTM or Marketing PartnerCommunity partner supporting family and community wellness programs.
• Bellingham Chamber of Commercecommunity partnerGTM or Marketing PartnerBusiness community partner supporting WDRC's work with local organizations and businesses.
• Wander Brewingevent sponsorGTM or Marketing PartnerEvent sponsor for Wander to Wander 1K community fun run event.
• Chuckanut Buildersevent sponsorGTM or Marketing PartnerEvent sponsor for Wander to Wander 1K community fun run event.
• Superfeetevent sponsorGTM or Marketing PartnerEvent sponsor for Wander to Wander 1K and Peace Builder Awards events.
• Lithtexevent sponsorGTM or Marketing PartnerEvent sponsor for Wander to Wander 1K community fun run event.
• JoyCo Digitalevent sponsorGTM or Marketing PartnerEvent sponsor for Wander to Wander 1K community fun run event.
• Fairhaven Runners and Walkersevent sponsorGTM or Marketing PartnerEvent sponsor for Wander to Wander 1K community fun run event.

Scale indicators10 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Emerging players

• National Association for Community Mediation: National membership body for community mediation centers that sets practitioner standards and advocates for funding; WDRC is listed as a community partner and operates under its national framework.

Broad incumbents

• JAMS (formerly Judicial Arbitration and Mediation Services): Large private alternative dispute resolution provider offering commercial mediation, arbitration, and training; relevant comparison for WDRC's workplace and custom-training services at a much larger scale.

Direct peers

• Resolution Washington: Statewide association of Washington Dispute Resolution Centers of which WDRC is a member; directly comparable as the umbrella organization setting standards for the same community-mediation services WDRC delivers.
• King County Dispute Resolution Center: Seattle-area community mediation center offering the same family, small claims, and housing mediation plus training programs as WDRC; the largest comparable WMA-affiliated center in the state.
• Clark County Dispute Resolution Center: Vancouver, WA community mediation center delivering family mediation, small claims, and youth programs under the same statewide WMA framework; structurally identical service portfolio to WDRC.
• Spokane County Dispute Resolution Center: Eastern Washington community mediation center with comparable mediation, training, and youth restorative-justice programs operating under the same Resolution Washington standards.
• Pierce County Dispute Resolution Center: Tacoma-area community mediation center offering mediation, facilitation, and WMA-approved practicum training that mirrors WDRC's certification pathway and service mix.
• Snohomish County Dispute Resolution Center: Everett-based community mediation center offering small claims, family, and workplace mediation plus training; directly comparable in mission and revenue model to WDRC.

Market position

Strengths1 record

Weaknesses1 record

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/Whatcomdrc
• Facebookfacebook.com/whatcomdrc
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/whatcom-dispute-resolution-center

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles9 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Whatcom Dispute Resolution Center