The Center for Conflict Resolution (CCR), formerly the Community Mediation Center, is a non-profit, 501(c)3 organization that provides mediation services, facilitation and training to individuals and organizations. By using restorative justice (RJ) processes and providing safe, structured and positive environments, CCR empowers people to solve conflict in their lives, giving them the tools they need to find peaceful solutions and choose understanding over escalating conflict.

By dealing with conflict in the early stages, CCR has demonstrated that many disputes can be resolved without harm or violence. Schools, businesses and law enforcement are just some of the many sectors that depend on CCR to help individuals find constructive solutions for potentially destructive problems.

Since 2000, CCR has demonstrated an ability to respond to each conflict situation with expertise. When the Kansas City, MO., Human Relations Mediation Department was de-funded by the city in 2009, CCR stepped in to fill the need. CCR now serves over 5000 children, youth, and adults each year and collaborates with over 40 violence prevention partners.

At CCR no one is turned away because of inability to pay for service. Sixty percent of those served are minorities, low income or at a high risk for violence due to impoverished economic conditions and the cycle of violence that continues in families and communities.

History

After nine years heading a successful mediation center in Davenport, Iowa, CCR Emeritus Executive Director Diane Kyser moved to the Kansas City area. Interested community organizers urged her to develop a similar program in this area, a place where people could find help in positively addressing the potentially destructive conflicts of daily life. An advisory council soon became a board of directors and, in the spring of 2000, United Way and Community Development Block Grants provided funding, allowing CCR to hire two paid staff members.

Programs expanded to include domestic mediation, deciding property and custody issues. In 2004, Missouri Department of Public Safety funding enabled the expansion of victim-offender mediation for Jackson County Juvenile Courts. A similar program was added through Clay County juvenile Court.

Today 19 staff members, 20 certified mediators, dedicated volunteers and the Board of Directors keep alive the vision of finding peaceful solutions to problems.