Wenatchee Valley center takes on dispute resolution services for Okanogan County

WENATCHEE — The Wenatchee Valley Dispute Resolution Center has expanded its services into Okanogan County, continuing access to mediation and conflict resolution services following the closure of the county’s longtime dispute resolution center.

The Dispute Resolution Center of Okanogan County, founded in 1992, has provided community-based mediation and conflict resolution services in the county for more than three decades. Its closure leaves the Wenatchee Valley organization serving all three counties.

The Wenatchee Valley Dispute Resolution Center has served Chelan and Douglas counties for 20 years, providing mediation, conflict coaching, facilitation, community education and other conflict resolution programs for individuals, families, businesses and organizations.

“We recognize the important role the Dispute Resolution Center of Okanogan County played in the community for more than three decades,” WVDRC Executive Director Jennifer Talbot said. “Our goal is to build on that legacy by providing high-quality dispute resolution services and by developing strong partnerships that reflect the unique needs of the county.”

The transition is being coordinated with leaders and volunteers from the Okanogan County organization. Many of its volunteer mediators are expected to continue serving residents through WVDRC, retaining local experience and community connections as services move to the new organization.

“While the Dispute Resolution Center of Okanogan County is closing, we are pleased to work with WVDRC to help sustain these important services for our community,” former OCDRC board members said in a joint statement. “We are grateful that local mediators will continue serving Okanogan County residents through this transition.”

WVDRC plans to work with courts, schools, government agencies, nonprofits and other community partners in Okanogan County as it establishes services there.

The nonprofit now serves Chelan, Douglas and Okanogan counties with mediation and other conflict resolution services, training and community education.

Okanogan County residents seeking mediation or other dispute resolution services can visit www.wvdrc.org or call 509-888-0957.

Andrew Simpson: 509-433-7626 or andrew@ward.media