About Us
Kent County DVCCRT:
Rosalynn Bliss, Co-Chair
St. Johns HomeAshley Nickels, Co-Chair
Grand Valley State University - Women's CenterShandra Steininger, LLMSW, Secretary
Dispute Resolution Center of West Michigan
The Domestic Violence Community Coordinated Response Team (DVCCRT) is a multi-disciplinary team of local professionals who work in the field of domestic violence prevention, domestic violence intervention, law, education, faith community and health care. Participation in this group is open to any community member.
What is the mission of the DVCCRT?
To cooperate, coordinate, and collaborate on all community levels and efforts to eliminate domestic violence.
Who are the members of the DVCCRT?
The DVCCRT is a multi-disciplinary team of local professionals who are committed to raising awareness about domestic violence and playing an active role in the prevention of domestic violence. Members consist of individuals from the following agencies: Dwelling Place Inc., Department of Human Services, Fountain Hill Center for Counseling, Grand Rapids Police Department, Healthy Kent 2010, Hispanic Center of Western Michigan, Kent County Medical Society, Kent County Prosecutor's Office, Kent County Sheriff Department, Kentwood Police Department, Legal Aid of Western Michigan, Men's Resource Center, Safe Haven Ministries, YWCA of Grand Rapids, 61st District Court.
Why do we exist?
The DVCCRT is committed to raising awareness about domestic violence, improving services to victims, providing domestic violence training and education, and encouraging the community to play an active role in the prevention of domestic violence.
When do we meet?
The fourth Thursday of each month from noon to 1:30pm at the Kent County Courthouse in the 5th floor conference room. Meetings are open to the public.
Who do I contact for more information?
Rosalynn Bliss at 616-361-5227, ext. 129 or by email to
Ashley Nickels at 616-331-2748 or by email to
Why should you get involved?
Domestic violence cannot be solved by one person or one agency alone. Success is defined through a team approach that includes members from the community working together to address this epidemic. The DVCCRT creates a space that allows for open discussion of difficult cases, problem solving to better serve victims, discussion of more effective and accountable services for perpetrators, collaboration among agencies, creation of sub-committees to address particular concerns, and discussion of ideas on how to increase awareness of domestic violence and its devastating effects on our community.
Projects the DVCCRT has worked on include the following:
- Updated and printed the Spanish version of the Healing Path
- Sponsored a training for law enforcement and court personnel, co-sponsor a day long workshop with Nationally known expert and author Lundy Bancroft
- Sponsored a media training for all members of the DVCCRT
- Created domestic violence media packets
- Sponsored a lunch and learn panel discussion for individuals from the media
- Created and maintained a DVCCRT web-site which can be used as a resource for the community
- Created a public awareness campaign that targets men
- Updated and printed copies of the Healing Path in English
- Sponsored an annual DVCCRT conference
- Developed a domestic violence prevention effort within schools
- Updated and printed copies of the Healing Path in Spanish
- Sponsored an annual DVCCRT conference for teachers and school personnel
