When Ginger Barnes began volunteering with the Boulder County Sheriff’s Office’s Restorative Justice Program 18 years ago, she couldn’t have imagined she’d still be with the program today.

“When people leave the circle a better person than they came in the circle, to me that’s worth every minute I volunteer,” Barnes said.

Barnes joined a few dozen volunteers and law enforcement officials Monday to celebrate the 25-year-anniversary of a program she says has made a difference in the Boulder County community.

The program, which began in 2000 under then-Sheriff George Epp, provides an alternative to the traditional legal system for individuals, often young people, who commit low-level crimes such as shoplifting, trespassing and property damage.

“Kids are kids, young adults are young adults

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