Restorative Justice

Relationships form the heart of community.
 
When those relationships are based on respect and understanding, everyone benefits. 
 
Estes Valley Restorative Justice Partnership (EVRJP) helps build and repair relationships -- whether working to repair the harm of a crime, bringing parties together to work out sustainable solutions, or providing proactive support to build community connections and promote positive decision-making.
 
EVRJP is building and restoring community one relationship at a time.  

Mission

We believe that a restorative community is a better community. We facilitate proactive and responsive processes that enhance cooperation, encourage understanding, and strengthen relationships. EVRJP - building and restoring community one relationship at a time.

History

Estes Valley Restorative Justice Partnership (EVRJP) is a unique alliance formed in 2002 between the Estes Valley community and Estes Park Police Department. The vision of this partnership was to invite the community to join with the Estes Park Police Department in providing restorative justice services to the Estes Valley. While initially formed to assist in dealing with juvenile crime, EVRJP has grown to offer proactive and responsive programs for youth and adults that bring the community together to resolve issues and build solutions. Each EVRJP process is based on the restorative principles of relationship, respect, responsibility, repair, reconciliation and reintegration. At the core is an approach to problem solving that is inclusive, fosters open dialogue, encourages accountability and provides an opportunity for parties to build meaningful resolutions. EVRJP processes reduce the number of repeat offenders, strengthen the community, increase safety and promote active citizenship through a variety of volunteer roles.

Donate

Estes Valley Restorative Justice Partnership (EVRJP) is a hybrid municipal/nonprofit organization that is recognized as tax-exempt by the IRS under Section 501(c)(3). This partnership enables EVRJP to provide restorative justice services to the Estes Valley. It also assists in providing professional development opportunities, mental health service, new program development, initial and ongoing volunteer training, special events and more. All donations are tax-deductible to the full extent of the law.

Meet the Staff

Denise Lord - Restorative Justice Manager & Executive Director of Estes Valley Restorative Justice Partnership

Denise has been with Estes Valley Restorative Justice Partnership (EVRJP) since 2014 -- first as a volunteer facilitator, then Program Coordinator, and in her current capacity as Manager and Executive Director. Her involvement in restorative justice began in 2007 through Eagle Rock School & Professional Development Center, where she facilitated community group conferences, circles and mediation; served on the school's discipline committee; and coordinated the schools restorative justice program. In 2014, Denise began volunteering with EVRJP through the Community Group Conference program - serving initially as a community member and then as a trained facilitator. In 2015, she took on the role of Program Coordinator. In 2019, she was promoted to Manager and Executive Director. Denise has a BA in International and Area Studies and Spanish Language and Literature, holds a Colorado K-12 teaching credential and is a trained mediator. She has worked in varying capacities with at-risk youth and adult populations in both education and restorative practices. Denise serves on the 8th Judicial District Juvenile Service Planning Committee, is a member of the Colorado Coalition for Restorative Justice Practices, and volunteers with Partners Mentoring Youth and the Estes Park Thanksgiving Community Gathering.

 

Becky Weller - Restorative Justice Program Coordinator

Becky joined the Estes Park community in 2005, first serving as an outdoor education instructor and facilitator at the YMCA of the Rockies. During her time at the YMCA she also worked as the Assistant Youth Program Coordinator and eventually went on to become the General Manager for Poppy’s Pizza and Grill. She then joined the Estes Park Police Department in 2017 as an Emergency Services Dispatcher and is a member of the department’s Peer Support team. Becky is excited for the opportunity to continue serving the community by combining her knowledge of criminal justice with her previous experience in facilitation and management within the scope of her role as Restorative Justice Program Coordinator. Becky is originally from Saranac Lake in the Adirondack Mountains of upstate New York and holds a Bachelor’s degree in English Studies with a Minor in Film from the University of Albany. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, skiing, traveling, photography and spending quality time with close friends and family.

Board of Directors

Estes Valley Restorative Justice Partnership is a hybrid municipal/nonprofit organization. The 501(c)(3) board of directors provides insight and support for program development, strategic planning and fundraising, and consists of the following individuals:

Carlie Bangs Eva Banuelos (Vice-Chair) Mary Barron Marilyn Black (Treasurer) Jim Carr (Chair)

Mike Garcia Jim Geckler (Secretary) Mark Newendorp Rob Pieper Janice Vaznonis