Members of the Winkler Youth Justice Committee continue to work behind the scenes to turn youth and adults onto a better path.

The committee brings together victims and offenders to make amends, a philosophy often known as restorative justice.

"Our heart is to save these young people from going down the wrong road," member Susan Grenier says. "And therefore, 'restorative justice,' is to restore what's been damaged."

Member Steve Hildebrand explains an important aspect is participants own up to their mistakes.

"They have to either claim responsibility... or else we can't continue. Restitution is part of the whole, so whatever they stole, the price of what they have taken, they will restore."

"We are all about second chances, and sometimes third and fourth chances," Committee Member Heather Derksen says.

All of the committee members, some who've served for over 20 years, say they choose to be there because they see a need in the community. The committee also takes on a form of mentorship which helps offenders see their potential.

Fellow member Ruth Thiessen says they quickly see the demeanour of offenders change from session to session. "The next time you wouldn't have realized it was the same kid coming in. He came in completely different, had a change of heart, and fulfilled some of the consequences, some of the things we had asked for. He paid the restitution and will not have a criminal record."

While the committee will sometimes see repeat offenders, many times the experience puts youth on a new trajectory in life.

"It's heart-warming to see situations where we know that we've made a difference," Derksen says. "And we know that we probably won't see them here again."