Overview

When a gang member gets smart and wants to get out of the gang and find employment, he or she finds it nearly impossible to do so. Tattoos turn off employers. "People just look at me and know I was a gang member," said a 19-year-old from Ojai when he went for an unsuccessful job interview.

Tattoos are a stigma that follows them through life. They find it difficult to get a job. They find it difficult to have a lasting relationship. They find it difficult to become a productive member of society.

When people begin to regret their tattoos, many resort to drastic measures. A Fillmore High School student used a knife to gouge a gang insignia from his hand. He was afraid the tattoo might provoke gang members to attack him. An 18 year old single mother held a flame under a kitchen spoon, heating it "for a long time." Then she pressed it against her cheekbone, just below her left eye. Infection and scaring resulted, and there is still a trace of the three dots at the corner of her left eye. These extreme measures to remove gang tattoos illustrate the steps our youth will take to get out of gangs, hoping to lead productive lives.

That's Where New Start Comes In!
Tattoo Removal Program Details

The Chuck Muncie Youth Foundation (CMYF), with help from the Modesto Sunrise Rotary Club, will be hosting a Tattoo Removal Clinic at Skin, A Laser Day Spa. CMYF is offering assistance to people who are trying to improve their lives but have experienced the negative consequences of visible tattoos.
Lars Enevoldsen, M.D. (Modesto plastic surgeon and member of the Modesto Rotary Club) and Sheila Singh, R.N., F.N.P. (Director of Nursing, A Laser Day Spa), are each graciously volunteering their time to conduct the tattoo removal clinics. Each is also volunteering the use of their laser machines to the CMYF for this project.
Location: 113 Palm Avenue in Modesto.

All program orientation and sign-ups for new participants will take place the same day and time of the tattoo removal clinics (9 a.m. to 12 p.m. on 9-9-06, 10-21-06, 12-2-06, 1-13-07, 2-24-07, 4-7-07 and 5-19-07)
Participant Requirements: Each participant MUST complete 40 hours of volunteer work in their community before each tattoo removal session. An original letter of verification of a participant’s volunteer work must be presented prior to each removal session. All procedures are done on a first come, first serve basis. No appointments.
For more information, please call the Chuck Muncie Youth Foundation.
Tattoo Removal Hotline: (510) 457 - 9880

The Chuck Muncie Youth Foundation is a non-profit organization formed to empower people, through personal and educational development programs, that enhance their ability to reach their true potential.