They say change comes from the inside and Community Action Partnership’s Liberty Tattoo Removal Program’s latest gift is evidence that this is true.  Four times a year inmates from the California Men’s Colony’s “Prisoners Against Child Abuse & Inmate Literacy Council” hold a fundraiser to benefit local charities. They sell pizza and special foods to other inmates and then donate the proceeds to a non-profit they deem worthy. This quarter, they gave $1,200 to the Liberty Tattoo Removal Program.
“Many of the prisoners in that program are former gang members, some of whom are serving life terms,” said Janet Allenspach, program coordinator of Liberty Tattoo Removal Program.
After seeing a presentation on the life-changing potential of the tattoo removal program, the inmates could see how important it is to provide members of the community who wish to change the direction of their lives with the ability to remove tattoos. These tattoos are often highly visible and can’t be covered by clothing. Many tattoos are gang-related, anti-social and prevent someone from finding a job and could interfere with moving one’s life in a positive direction. It’s extremely difficult to start over when you are permanently marked by your past, but changing the outside is only part of the reason Liberty Tattoo Removal Program is effective. The program also requires clients to be clean and sober and volunteer 16 hours of community service work at a non-profit of their choice before qualifying for tattoo removal treatment. “Many of my clients say the volunteer work changes their outlook on life,” said Allenspach. The program’s proven results are remarkable. More than 60 percent of Liberty Tattoo Removal’s clients are parolees, yet the recidivism rate after going through the program is 10 percent compared to the state average of 70 percent. The Liberty Tattoo Removal Program of Community Action Partnership depends on grants and donations to continue programs. To donate or volunteer, contact: Janet Allenspach at (805) 544-2484 ext. 740.
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