““I was 15 when I first got involved with my neighborhood gang. At 17, I

got my gang’s name on my stomach, and by 18 I had 5 tattoos (on my

hands and neck) identifying me as a member of the gang. I had my

problems with the law from a young age but it was not until I was in my

30s that I was sentenced to 27 years to life in State prison. While in

prison, I got 20 more tattoos to represent my gang affiliation as well as

my lifestyle. These tattoos were the cause of many fights and

misunderstandings.As a result of these fights and misunderstandings, I

helped create “Criminals and Gangmembers Anonymous” in 1996 to

help cope with this lifestyle addiction. After serving 30+ years in prison,

I was released into the custody of Sister Mary Shawn Hodges of the

Archdiocese due to my desire to help others positively reintegrate into

society. I knew removing gang/prison tattoos was a critical component

in doing so. My daughter called me “dumb” for having tattooed my

neighborhood on my stomach and was embarrassed by me. Her

teachers and the other parents were fearful and judgmental. Women

were scared and hesitant to approach me while some men acted in fear.

As the house manager in one of the re-entry homes, I met the Executive

Director of Sunrise and we made an arrangement to remove the ex-lifers

tattoos for free. I have since removed 3 of my visible tattoos and am in

the process of removing 5 more. I have noticed a change in how people

talk to me and seeing the tattoos no longer there helps me to further

leave my past destructive lifestyle behind. I now feel accepted and not

judged. Coming to Sunrise has given me the opportunity to create a new

network of friends and colleagues and volunteering has given me the

power to reach out to the troubled youth that are heading down the same

path as I did. I hope to help young men make better choices for

themselves than ending up in gangs or prison.”

#2:

“I grew up in the Westlake [Rampart] area of Los Angeles. When I was 13

my homeboy gave me my first tattoo. At 14, I was jumped into a gang

in my neighborhood. I started getting tattoos to honor my gang and

establish my status in my hood - these included tattoos on my face and

neck. I dropped out of high school in 10th grade. By the time I was 25, I

was locked up for two and a half years while fighting a case. I had an

eight-year-old daughter at the time. My older brother was serving 50 to

life and I did not want to end up like him and miss out on being a father

to my daughter. I managed to win my case and was released. I knew at

that moment that I had to change my life so I moved my family away from

the Westlake area. I started working as a day laborer but wanted a more

secure job. I realized that my tattoos were not letting me get the jobs I wanted.

I knew I had to remove the tattoos on my face and neck in order

for an employer to take me seriously and hire me. I was referred to

Sunrise by Homies Unidos. Through the services of Sunrise, I have

removed 5 tattoos and I’m finishing the removal of my 6th and final

tattoo. During the removal process I have noticed a change in how

people look at me as well as interact with me. I gained a newfound

confidence in my place in society and took the risk of starting my own

small business which has been successful. I am now married with five

kids and feel both relieved and grateful for having a second chance in life”