Correcting the mistakes of youth
Most of us made mistakes in our youth.
We experimented, hung out with the wrong crowd, did things we aren’t proud of and, eventually, grew out of it and became productive members of society.
Some youthful mistakes are harder to erase than others. This is particularly true for people who join gangs and color themselves with gang tattoos.
Two teens told their stories at the Old Manassas Courthouse on Wednesday evening for a new community program that will allow former gang members to have their gang tattoos removed at no cost to them.
The Make a Change Tattoo Removal Program was formed through a partnership between the Greater Prince William Gang Response Intervention Team and the Prince William County Bar Foundation.
Three plastic surgeons have donated their services to the program, as has a local tattoo artist who volunteered to cover gang tattoos that can’t be removed by laser.
The program is free to Prince William, Manassas and Manassas Park residents. Candidates must commit to dissociating from gang membership and association for at least six months before the first removal clinic. They must also complete 50 hours of community service.
For many of us, changing our lives is as simple as changing our behavior. But when behavior leaves a permanent mark on the body, it is harder to move on.
We commend those interested in leaving their former life behind and we are happy that there is a program available to help them.
It is incumbent upon our communities to help those in need, especially those who want to change their ways.
Sometimes a new life isn’t as simple as wanting it. Sometimes people need a ladder to climb up out of the hole they have dug for themselves.
The Make a Change Tattoo Removal Program is just such a ladder.
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