Free Tattoo Removal

Gang tattoos, face, neck and hand tattoos - one by one, they're fading away, and identities are being restored. The Jail Ministry offers free laser tattoo removal as a practical way of helping people break free from their past.

“A gang tattoo, in my eyes, is a symbol of a lost child caught in this system. Gangs embrace young men in the prison system as a family, but never speak the truth of their true interest in that young man. Gangs are like the devil seeking the life and soul of a lost child, and now that I am a man, I must live as a man and end the life as a child. Thank you again for helping me to start putting the childish ways behind me.” ~ James

The Jail Ministry seeks to remove obstacles from the lives of our friends who are incarcerated, so tattoo removal just makes sense! Maybe getting the tattoo was an impulsive decision made under the influence, but has caused a lifetime of fear. Maybe a parent tattooed him at a young age, setting him on a path of pain and distrust. Or a pimp tattooed her to remind her everyday she is someone's "property." The effect of these tattoos is more than skin-deep; the pain they carry can be incomprehensible. Tattoo removal is a straight-forward means of helping people feel more connected to their families and society. It improves their odds of gaining employment. And it removes reminders of their past that cause fear and embarrassment.

“The tattoos that you're removing for me have ruled my life far too long. But, with them being removed I'll no longer be ruled by my past. I've realized that my past doesn't have to define who and what I am. I've never realized before all this of just how strong I really am. It takes real strength to commit to change, and I assure you I am committed to changing my life for the better, and removing these gang and racially motivated tattoos shows how desperately I long for change.” ~ Jeffery

Donations from community members, organizations and churches funded the purchase of two Astanza Duality lasers - one inside the jail, and the other at LifePoint Church in Goshen - so when people are released from jail, they may continue their treatments. Word of the program has traveled quickly within the jail and in the community, and requests for tattoo removal come in daily.

The Jail Ministry tattoo removal program puts an emphasis on the removal of:

• •Gang tattoos
• •Tattoos from the wrist down
• •Tattoos from the neck up
• •Is available to all inmates, regardless of religious affiliation
• •…and is available free of charge to everyone in the jail, regardless of religious affiliation.

Note: Tattoo removal is free inside the jail and is offered for $10 per treatment at LifePoint Church to formerly incarcerated individuals, as well as any Elkhart County residents with gang tattoos, or tattoos from the wrist down or neck up. To make an appointment at LifePoint Church, please call 574-533-1191.