If you’re a former gang banger looking to permanently leave that life behind then you know how that ink you carry on your body can hinder that progression. That’s not who you are anymore but what can you do about the ink that still adorns your skin? Removal is expensive and time consuming. So you might think you’re stuck with it…Think again, Bro.

The Clean Slate program is looking for people who are no longer in gangs but who are inked with tattoos of the lifestyle. The program starts this Tuesday and is open to residents of San Jose between the ages of 14-25 who are willing to leave the gang-life in their past. Each recipient must make a commitment to attend a weekly life skills support group and complete community service hours.

© 2011, Tracy Renee Jones. All rights reserved.