“Get Out Program” On KARE 11

Cosmetic surgeon, Dr. Douglas L. Gervais, donates his time doing tattoo removals for teens who are ready to leave their gang life behind.

This is KARE 11 News at 10! Male Voice: I just want to start a new life. Mike Pomeranz: Walking away from a gang can be an incredibly difficult choice. It can be hard to find a job and safety is always a concern, especially for those who have gang tattoos. Julie Nelson: In tonight’s Extra KARE 11's Joe Fryer shows us a program that's trying to ease the transition to a gang-free life. Joe Fryer: Most 18-year-olds are just getting started with life, but Juan is actually starting a new life at age 18, and more than anything trying to leave his old life behind. Juan: You know I started opening my eyes and I'm like, man, what have I been doing all this time just wasting my life for no reason. Joe Fryer: For 8 years, Juan's second home was the streets of St. Paul, his second family was a gang, and his main hobby was committing crimes. That all changed last year. Juan: Then they call me up; they want to do the robbery. You know it went down, it all went wrong, I was the one who got caught. Joe Fryer: Juan’s home became the Ramsey County Juvenile and Justice System where he decided that it was time to leave the gang. Juan: Because I was about to have my son, I knew I wasn’t gonna be there for him. I knew I wasn’t gonna be there to see him grew up. Joe Fryer: What he couldn’t easily leave behind were the gang tattoos that covered his body. Juan: Sometime I’d just be thinking I should just cut them off with a knife and feel like, I don’t know, I just don’t want to have them. Joe Fryer: Now Juan is getting his wish and he is not alone. Several ex-gang members are having their tattoos removed for free through the Boys and Girls Club's gang prevention program. Plastic surgeon Douglas Gervais is on the club's Board of Directors. He is donating his time using a laser to meticulously zap every bit of ink on their bodies – a process that can typically cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars. It will take about a year, six sessions in all, each about six weeks apart. To get to this point the teens must prove that they are in a healthy environment, they are no longer committing crimes, are working to get a job, and improve their education. Dr. Douglas L. Gervais: It’s a very brave choice to be able to put something like that behind because that’s a known for them and coming into this is kind of unknown. So, they’re making a very big step. Joe Fryer: One of the kids, David, is just 16 years old. That’s why we are hiding his face. He spent a year and a half in a gang and needs quite a few tattoos removed. David: It’s important for me because I am trying to change my life around and I think this is a good start. Joe Fryer: Eighteen-year-old, Saddam, spent about a year in the gang before he was arrested. Saddam: I was locked up and seen no letters from any gang members, only family. Joe Fryer: He wants to get rid of his tattoos, so he can find a job and feel safe. Saddam: Make my family members look at, look at me differently now. Like I’m a changed person, a change man. Joe Fryer: Family is also what's motivating Juan to make a change. Juan: I don’t want my son to be no gang member, none with that. You know, want to have a good life. Joe Fryer: He admits that losing tattoos is much more painful than getting them. But that’s ok. Juan: I try not to think about it. I just think of all the good that it’s gonna bring to my life, you know. That’s pretty much what helps me out for going through this. Joe Fryer: Juan is now out of juvenile detention and already has a job cooking at a restaurant. He hopes to go to school and become a chef – a promising future for a young man who is trying to erase the past from his mind and body. For the KARE 11 News Extra, I’m Joe Fryer. Julie Nelson: The tattoo removal program, actually started few years ago, but disappeared after the organizers ran out of grant money. A new grant helped them restart the program this year, but the funding is only guaranteed until March. So the Boys and Girls Club is looking for more donations to keep things going. The program is also hoping to add another plastic surgeon who is willing to donate his or her time. If you like more information, please go to KARE11.com and click on Extras.