Watu Wazuri, VIPs ALL:
I have been invited to speak on Saturday, February 11, 2012, 3 pm, at the Saint Paul's Episcopal Church in Walnut Creek. I will be addressing those gathering for the women's Valentine's Day Luncheon. They are donating money for one of my on going "aftercare" projects, "gang-related" tattoo removal. If any wish to join me, please let me know. BTW, I have attached for your perusal a short essay about this project.
Remember too, you are certainly welcome to join me at Second Baptist Church, Martinez on the Dr. King Birthday Holiday, Monday, January 16, 2012. The folks there have asked me to speak on the topic "Connecting Generations" (Joshua 1:9) They tell me they eat well following programs at Second Baptist!
What church does that remind me of?
Earlier that day (9:30am--3pm) I will be attending a Presbytery of San Francisco sponsored program, "Safe Church Practices, Mandated Reporter and Abuse Management/Misconduct prevention training." (Yes I must leave early!) Registration fee -- $30 (includes lunch) payable to Presbytery of San Francisco. Please let me know if you are interested in this activity.
Blessings for a happy and safe 2012!!!
Rev. T
Rev. Dr. Charles D. Tinsley
Temporary Pastor
Imani Fellowship Presbyterian Church (PCUSA)
502 Virginia Street
Vallejo, CA 94590
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Gang-related tattoo removal: A matter of life or death…
About twelve years ago I became acquainted with Armen Serebrakian, M.D., owner of the Bay Area Cosmetic Laser Surgery Center in Pinole. He is a board certified Otolaryngology, head and neck reconstructive surgeon since 1986. He has a special interest in facial, head and neck plastic reconstructive surgery, and is a respected member of the American Academy of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Reconstructive Surgery, and American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.
During our first meeting, Dr. Serebrakian shared with me he removes more gang-related tattoos than anyone in the Bay Area. He waives his professional fee for this special population and charges only for the use of the laser machine. The fees have generally been $100.00 per treatment, according to the size(s) of the tattoos. In most instances four or five treatments are required. About 150 young people, all Contra Costa Probation Department supervised young people, in and out of custody, have been served to date.
Initially I merely referred young people for treatment. But as the word got out, deputy probation officers and probation counselors began to refer kids to me. Before long it began common for me to physically take young people in custody from the facilities in Martinez and Byron to the center for tattoo removal appointments.
At one time, the Contra Costa County Juvenile Hall Auxiliary generously funded the “program.” However, so very many young people decided to avail themselves of this extraordinary opportunity, the Auxiliary determined it could no longer afford the fees, in total. However, the Auxiliary continues to contribute a significant amount of money for this project annually. More is needed, on an on-going basis.
Simply put, this activity is the first step for many of these kids towards separating and detaching themselves from gangs and gang lifestyle. For most it truly is a matter of life or death. Most cannot afford, financially, to have the tattoos removed. In reality, none can afford, where life and well-being are concerned, not to have the procedure done. Following the reduction in support from the Juvenile Hall Auxiliary, small donations from individuals and churches have helped, but, more is needed…
