Community

INK-nitiative Program

Tattoos can be a painful reminder of a life that we’ve left behind. Through our INK-nitiative program, we provide free tattoo removal treatments to individuals in need of erasing tattoos tied to difficult life experiences.

The Ink-nitiative Program

Born in 2020, Removery’s INK-nitiative program provides safe and effective tattoo removal to individuals who are rebuilding their lives after a troubled past—for free. With INK-nitiative, participants can eliminate the physical reminders of traumatic life experiences in order to focus on a better future. This community outreach initiative has changed hundreds of lives since its inception—with over 300 free Complete Removal Packages being provided in 2025 alone.

Removery is committed to providing tattoo removal treatments in a safe, judgement-free environment. Regardless of your story or tattoos, we are here to support your efforts in moving forward.

Qualifications

An individual must meet certain criteria to be eligible for the INK-nitiative program. Tattoos must be in visible areas (on the hands, neck, or face), and/or depict subject matter related to gangs or hate groups. Eligible individuals are either formerly incarcerated, former gang members, survivors of domestic abuse, or survivors of human trafficking. Accepting only 50 new clients per quarter, Removery meets with every INK-nitiative applicant to determine their eligibility in the program. All applicants must have a history of illustrating Removery’s core values: trustworthy, passionate, focused, purposeful, and effective. Additionally, individuals must provide a recommendation letter from an official advocate upon applying. The INK-nitiative program operates underneath a memorandum of understanding (MOU), which every participant must acknowledge to be officially accepted into the program.

Qualifying Tattoo Examples

Face Tattoos

Teardrop tattoos are becoming increasingly popular to remove. We helped our client remove his in just 2 treatments.

Hand Tattoos

Hand tattoos depicting hate, gang association or from sex trafficking are removed as part of INK-nitiative.

Arm Tattoos

Tattoos placed on the arms often hold people back from moving forward with their lives when showing elements of hate or gang imagery.

INK-nitiaitve Client Stories

Robyn’s Story: Healing from Hatred

Robyn’s tattoos trapped her in a life that she worked incredibly hard to leave behind. With INK-nitiative, Robyn is healing from the hatred that plagued her youth and learning to truly forgive herself for her past decisions.

Terrance’s Story: A Fresh Start After Wrongful Incarceration

After 21 years behind bars, Terrance was ready to start a new chapter of life; but his tattoos prevented him from truly feeling free. Terrance is now working to reform the criminal justice system and remove the physical reminders of his own past with INK-nitiative.

Lindsay’s Story: Removing the Past, Strengthening Her Future

Lindsay’s wedding ring tattoo was a constant reminder of the violence she endured at the hands of her ex-husband. Through INK-nitiative, Lindsay is making an emotional recovery filled with affirmations of growth, healing, and strength.

Alpha’s Story: Life After Release: Education, Reentry, & Second Chances

A prison education program gave Alpha the second chance he was unknowingly searching for his entire life. Now, Alpha is a free man and removing his gang-related face tattoos to achieve his dreams of becoming a lawyer.

Tattoo Removal’s Role in Reintegration: Alpha Jalloh’s Story

Let's get started

Name*
First Last
Address*
City ZIP / Postal Code
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Nearest Location
Email*
Phone*
Date of Birth*
Tattoo Background*
Tattoo Placement*
Qualifying tattoos must be on the hands, neck, or face. Please select the placement of your tattoo(s). *
- Hands
- Neck
- Face/head
- Other
Description of Tattoo You Want Removed & Why*
*The tattoo you are inquiring to remove must be directly related to the category you have chosen
Photo Upload*
Drop files here or

Accepted file types: jpg, png, jpeg, Max. file size: 10 MB, Max. files: 5.
How Will Removal Help You?*
Can we use your story on our social media or website to promote our program?*
- Yes
- No
Please provide the name of an advocate who can support your application:
Name of your advocate*
First Last
Phone number of your advocate*
Email of your advocate*
Do we have your permission to contact your advocate?*
- Yes
- No
Advocate Letter Upload*
Drop files here or

Max. file size: 50 MB, Max. files: 5.
The advocate letter is a letter that shows you have community-based support to move forward with your life. We accept letters from parole officers, reentry officers, community service coordinators, social workers, therapists, counselors, halfway house representatives, and affiliate organization leaders. We will not accept letters from family or friends.
Consent*
By filling out this form of consent I understand that: this free procedure is for tattoo removal; tattoo removal is a process that requires more than one treatment; contraindications may preclude me from treatment; I must attend each appointment on time; I must notify Removery if I need to cancel or reschedule an appointment with 24 hours’ notice, and that failure to do so may result in immediate expulsion from the program.
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Tattoo is on the hands, neck, face

Previously or are currently incarcerated

Survivor of human trafficking

Have a hate symbol or racist tattoo

Former gang member

Partner with Us

We are always looking to further the impact of INK-nitiative through partnerships with non-profit organizations and support programs in both North America and Australia. Removery proudly partners with Red Barn Academy, Free Radicals Project, and Project iRise to further reach people in need of tattoo removal treatments. If the INK-nitiative program resonates with your organization and its mission, we’d love to hear from you.

Get In Touch