Alphonso:

Man, let me tell y’all a story. It was back in 2018, right here at Stafford Creek, where my whole life started to change. That’s when I decided it was time to find a new path, a spiritual one that would lead me to redemption. But I noticed something right off the muscle – there weren’t many cats like me on this journey. I’m talmbout the ones who had been deep in the game, drug dealing, gangbanging, and caught up in the streets.

​

Charles:

That’s real, bro. When Fonz came to me, I knew we had to do something. We had lived that life, man. I remember when I got locked up for killing a cop back in 2001. I was deep in the gang life, selling drugs, doing all kinds of dirt.

​

Alphonso:

Yeah, Charles, or as the homies call him, “Baby Jody,” had a story that needed to be heard. We decided we couldn’t just sit around and do nothing. We made a plan to reach out to those lost souls, the ones still caught up in that lifestyle. Right there in the prison yard, we started having real talks, breaking down the false realities of the street and gang lifestyles.

​

Charles:

We had to meet these men right where they were at, in the middle of whatever they was going through. Like Alphonso always says, "Sometimes you gotta face the ugly truth to plant the seeds of change. Our motto is to meet men right where they’re at." And that’s exactly what we did.

​

Alphonso:

Me and Charles, or “Fatt Cuzz” as they call me, had that street cred. We knew the game, and that’s why these dudes listen to us. Filthy Rags Outreach started to grow. We got a sponsor, which meant we could move from the yard into a classroom. Picture this: Crips, Bloods, GD’s, Surenos, Nortanos, Vice-Lords, and other gang members, who would normally be at each other’s throats in the streets, now sitting together, choppin’ it up about their pasts and wanting to change. You had to have been there, it was nuts, but in a good way.

 

Charles:

Yeah, it was something else. These dudes was making moves to better themselves and even talking about tryna end gun and gang violence in their hoods. But we didn’t want to stop there. Filthy Rags Outreach aimed higher. We wanted to help men outside these prison walls too. We got support from people worldwide, built a website, and got heavy on social media. We shared stories of transformation, recorded testimonies from prison, and preached about the truth of the gang life.

 

Alphonso:

So by March 2021, we took Filthy Rags Outreach to Tacoma. We set up a spot where men could come together, find mentors, and connect with others on the same journey. We wanted to do more – financial literacy classes, entrepreneurship programs, job-readiness workshops. We were there for our people, especially those just getting out of prison.

 

Charles:

That’s when we got some news coverage and because of that, we partnered with employers who were down to give our guys a chance. We also teamed up with Be A Friend Ministries to provide transitional housing for our guys.

 

Alphonso:

This work ain’t easy, and every step needs funds. Our passion and dedication are solid, but we need the support of individuals like yourselves to keep going.

 

Charles:

We need your help and support on this journey. With our 501(c)3 tax-exempt status, your donations can make a real difference. Your contribution will help Filthy Rags Outreach keep providing mentorship, counseling, and tangible support to men both inside and outside prison walls.

 

Alphonso:

So, come through and make a donation today. Together, we can reduce recidivism and help these men rebuild their lives. Let’s give them the tools they need to succeed and create a future full of opportunities.