Get to Know Us
Filthy Rags Outreach is a 501c3 grassroots gang prevention and intervention nonprofit based in Washington state. Our mission is to reduce gang and gun violence, particularly among youth and young adults, by engaging with current and former gang members, and those involved in street life. Our focus is in King and Pierce County, and we hope to expand our reach as we grow and get more individuals on board that want to help.
Our mentors work to challenge the criminal and gang mentality, aiming to expose the false realities of the street and gang lifestyles. Our goal is to shift and change the mindset of individuals, and provide them with the skills, tools, and knowledge needed to break the cycle and make a positive difference in their communities.
We work both inside and outside prison walls, offering support to those currently incarcerated, as well as services to youth, community members, and individuals recently released from incarceration who are seeking to leave behind the pull of the streets and avoid the patterns that lead to recidivism. Our approach is holistic, addressing mental, spiritual, emotional, and physical needs.
We invite you to explore our website, read our blogs, listen to our podcasts, and share your story with us. Together, we can create a safer and more inclusive community for all.
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“How beautiful are the feet
of those who preach the gospel
of peace..."
Romans 10:15
CAGED BUT NOT CONQUERED/4 R'S DEFEAT RECIDIVISM
Our program for incarcerated men at Stafford Creek Correction Center in Aberdeen, Washington, is the cornerstone of Filthy Rags Outreach. Our Caged But Not Conquered class and program, which began on the prison yard in 2018, has evolved into a formalized program held in the education building. This curriculum is designed to shift and change the mindset of current and former gang members, illuminating the false realities of their lifestyles. In 2022, we expanded our program to include 4 R's Defeat Recidivism, which helps men prepare for life after their release, even if that date is far off. We are currently adapting this program for post-release and juvenile use as well.
JUVENILE DETENTION OUTREACH
Our dedicated youth mentors, many of whom have firsthand experience with gang involvement, criminal justice systems, or troubled pasts, are committed to making a positive impact on the lives of juvenile offenders. They visit the Patricia Clark Detention Center in Seattle weekly, where they teach our Caged But Not Conquered Youth Curriculum and provide valuable mentorship. Our goal is to instill hope and light into the juvenile system, creating bonds with the youth and offering support and hope upon their release. Our aim is to speak life into these young individuals, planting the seeds of change that may take time to grow but can ultimately transform their lives.
RE-ENTRY CASE MANAGEMENT
Our dedicated case managers work closely with individuals being released from incarceration to create a comprehensive reentry plan. They help them connect with essential resources such as housing and employment. After release, our case managers continue to support individuals by guiding them through various systems and helping them access community resources. They understand the local community and can assist individuals in navigating complex systems like DSHS. They can also help individuals obtain essentials like free cell phones, clothing, hygiene items, and household items. By addressing these basic needs, our case managers help reduce the likelihood of individuals returning to the streets and, ultimately, reduce recidivism.
CLOSING THE GAP
Closing the Gap is a collaborative initiative between Filthy Rags Outreach and Ellison Coaching and Counseling Group, a black-owned and led "by and for" organization. Closing the Gap is aimed at addressing the challenges faced by children with incarcerated parents. Our primary goal is to reconnect, heal, and strengthen relationships with absent fathers while helping navigate the emotional and psychological difficulties associated with being a parent behind bars.
We partnered to create a program for incarcerated fathers to receive coaching and counseling. We kicked off this program in 2024 and hope to continue offering similar services to incarcerated and justice-involved individuals in the future.
We are Filthy Rags Outreach, a non-profit organization dedicated to creating safer streets and communities by breaking the generational cycles that permeate our society through mentorship, spiritual growth, personal transformation, education, technical training, and exposing the false realities of the gang and street lifestyles. Our diverse team of former gang members leverages their personal experiences to mentor and guide individuals away from violence, offering support and hope. Join us in our fight against gang violence today. Whether you have a few hours or a lot of time to give, we are always seeking passionate volunteers to join our mission. Our volunteers don't need to be former gang members; we need help administratively, as well as mentors and others who want to make a difference.
It takes a village to stop this senseless violence in our streets.
