In 2015, Beth Stumpfel recognized a pressing need in her community.
She founded Restoration Ink, a nonprofit organization that connects human trafficking survivors with local tattoo artists to modify or cover tattoos, scars, or marks that often serve as painful reminders of their trauma.
“Just the results of that small effort have been incredible,” Stumpfel stated.
Now, CourageLIVES—a program in Bangor dedicated to supporting survivors of human trafficking—will take over these services, aiming to expand support statewide. Together, they have provided restorative tattoo care services for approximately 30 women who are survivors of human trafficking.
“It gives that person an opportunity to literally reclaim their skin. They get to decide what is on their body, rather than someone else having that power and control over them,” explained Carey Nason, the executive director of CourageLIVES.
Tattoo artist Sam Wood, owner of Forecastle Tattoo in Bangor, has been instrumental in delivering these restorative services.
“I know that no matter what I do, whatever I tattoo over them, it’s going to be worlds better than what they have. It could be a very therapeutic, life-changing, and lifesaving experience,” Wood remarked.
Wood and others involved in this mission are also promoting community awareness. “We just need to watch out for our neighbors,” Stumpfel urged.
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