The PanZOu Shop - More than T-Shirts

PanZOu Project believes that while gang intervention programs are key to preventing youth from reoffending, it is vital they learn a employable skill as well as gain the confidence that comes with making 'an honest day’s pay' in order to truly break the cycle. That is why Laura Kallus, the founder of PanZOu, started The PanZOu Shop.

Thanks to an extremely generous donation by Jenny Jones, the PanZOu Project was able to purchase silk screening equipment to make t-shirts. Not only does PanZOu work with local business, organizations, and charities to produce their t-shirts, The PanZOu Shop also provides a creative outlet for the youth involved in the organization to design and create their own shirts, which are available for sale online.

“Our most difficult challenge is convincing employers to take a chance on hiring our clients,” said Laura, "and the current economic state means our gang members are competing for jobs with people who have no criminal records and much higher levels of education. Members have the opportunity to be trained in a skill and at the same time receive professional development. When they leave us they will have a skill, a resume, and a reference. Most of them have never had a legitimate job before. They will learn how to be professional so when they leave us they will be prepared to enter the workforce with some experience.”

Since the gang prevention program started, overall crime in the area has dropped 22%. Drug crimes are down 11%, crimes against people are down 11%, and property crime is down 26%. 

Help us to make a difference by either shopping our shirts online or referring people to our t-shirt shop.