Modern Abolition was born out of lived experience and a simple conviction: young people deserve more than systems that manage them—they deserve people who walk with them.
What began as a creative outlet grew into a calling. Through art, music, mentorship, and community, we saw how presence and creativity could open doors that programs alone could not. Over time, this work became more focused, more intentional, and more rooted in long-term relationships.
Modern Abolition exists because too many young people are navigating trauma, instability, and injustice without consistent support. We saw a gap—and felt called to step into it.
The dream of Modern Abolition was an unfulfilled concept for years. It didn't have a name, a business model, a logo, or a specific cause. It wasn't till I went to Cambodia and experienced the true evil of Sex Trafficking and other forms of slavery around the world in July 2011. I left on my trip to Cambodia just days after I received the news that I was going to be a father. That took the trip to a whole new level. On my return home, the haunting memories of what I saw and experienced were so overwhelming, that I couldn't help but think " How could I not,not do anything?"...as a father to be, a husband, as a human being.
I believe it's our duty to fight injustice, feed the hungry, defend the weak, notice the un-noticeable, bring hope to the hopeless, touch the untouchable, and never become a slave to the status quo. I always wanted to use my art for more than the sake of just being art...this was the birth of Modern Abolition.
We started out creating apparel as an art expression for impact & awareness to help fuel the mission of rescue. Now we use the methods of printing, design, digital arts, and other industry practices as vehicles, on-ramps, and tools for: character, career, social, and leadership development. It's about life-change over profit. Developing future leaders, business owners, fighters, rescuers, mentors and game changers.
We are now about prevention. It’s about affecting the 1-20 (people) that will bring in the next 1-20 (people).
I believe with all my heart, that changing and impacting the next generation starts with one life at a time. That's the Modern Abolition way.
We will continue to create goods and services purposed and designed to give financial support and fuel "the pupil project" and aid our other organizations/ partners - aiding their efforts to remedy depravities and end evils around the world on top of our donation platforms. This provides jobs, hands on training, and real-time learning opportunities – with real time impact.
THE 4 STROKES
Creativity . Change . Charity . Community
THE 4 RESULTS
Help . Hope . Healing . Health
The Team
Gilbert Acevedo III
CEO & Founder | Chaplain
I’m Gilbert “Gilrilla” Acevedo III, a youth mentor and founder of Modern Abolition, using art & creativity to create social change. With 20+ years in youth ministry, I help young people grow spiritually, develop life skills, and lead creative projects that make a lifelong impact.
Stacy Acevedo
Team Member
I’m Stacy Acevedo—a wife, mother, businesswoman, and hairstylist passionate about wellness. I empower others to look and feel their best through beauty, health, and balanced living.
Shaelyn Saraceni
Sales & Media Manager
I'm Shaelyn Saraceni, an author, a musician, and a creative. My passion is to always empower and come alongside those who don't have the means or ability to do so themselves, whether that be youth, young adults, or any marginalized group. As a follower of Christ, I know God has empowered me only to love other by first receiving His love, grace, compassion, and mercy that I do not deserve and could never earn. Everyone deserves love.
Hillary Gaines
Community Impact Officer | Chaplain
I’m Hillary Gaines, a devoted advocate with over 20 years of experience in several different roles supporting children and families through youth advocacy, mental health, and juvenile justice. As a follower of Christ, I strive daily to walk in God’s purpose for my life—serving others with compassion, integrity, and love. I believe in being the hands and feet of Jesus, meeting people where they are, and loving them into the Kingdom. My hope is that when others encounter the light in me, they ultimately see Him. I use both my lived and professional experience to create inclusive, student-centered programs that reflect grace, dignity, and the power of restoration.
A Modern Abolitionist...
Exists to inspire others and create movements of change that bring help, hope, healing, and health to those in need. It is estimated that every 3 seconds a child dies of a preventable circumstance (disease, poverty, hunger, lack of education, etc) and children (especially young girls) all over the planet are being sold as slaves for sex, labor, and having their childhood stolen. This is not ok with me. We can make a difference...we will be different.
"Don't be a slave to the status quo" - This is Modern Abolition.
The conviction to use all that I am & to do all that I can to make a positive impact in the world, and literal change, is the life blood of Modern Abolition.