Homeboy Industries
“The strategy of Jesus is not centered in taking the right stand on issues, but rather in standing in the right place--with
the outcast and those relegated to the margins.”
--Fr. Greg Boyle, from his book Tattoos on the Heart
the outcast and those relegated to the margins.”
--Fr. Greg Boyle, from his book Tattoos on the Heart
The Kelly Ann Brown Foundation was delighted to choose Homeboy Industries as one of our 2012 grant recipients. Homeboy Industries describes themselves as a community who “serves high-risk, formerly gang-involved men and women with a continuum of free services and programs, and operates seven social enterprises that serve as job-training sites.” Kelly’s long-time friend Ann Herold suggested our board visit Homeboy Industries. In August 2012 Ann and two board members (Katy Jo Steward and I, Debra Hannula) did just that—receiving a guided tour of Homeboys, located in downtown Los Angeles.
One of the first things that struck me about Homeboy Industries was its transparency, both literally and figuratively. The building overflows with light, which finds its way into every corner through the many windows. Father Boyle’s office is not separated by walls but by glass, so everyone in this space can see and be seen. He was generous enough to meet with us and was happy to learn of our friendships with Father Roy and Father Bix and knew of their good work. He even signed copies of his beautiful book Tattoos on the Heart as gifts for them. During our tour, we saw the tattoo removal room (where each tattoo receives laser treatment the residents of Beverly Hills would be jealous of), we learned about the Solar Panel and Installation Training and Certificate Program, and Homeboys Silkscreen and Embroidery business. We ate a fresh, delicious farm-to-table meal at Homegirl Café, we bought t-shirts and books in the little store. To be honest, we didn’t want to leave. We were so impressed to hear all that Homeboy’s had to offer and quickly saw that Homeboy Industries would be a perfect way to honor our beloved Kelly. Born and raised in Los Angeles, Kelly spent most of her adult life living and working in the City of Angels. We know she would have been impressed with all that Homeboy Industries has accomplished for a community that many would rather not deal with or hear about. Homeboy’s services are all about guidance; whether that’s steering their clients to obtain a high school diploma or GED, or to improve themselves through a variety of classes such as life skills and financial management. Homeboy offers over fifty classes each week to more than 400 clients attending each month. I was especially impressed to know that, not only does Homeboy Industries offer their clients court approved domestic violence classes, but it actually takes it one step further: they show clients what a healthy relationship looks like in a class called “Healthy Relationships,” something most have never seen. Homeboy spreads hope and compassion not just within this community, but to all lucky enough to experience it. The Kelly Ann Brown Foundation is happy to be part of the Homeboy/Homegirl community. Following are two wonderful stories of hope, kinship and transformation by Will Lopez and Ilene Munoz. |
My name is Will Lopez. I was born to a single immigrant mother with five kids, raised in the San Fernando Valley, part of a very normal, dysfunctional family.
At eleven, I joined a gang. As a result, I was incarcerated on-and-off until I was twenty-five. At twenty-five I finally decided to make a change and turn my life around. I came to Homeboy Industries for help and a job. Today, I am a Domestic Violence and Restorative Justice Facilitator and one of Homeboy's Creative Writing Instructors. I was first a participant, and then trained to become a facilitator in the Insight Prison Project’s Victim’s Offender’s Education Program. I am also a violence prevention specialist through my training at Peace Over Violence. I participate in an outreach program, working with at-risk, middle and high school boys where I facilitate group discussions about bullying, domestic violence and healthy relationships. In May, I received Therapist Level Certificate of Achievement in Motivational Enhancement Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (MET CBT). Through my work at Homeboy, I continue to learn and grow as a human being, transforming my trauma, not transmitting it. I enjoy all of my roles at Homeboy Industries and the time I get to spend working and giving back to the Southern California community. 
My name is Ilene Munoz and I am a trainee working at Homeboy Industries. I joined a gang at 15 years old and at a young age was sentenced to prison when my lifestyle caught up with me.
I was released this April and came to Homeboy to take Anger Management classes, a requirement from my parole officer. The classes introduced me to the Homeboy family, where I got a job and started the work to change my life. I began in the maintenance crew then was promoted to help homeless youth with emergency housing needs. I’ve been promoted two more times and now work in Employment Services. Homeboy is not just about a job for me. I’ve earned my Driver’s License and have the ability and the money to rent my own apartment. Homeboy Industries offers people like me a safe environment, a sense of family and a community like nothing I’ve experienced before. The training opportunities and the free services give all of us concrete tools to move to a better life. Click here to learn more about Homeboy Industries.
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