Jobs for a Future / Homeboy Industries

Several months ago I read a heart-warming story about Homeboy Industries. I have to admit I was quite surprised each time I brought up the topic of conversation. Everyone I spoke with was unfamiliar with the story. It was puzzling despite being the subject of a book, numerous magazine and newspaper articles, plus segments on CBS' 60 Minutes and NBC's Today Show. Soon my intrigue took over, wanting as much information as I could compile regarding this topic. Once again amazed at the many pages and pages of information available, I was inspired.

This is a powerful story of one Jesuit Priest who is determined to make a difference wherever he is sent. Whether it be Cochabamba, Bolivia; Islas Marias Penal colony in Mexico; Boyles Heights, Los Angeles or Folsom prison also in California . Father Gregory Boyle, S. J., better known to parishioners as Father Greg and to his "homies" as G-Dog becomes an inspiration to everyone he comes in contact with. Previous posts such as a Pastor of Dolores Mission, Chaplain in prisons or as the Founder and Executive Director of Jobs For A Future / Homeboy Industries. Father Greg seems to know where he is needed the most. For the past 20 years it has been East Los Angeles.

G-Dog's messages, still the same, are simple: "Nothing Stops A Bullet Like A Job" and "Jobs Not Jails." In the Los Angeles district of Boyle Heights these statements cannot be shouted loudly enough. Unarguably one of four of the worst neighborhoods across this country. Communities riddled with gangs and turf wars, daily multiple drive-by shootings, drugs and rampant poverty. Father Greg has often been heard to say "What if everyone worked for full employment instead of full incarceration."

Jobs For A Future was begun in 1988, aimed at youth as an intervention, but has now morphed into many helpful and sometimes life-saving programs for the populace. Homeboy Industries created as an answer to civil disorder in Los Angeles in 1992 now offers many business services to the community and to those becoming productive members of society and/or mentors to others in need. With only 40% being female. The age range for clients is diverse though nearly 3/4's helped, fall between 18 - 35. All services are free to each client that comes through the door in need. Every client who is employed by Homeboy Industries has Case Management to assist them with multi-level needs including those recently released. The caring Case Managers work relentlessly to address and assist with all needs

Among services offered is tattoo removal and 1/3 of clients surprisingly are female. Known by the moniker Ya 'Stuvo (that's enough - I'm done with that), more than 1500 tattoo removals have been perfomed. Often a costly process elsewhere Ya 'Stuvo's waiting list stems even longer. A laser is used by volunteer doctors and medical staff. Lasering can normally take 8 - 10 treatments and up to a year for complete removal. Priority for removal is given to those with tattoo's on their head, neck or forearms or those with young children.

Homeboy Industries offers a Curriculum/Training program focusing on members of the community who are nearly hopeless in securing ordinary employment by their own devices. Most client's have either quit school at a young age, come from dysfunctional backgrounds and/or have no realistic life skills to guide them. Let alone matters with money, workable skills or any positive interaction in the workforce. The curriculum composed of life skills, self-esteem and self-worth, financial management, education strengthening, marketable skills and control over one's own life. With the dedication from professional volunteers, clients are taught concepts and principles to sustain them throughout life.

There are also special programs aimed at women to counsel for domestic violence and abuse, household management and mothering skills. The key is fostering self-reliance and good business sense. A newer program to the curriculum is Voices of Youth, poetry workshops. Those who have completed writing courses offered, are extended encouragement to engage in a week-long workshop with Mosaic. A non-profit aimed at empowering youth and adopting cross-generation relationships, thereby fortifying the community as a whole. Mosaic is headed by Michael Mead, Louis Rodriguez and Orland Bishop.

Among the more important services also offered is Release/Transition. For those men and women recently released from prison or juvenile detention. Helped by devoted staff members with their adjustment to "outside" life as smoothly as possible. Tasks that may seem simple or that most of us take for granted everyday. Such as procurring housing, identification, parole/probation visits, school enrollment or self-help programs including anger-management and drug treatment. Homeboy Industries also offers positions for young men and women to fulfill their Community Service obligations to satsify probation requirements. Once past the transistion phase most are then sent on to Job Development counselors for help in seeking gainful employment.

Young job seekers are aided with the Work Is Noble (WIN) program. A collaboration in conjunction with the Cathedral of Los Angeles. Youth clients that express an interest in certain industries are often placed to learn while their pay is reimbursed by Homeboy Industries. This way young men and women are learning marketable skills in a particular field of interest while the businesses that employ them gain extra help with no additional cost. It provides training, work experience and alternatives to street or gang life.

Hand's on work experience with mentors or by elders and examples of the ravages of gang/street life provide a positive direction for the future.
Thriving ventures developed by Homeboy Industries to combat joblessness are Homeboy Bakery which has trained many members to become "scratch" bakers. Homeboy Silkscreen to print logos on apparel and embroidery services. Homeboy Cafe which is obvious. Homeboy Graffiti Removal, Homeboy Maintenance which provides specialty landscaping and maintenance projects. Homeboy/Homegirl Merchandise which sells caps, golf shirts, mugs, tote bags and mouse pads all with the Homeboy logo. All profits made, go to expanding the merchandise line and to hire new people.

A statement found on the Homeboy Industries website seems to scream how dedicated Father Boyle and his devoted staff are: "Although based in East L.A. there is no organization in Los Angeles that serves a greater number of gang involved men and women." "Our programs offer a much-needed intervention to those who deserve a second chance at life and are a whole lot more than the worst thing they have ever done."

Jobs For a Future / Homeboy Industries, used as a model program recently partnered up with the Gang Reduction Program (GRP). Which falls under the jurisdiction of the Office of Juvenile Justice and Deliquency Prevention (OJJDP). A successful cooperation between Federal and local community efforts to develop a strategy to reduce youth gang activity. A quote on the OJJDP website stating "The guiding principle of Homeboy Industries' Jobs For a Future project is both purposeful and pragmatic." Seems to say it fully but not nearly as compassionately as another quote picked up, "A bastion of unconditional love."

Although Father Boyle's works have been a subject of publicity numerous times around the world, his focus still remains at the the local level. He is very thankful for all the generosity of businesses, professionals and staff given each and everyday. G-Dog now spends quite a bit of his time speaking at conferences to social workers, groups of teachers and criminal justice workers merely to open more eyes to the good works of Homeboy Industries. "Enabling young people to turn their lives around and provide hope for their futures" Father Greg never solicits contributions or donations to the effort but usually will leave with something and a long list of names of prospective employers for his future clients.

Along with Executive Director of his programs, he is currently a member of the State Commission on Juvenile Justice, Crime and Delinquency Prevention and also serves on the National Youth Gang Center Advisory Board. It is fascinating to see one man work so hard for so much good.

Ways that everyone can get inspired or involved: Tell everyone you know, Hire Homeboys, Volunteer your time, Donate - even the smallest amount you can afford. It all helps in the long run to improving the quality of life denied to some just because of the neighborhood they live in. Thank you Father Greg for your hard work and caring about so many less fortunate. You are an inspiration to many!

Sources:

Homeboy Industries - Permission by Father G. Boyle
OJJDP News @ a Glance 7/06
USA Today Article 7/11/05
Article by Martin McHugh