Homeboy Industries

Los Angeles, United States

Fr. Greg Boyle has spent more than 25 years ministering to the families of Dolores Mission parish in Los Angeles, Calif., and mentoring hundreds of young people whose lives have been impacted by gangs. He is a Jesuit priest and the founder of Homeboy Industries, the largest gang rehabilitation program in the country.

Fr. Greg realized early on that job training would help young people struggling with gang involvement. He placed participants with local businesses, and eventually started a bakery, a silk screen business, a café and a retail store. He hosts services such as tattoo removal, mental health counseling and parenting classes.

Homeboy Industry’s comprehensive model helps participants deal with legal issues, parole officers, parenting skills, anger management, domestic violence, education, job skills and more. The lifestyle change promoted by the organization takes determination, coordination and faith.