"A glimpse of heaven" were my husband's words after our tour of Homeboy Industries today. Each person we encountered on the tour and at the restaurant smiled and seemed genuinely happy to engage with us, grateful for second chances, kind and supportive to each other. There was even a touch of old fashioned courtesy: an apology when someone nearby swore, shaking hands on greeting us, great eye contact. Our guide Steven assured us this culture is a result of the expansive grace examplified by Father Boyle. Steven shared his life story with us, giving context to his involvement with Homeboy Industries. We were stunned by his courage in sharing difficult choices with strangers and his humility in turning his life around. We felt completely safe in the envirnoment and blessed by the opportunity to visit.
Thank you to Father Boyle, our guide Steven, the restaurant wait team Andrew and Pauline for your good works. The food was delicious.
Training, teaching everything from a craft to parenting. Father Gregory Boyle's grass roots beginning 26 years ago has grown to a restaurant, silk screen business, bakery goods that supplies restaurants and has Homeboys selling and working at Farmers Markets and so much more.
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Hands on intervention, education and guidance for former Gang Members, At Risk Kids, those newly released from jail and their Families is key to the success here. The good works done by Father Gregor Boyle, his staff, volunteers and the those going through the "program/jobs" at Homeboy and Homegirls transforms lives in a way that hasn't been done in any other programs.
Father G and his Homie ambassadors are saints in my eye convincing gang members there is a better way of life. They have incredible success against what seem insurmountable odds.
I was extremely welcomed at Homeboy. I came from a Midwest University to volunteer here and it truly changed my perspective on gang intervention and inner-city education. Father Gregory Boyle does an outstanding job with all the homeboys and homegirls. I was very moved with this program. I highly recommend people to get involved.