Father Greg Boyle of Homeboy Industries

Homeboy Industries is the world’s largest and most successful gang rehabilitation and reentry program, providing hope for individuals seeking to break the cycle of violence, incarceration, and poverty. Founded by Father Greg Boyle, a Jesuit priest, in 1988 in Los Angeles, Homeboy Industries has transformed the lives of thousands of former gang members, offering them a path toward healing, employment, and self-sufficiency. Father Boyle’s vision of compassion, kinship, and unconditional love has made the organization a powerful force for change in communities torn apart by gang violence.

The Birth of Homeboy Industries

Homeboy Industries was born out of Father Boyle’s work in the Boyle Heights neighborhood of East Los Angeles, one of the most gang-ridden areas in the country. In 1986, Boyle became the pastor of Dolores Mission Church, located in the heart of the neighborhood. At the time, gang violence, drugs, and poverty plagued the community, with young people being drawn into gang life as a means of survival and identity.

Father Boyle, affectionately known as “G-Dog” by the community, saw the toll that gang violence took on young lives and their families. Rather than condemning or punishing these individuals, he chose to take a radical approach—he decided to treat them with love and understanding. He believed that gang members were not the “bad guys” they were often portrayed to be, but rather, individuals seeking belonging, safety, and a sense of purpose. To Boyle, what they lacked was opportunity and hope.

In response, he created a program to provide alternatives to gang life. Initially, this involved offering jobs and education to young men and women, giving them a chance to leave gangs and create a future for themselves. This program eventually grew into Homeboy Industries, whose mission is to provide training, support, and comprehensive services to individuals who are seeking to rebuild their lives.

Father Greg BoyleWiki

“Jobs Not Jails”: A Revolutionary Approach

Father Boyle’s motto, “Jobs not Jails,” encapsulates the philosophy of Homeboy Industries. Recognizing that many former gang members and incarcerated individuals face extreme barriers to employment due to their criminal records, Boyle focused on creating meaningful work opportunities. He understood that economic self-sufficiency is a key factor in breaking the cycle of gang involvement, and he wanted to give people the chance to earn an honest living while learning valuable skills.

Homeboy Industries launched several social enterprises to provide jobs for those in need, including Homeboy Bakery, Homegirl Café, and Homeboy Silkscreen & Embroidery. These businesses serve dual purposes: they offer paid employment and job training while also generating revenue to support the organization’s broader efforts. Former gang members are employed as bakers, baristas, chefs, and artists, giving them the skills and experience necessary to reenter the workforce.

Beyond employment, Homeboy Industries offers a wide range of services to help individuals on their journey of rehabilitation. These include mental health counseling, substance abuse treatment, tattoo removal (a crucial step for those who want to leave gang affiliations behind), educational programs, legal assistance, and even parenting classes. All of these services are provided in a supportive, family-like environment, where participants are treated with dignity and respect.

Father Greg Boyle’s Philosophy of Kinship

At the heart of Father Boyle’s work is the concept of “kinship.” For Boyle, kinship means recognizing the humanity in every person, especially those who have been marginalized, and creating a community where everyone belongs. He often says, “We don’t serve people to fix them, but to know them.” This radical notion of kinship is the foundation of Homeboy Industries’ success—it’s about building relationships and helping individuals heal from trauma, rather than simply addressing surface-level problems.

Boyle believes that the trauma many gang members face—such as poverty, violence, and broken families—fuels their involvement in gangs. Through kinship, he seeks to address the root causes of that trauma, offering love and acceptance where it may have never existed before. This philosophy of unconditional compassion has resonated deeply with the people Homeboy serves, allowing them to shed their pasts and embrace a new future.

Expanding Hope and Redemption

What started as a small program in a neighborhood church has now grown into a global model for gang intervention and reentry programs. Homeboy Industries helps over 10,000 people each year and has inspired similar initiatives across the U.S. and internationally. Its impact goes far beyond simply reducing gang violence—Homeboy has become a symbol of hope and redemption, showing that even those society has written off as “lost” can rebuild their lives with the right support.

Father Boyle’s work has earned him numerous accolades, including the California Peace Prize, and Homeboy Industries has received widespread recognition for its innovative approach. In 2010, Boyle published Tattoos on the Heart: The Power of Boundless Compassion, a memoir that shares stories from his decades of work with gang members. The book became a bestseller and further elevated Boyle’s message of love and kinship, reaching a wide audience with its message of hope.

Legacy and Impact

Homeboy Industries’ influence continues to grow, but its core mission remains unchanged: providing second chances to those who have been cast aside by society. Under Father Boyle’s leadership, the organization has not only helped individuals escape the grip of gangs, but it has also challenged the criminal justice system to adopt more humane and rehabilitative approaches.

Father Boyle’s philosophy has inspired a new way of thinking about gang violence, criminal justice, and rehabilitation. His belief that “no life is less valuable than another” drives the work of Homeboy Industries and offers a powerful reminder that redemption is possible for everyone. Today, Homeboy Industries stands as a testament to the transformative power of love, compassion, and second chances, thanks to Father Greg Boyle’s unwavering faith in the potential of every human being.

Find out more here: homeboyindustries.org.

Grillo - an award-winning film featuring Homeboy Industries

Grillo is a short film directed by  Dima Puchkarev which has been selected as the winner of the Ron Kovic Peace, the Relationships First Award and 1st Place College Documentary in the 20^th annual MY HERO International Film Festival, 2024. Said Wendy Milette, Film Festival Director, “Your powerful film captures a remarkable story of transformation. Father Greg Boyle is a hero worthy of recognition and Grillo’s story is captivating and inspiring.”

Grillo (2024) follows the story of David “Grillo” Zamudio, a man shaped by gang violence, addiction, and incarceration in East L.A. Through candid reflections, David narrates his journey from a troubled youth to repeated run-ins with the law. With the support of Homeboy Industries and Father Greg Boyle, he seeks redemption and transformation. The film delves into the challenges of breaking the cycle of recidivism and highlights the power of community and second chances in rewriting one’s destiny.

Watch the film here: (WARNING: MATURE SUBJECT MATTER AND LANGUAGE.)

MY HERO interviewed filmmaker Dima Puchkarev, a student at the University of California,  about the process of making Grillo.

How did the idea for the film arise, and why were you drawn to making this film? Was it a university assignment?

The idea for Grillo came from my passion for highlighting the transformative power of reentry programs like Homeboy Industries. As both a social worker and a filmmaker, I’ve seen how these programs help individuals break the cycle of recidivism. David “Grillo’s” story stood out to me because of his long journey through incarceration and his eventual redemption, thanks largely to Homeboy Industries and Father Boyle’s mentorship. The film was initially a university assignment as part of a media documentary class by professor Rafael Angulo where we were tasked with creating films from the perspective of social workers. One of the grand challenges in social work is to promote smart decarceration (as outlined here: Promote Smart Decarceration), and my research led me to experts in the field, incorporating quotes from them into the film. The assignment not only earned me an A but also ignited a new passion for filmmaking.

What, in your opinion, is the importance of the film, and what are its strengths?

Grillo humanizes individuals who have been through the prison system, challenging the stigma that society often places on them. The film’s strength lies in its authenticity—David’s willingness to be vulnerable, combined with the support of Homeboy Industries, illustrates the transformative impact of community and compassion. It is both emotional and humorous at times, capturing the complexity of his journey. This theme of resilience, second chances, and the crucial role of community support is something I’ve observed repeatedly at Homeboy Industries, and I believe it’s what makes the film so powerful.

What made you focus on David ‘Grillo’?

David’s story is incredibly unique, filled with surprising elements, such as his talent as an artist. He represents so many who have been trapped in cycles of violence and incarceration yet still manage to find hope and purpose. His journey is not just about overcoming adversity but about reintegrating into society and giving back to his community. As Aya Gruber states in the film, “Those impacted by the corrections system and the lack of reentry programs are the ones who are stuck fixing it.” David embodies this truth, making his story both relatable and inspiring.

Could you tell us about the process of making the film: Who was on the team? Who produced the film?

Making Grillo was a labor of love and required balancing a full schedule of work, classes, research, and organizing an incredible team. I’m proud to say that I directed and produced the film, supported by a dedicated group of individuals who generously donated their time and expertise.

My close friend and Emmy-winning editor, Collin Mastbrook, played a crucial role in shaping the film’s narrative through editing and story structure. Walter Kang, in his first solo project, managed the sound mixing and music composition, bringing depth to the film’s audio landscape. Filmmakers Hassan Galedary, Andy Capper, and Jordan Smith offered valuable guidance on story structure and production, while Jason Fordham, a seasoned filmmaker, provided his cinematography skills for the interview with Father Greg Boyle.

There were also invaluable contributions from my mentor Elyn Saks at USC, who connected me with distinguished law professor Aya Gruber. My longtime childhood friend Shia LaBeouf supported the project and praised Father Boyle as “the most important Catholic of our generation.” Homeboy Industries was instrumental, opening doors and offering us access to their community, which added authenticity and depth to David’s story.

One of the most touching contributions came from XP The Marxman, an underground hip-hop artist from Los Angeles. I reached out to him on social media, and he graciously responded, offering to license his song “Delgado Meets The Big Mijo” for the film. His willingness to share his art with us felt like a miracle—a powerful reminder that anything is possible when people believe in a shared vision. The support from XP and everyone involved truly reinforced my belief in perseverance and the kindness of others.

Ultimately, Grillo was as much a community effort as it was a personal project. Every person involved brought their passion and dedication, allowing us to meet tight deadlines for my class screening while staying true to the integrity and depth of David’s story.

What was it like for you to make this film? What were some of the challenges, successes, and high points?

Making Grillo was an emotionally charged and deeply moving experience. One of the greatest challenges was balancing the rawness of David’s story with the sensitivity it required. I didn’t want the film to focus solely on the hardships but also celebrate the triumphs. We had hundreds of pages of transcriptions to sort through, and unfortunately, some parts had to be left out due to poor sound quality. A major success was witnessing the impact the film had on the community. The feedback from those who found hope and inspiration in David’s journey has been incredible. A particular high point for me was when the film was selected as a finalist in the MY HERO International Film Festival—it was a validating moment that highlighted the hard work and dedication that went into the project.

Do you have a personal hero?

As a social worker, Father Greg Boyle is certainly a hero of mine. His unwavering commitment to marginalized communities and his belief in the power of redemption have deeply influenced me. Father Boyle was recently awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian honor in the U.S., joining the ranks of figures like Martin Luther King Jr. and Mother Teresa. His work at Homeboy Industries serves as a blueprint for what compassion, love, and understanding can achieve.