Jobs for a Future / Homeboy Industries

Work in Progress a Success Story

Thank you Father Greg for your permission and allowing me to bring your message to one more small corner of this world and those who have never heard of your great works.

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."