Homeboy Industries

Seven years after Homeboy Bakery was launched, it was said to have burned down to the ground. “I get the panicky call at three in the morning with the news. I arrive to find the bakery surrounded by fire trucks, hoses shooting everywhere, flames stretching high.” As soon as the news was heard upon the employees, they all came up with ideas to start fundraising. The next day the employees were well informed of what had happened. At first the thought of arson popped up, but gang members weren’t the ones to blame. During those early days, Homeboy had a lot of enemies. A lot of the enemies were due to the fact that this facility dealt with assisting gang members. They would receive stuff like hate mail, death threats, and bomb threats.

Many were affected with what had just occurred. A young man named Lencho, stepped off the bus wearing his well ironed white uniform, with Homeboy Bakery embroidered on one side and his name on the other. While walking to the parking lot, he saw the smoke still rising through the roof holes and the soggy mess being picked by his rival gang co-workers. He stands there in shock not knowing what to do puts his head in his hand and begins to sob. Working was his only reason for getting up in the morning and not gang banging the night before. “All we could do was surround him with love and the promise of rebuilding.” [Tattoos of the Heart]

Homegirl cafe, a division of homeboy industries, is a social enterprise assisting at-risk and formerly gang-involved young men and women to become contributing members of our community through training in restaurant service and culinary arts. This program also offers a one year training program within the food industry, empowering young people to redirect their lives to a better future.

Volunteering at Homeboy Industries gives a person the chance to give back to their community by providing a specific service for free. Working for free and providing a service, such as tutoring allows a person to build self-worth because they know they are doing something for the greater good of humanity. By tutoring someone in math or English, a person is passing on their knowledge and expertise onto another person, which changes their lives by giving them new skills that they did not have before. The new skills they have gained are used to make a better life and future for not only themselves but for their entire families. By acquiring a GED through tutoring, a person can then move onto higher education. Once the higher education has been achieved they themselves can then go back to their humble beginning and give unto another the gift of knowledge that was once bestowed upon them.

            Medical Professionals change people’s lives on a daily basis but often their services are expensive and unfortunately not everyone can afford costly procedures that are sometimes badly needed, such as tattoo removal. A former gang member that has gang tattoos all over their face and that are obviously visible can prevent them from obtaining a job and moving forward with their lives, which is why it is vital that doctors and nurses volunteer their time to help individuals that would otherwise be left to suffer with the shame of their former lives written all over their bodies. The tattoo removal service that Homeboy Industries provides is life changing not only for the recipients but for the medical professionals also because they have given someone a new life, without expecting anything in return. Thousands of organizations, such as Homeboy Industries would not and could not exist without the unwavering support of volunteers that give their time to help and support the cause they believe in, which is why it is crucial that people volunteer so that these non-profits can continue to serve the community.

In 1996, silkscreen and embroidery was one of the largest division in Homeboys industry. Providing employing at-risk and formerly gang-involved youth, giving them job skills and to become positive, contributing members of society. This department employed 500 former gang members and work ethics along side with gang enemies and learning the fundamentals of the various jobs. Silkscreen techniques are used to design for clothing and promotional items for 2,000 clients, such as schools, church groups and other businesses.

Tattoo Removal is the firstpositive step to a challenging life style. In homeboys industry tattoo removalsare mainly the first treatment taking care of for case-managed economic development, health and social services. Removing tattoos can be very painful,it takes the average of eight to ten treatments per tattoo. In some cases it may take about 1 year to complete. The reason why homeboy industry provides free tattoo removal is so they can help ex gang members to have the ability to have a secure employment. The average of treatments in a month is about 350, with a team of physicians and its assistance supervise by a medical director and perform approximately about 4,000-5,000 a year. With all this, whoever comes in for tattoo removal see the additional services provided from homeboy industry.

Homeboys had such a fun BBQ in our mini-farm this afternoon.  They invited all of our staff to celebrate our girls and their children. Everyone had a great time relaxing and enjoying time with each other

Case management:

Trainees who work in our offices and businesses often havethe most challenges to getting on their feet and/or are recently released. Eachjob trainee works with a Homeboy Case Manager to design short- and long-termpersonal plans. The Case Manager closely monitors progress and ensures that theyouth are receiving the services they need.

Curriculum/Education:

 Because many of ourclients struggle with literacy issues and come from home environments withoutrole models and where they did not learn effective life skills, our educationalcurriculum offers academic programs, including the Learning Works! Charter HighSchool for youth under age 20 and G.E.D. preparation. We also provide more than30 classes a month in computer training, life skills classes, parentingincluding the Baby & Me class, personal development, basic finances andbudgeting, and household management as well as creative writing, music and artenrichment classes.

Legal services:

A full-time lawyer on site provides workshops, one-on-oneguidance, support and referrals for criminal and civil issues, includingassistance with clearing warrants, expungements, resolution of child custodyissues and other legal matters. These legal issues are often obstacles for ourclients seeking successful employment.

Solar Panel Installation Training and Certification Program:

In this intensive vocational training program, we work withEast LA Skills Center (LAUSD) to provide solar power (Photovoltaic)installation training. Classes are offered in two 10-week cycles, Basic andAdvanced, providing skills training and a pathway to jobs in this emergingfield. Graduates receive nationally-recognized certification and work with JobDevelopers to find placement upon graduation. We provide support services andtutoring in math and literacy to ensure our clients are strong students andsolid workers.

 Mental Health:

Mental Health therapists provide individual, family andgroup therapy, including Baby & Me, Relationship Building, Grief and Loss,and Parenting classes. Additionally, we provide specialized services forsubstance abuse and domestic violence, including Relapse Prevention, 12-stepmeetings, a court-certified Batterers Treatment Program and a domestic violencesurvivors group. By providing these services in the safe and supportiveenvironment of Homeboy, we are reducing the stigma often attached to mentalhealth support in this community while also making the services moreaccessible.

Employment services:

Our Employment Counselors work with local employers,searching out available jobs, and talking about the unique challenges andrewards of hiring our clients. Additionally, they work one-on-one with clientsdeveloping their resumes, honing interview skills, and finding good employmentmatches. The Counselors also serve Homeboy trainees who are ready to move topermanent employment.

Twelve Step Meetings:

Recognizing that substance abuse is often linked to violenceand gang activity, Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous and Criminal/Gang membersAnonymous meetings are held on site.

Director of Employment Services
Victor Bozeman
(323) 526-1254 ext. 302

Director of Curriculum & Training
Shirley Torres
(323) 526-1254 ext. 346

Director of Mental Health Services
Mary Nalick
(323) 526-1254 ext. 323

Legal Services
Elie Miller
(323) 526-1254 ext. 317

Case Management
María Flores
(323) 526-1254ext. 338

Domestic Violence
Agustin Lizama
(323) 526-1254 ext. 334