On the Town: Father Gregory Boyle helps gang members get out
18.05.12
Homeboy Industries came to Glendale in the form of twinkly eyed founder Father Greg Boyle. He used his motto, “Nothing Stops a Bullet like a Job,” to describe the flurry of small industries for which he hires reformed gang members. On Thursday, Father Boyle spoke to close to 75 members and guests of the Cabrini Literary Guild. Oakmont Country Club, completing several months of renovations, played host.
After a blessing on the food by Father Paul Hruby and a luncheon of beef tenderloins, Cabrini President Mary Andrade introduced Boyle. After burying 180 young men from the eight gangs in his parish, Boyle decided to do something. He started the Dolores Mission Alternative School for at-risk students and in 1992 founded Homeboy Bakery. Homeboy tortillas can be found in downtown L.A.'s Grand Central Market. Homeboy chips and salsa are sold at Ralphs and Food for Less. Boyle also began the largest gang rehab in the country, serving 15,000 gang members. The rehab includes anger management therapy, parenting and free tattoo removal. Three laser machines turn out 800 tattoo removal treatments each month.
Source: Glendale News Press