Our Services

Homeboy services have grown in response to identified needs among our clients. As demand for specific services grows, or as persistent needs are identified, we strive to expand our offerings to provide comprehensive support for our clients. Homeboy is a therapeutic community where those ready to move beyond gangs voluntarily seek our help.

Case management:

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

Curriculum/Education:

Because many of our clients struggle with literacy issues and come from home environments without role models and where they did not learn effective life skills, our educational curriculum offers academic programs, including the Learning Works!

Charter High School for youth under age 20 and G.E.D. preparation. We also provide more than 30 classes a month in computer training, life skills classes, parenting including the Baby & Me class, personal development, basic finances and budgeting, and household management as well as creative writing, music and art enrichment classes.

Legal services:

A full-time lawyer on site provides workshops, one-on-one guidance, support and referrals for criminal and civil issues, including assistance with clearing warrants, expungements, resolution of child custody issues and other legal matters. These legal issues are often obstacles for our clients seeking successful employment.

Solar Panel Installation Training and Certification Program:

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

Mental Health:

Mental Health therapists provide individual, family and group therapy, including Baby & Me, Relationship Building, Grief and Loss, and Parenting classes. Additionally, we provide specialized services for substance abuse and domestic violence, including Relapse Prevention, 12-step meetings, a court-certified Batterers Treatment Program and a domestic violence survivors group. By providing these services in the safe and supportive environment of Homeboy, we are reducing the stigma often attached to mental health support in this community while also making the services more accessible.

Employment services:

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

Twelve Step Meetings:

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

Ya 'Stuvo Tattoo Removal:

Many gang members have visible tattoos that inhibit their ability to secure employment, thus we offer free tattoo removal. With dedicated clinic space for two laser tattoo removal machines, a team of volunteer physicians and a supervising medical director, Homeboy provides over 4,000 treatments a year. This continues to be a critical entry point for many clients, who come in for tattoo removal, and then learn of the additional services we offer.