Father Greg Boyle and Homeboy Industries
Recognized with James Irvine Foundation Leadership Award

Fr. Greg Nominated for Award by Los Angeles County Sheriff Lee Baca for Taking Positive Role Toward Changing the Gang Culture in Los Angeles

July 30, 2008 (LOS ANGELES) — The James Irvine Foundation announced today that Fr. Greg Boyle, S.J. – founder of Homeboy Industries – was one of the recipients of the organization’s 2008 Leadership Awards, which celebrate extraordinary leaders for their success in tackling some of California’s most critical challenges.  The annual statewide award recognized Homeboy Industries and its founder for ongoing dedication in helping former gang members and at-risk youth throughout Los Angeles.

Fr. Greg – who was nominated by Los Angeles County Sheriff Lee Baca – was one of 12 award recipients from six diverse organizations, such as Latino Health Access, California Youth Connection and the Environmental Health Coalition. 

“These award recipients represent the gold standard for innovation and leadership,” said Jim Canales, president and CEO of The James Irvine Foundation.  “Fr. Greg has improved the lives of thousands of disadvantaged youth, while setting an example that other communities and leaders can replicate.”

“I'm once again honored to be standing with these visionary leaders, and we are privileged to call them fellow Californians,” said Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger of the 2008 award recipients.  “We all can learn from their positive spirit and their successful approaches in their respective fields, and I thank them for their valuable contributions to our state.”

Over the course of 20 years, Homeboy Industries has evolved into a thriving organization built on a successful work program and personal support services based on education, training, financial responsibility and personal development.  Along the way, the organization has grown to include several businesses – the Homeboy Bakery, Homegirl Café and Catering, Homeboy Silkscreen, Homeboy Maintenance, and Homeboy Merchandise – which offer young people hands-on training and experience in a safe work environment.  Revenues help cover the costs for mental health counseling, legal services, job counseling and tattoo removal.  To date, Homeboy Industries has worked with and provided services to members of more than half of the 1,100 known gangs in Los Angeles County. 

“Fr. Boyle is a prime example of an individual who can make a difference,” said Los Angeles County Sheriff Lee Baca.  “His efforts, and the efforts of Homeboy Industries, have helped all they’ve touched.”

In 2007, Homeboy opened its new headquarters, which houses a full range of free programs and services, including: the 5,000 square foot Homeboy Bakery; the Homegirl Café and a Catering division; counseling rooms; dedicated tattoo removal treatment rooms; classrooms and a computer lab for educational and job training programs; and a Homeboy Merchandise Store to sell apparel and merchandise from Homeboy Silkscreening. 

“From the beginning, Homeboy has been committed to making a difference in the lives of people who may not have true opportunities in the past,” said Fr. Boyle.  “We’re thankful to The James Irvine Foundation for recognizing our work and for helping us promote the idea that each person can make a positive impact on their community and be a catalyst for positive change.  That’s the heart of what we’re about at Homeboy Industries.”

In conjunction with the Irvine Foundation recognition, Homeboy Industries also received a $125,000 award, which will go toward continuing programs and services at the organization. 

More information about The James Irvine Foundation and award recipients can be found at www.irvine.org/leadership.

About Homeboy Industries

Homeboy Industries assists at-risk and former gang involved youth to become contributing members of our community through a variety of services in response to their multiple needs. Free programs – including counseling, education, tattoo removal, job training and job placement – enable young people to redirect their lives and provide them with hope for their futures. For 20 years, Homeboy Industries has offered unconditional community in the face of the conditional community of gangs, and has offered the possibility of a future among young people often suffering from a lethal absence of hope. A symbol of pride in a region recognized as having the largest and most complex gang problem in the country, Homeboy has successfully developed innovative programs and business ventures that have given at-risk youth and former gang members the ability to build their own future, right in the heart of the city. More information is available at www.homeboy-industries.org.