Father Greg Boyle, an advocate for at-risk and gang involved youth will be speaking tomorrow in the East dining room above the bookstore from 1 to 2:30 p.m.

The purpose of this workshop is to help people understand the dynamics and diversity of gang life with the hopes to inspire faculty, students and staff to make a constructive difference.

The Schauerman Library, Behavioral and Social Sciences division and Graduation initiative are sponsoring the workshop.

As to what the workshop is said to do, Professor Vincent Robles, Librarian and Program Coordinator said, “To inform and educate the audience about a very successful and outstanding program that is geared to not only help young people get out of the gang life, but to also gain the necessary skills to find and keep a productive job.”

Boyle, a Jesuit priest launched Homeboy Bakery in 1992. Homeboy Industries draws its roots from Boyle’s program “Jobs for a Future.” JFF was created in 1988 by Boyle while he served as pastor of Dolores Mission parish in Boyle Heights.

In terms of what people can learn from the workshop Robles said, “That hope is a very powerful feeling and expectation which has been the strength behind the success of Homeboy Industries as well as the leadership and business skills needed to accomplish so much.”

Homeboy Industries assists at-risk and former gang involved youth to become positive and contributing members of society through job placement, training and education. The program is celebrating its 23rd anniversary as an organization.

“Homeboy Industries has grown from a small bakery in East Los Angeles into the largest gang-intervention program in the country, providing services like mental health counseling, tattoo removal, job placement, and education programs.” Robles said.

Homeboy Bakery, Homeboy Silkscreen, Homeboy/Home girl Merchandise, Homeboy Diner at L.A. City Hall, Homeboy Farmers Markets, and Home girl Cafe and Catering are the businesses that provide transitional jobs.

“I think it’s great because Homeboy has always been a real positive organization.” Ramon Page, 40, psychiatric technology major said.

Homeboy Industries partners with many local non-profit organizations, schools, and law-environment. Some of these partners include the Dolores Mission Church, and School, Proyecto Pastoral at Dolores Mission, The California Province of the Society of Jesus, and the Learning Works Charter School.

“They do a good job in giving people the opportunity to turn their lives around without prejudice.” Page said.

The services of Homeboy Industries include case management, curriculum/education, legal services, a solar panel installation training,, and certification program, mental health treatment, employment services, twelve step meetings, and Ya ‘Stuvo tattoo removal.

“Homeboy is therapeutic communities where those ready to move beyond gangs voluntarily seek our help.” the website states.

Boyle is also an author of three books titled, “Father Greg and the Homeboys”, “G-dog and the Homeboys”, and “Tattoos on the Heart.” All books except “Father Greg and the Homeboys” are available in the EC bookstore. Extra credit may be available for students and flex credit is available for faculty.

Another mission statement of Homeboys Industries is, “The bottom line for Homeboy is to infuse hope in those for whom hope is foreign.”