Transformation Story

Meet Daniel Bisuano

Meet Daniel Bisuano, a trainee alumni, who has overcome incredible adversity to become a voice for his community. Having spent most of his childhood incarcerated and in a constant state of survival, Daniel struggled for years to learn to love and embrace himself. At 19, he came out, which caused his "world to crumble", but he slowly rebuilt his life piece by piece. After graduating from our 18-month reentry program, Daniel joined the core staff in tattoo removal here at Homeboy. He has since found his calling in using his voice to advocate for others, creating projects, films, and music that inspire his community. Daniel recently graduated from LATTC with a major in English and will soon be transferring to CSULA to continue his studies. Daniel has been diligently working on his music, as well as building out his radio show and podcast, Chicos Chisme. His journey is a testament to resilience and the power of self-acceptance.

Transformation Story

Meet Mariana Ruiz

Meet Mariana Ruiz, she joined Homeboy Industries in 2013 as a trainee. During her time here, she pursued and completed an internship earning a chemical dependency counselor certificate, which led to a job at Century Regional Detention Center for women. Now, Mariana is working at Homeboy Industries as a case manager. She recently celebrated 13 years of sobriety. Reflecting on her journey she shared, "One of the biggest challenges about staying clean is having to admit that I did not know who I was...Homeboys helped me to embrace who I was becoming." She acknowledges getting reacquainted with God and the support of Natalie Venegas and Jose Osuna, who helped guide her through difficult times. "They never said you're getting off track. [Instead] they lined up the rest of the track for me to make sure I was still moving in a direction that was beneficial." Mariana credits Homeboy Industries for providing her with a job, purpose, education, career foundation, and the opportunity to embrace her true self.

Transformation Story

Meet George Nuñez

In August 2013, George Nuñez began his transformative journey at Homeboy Industries as a trainee. Embracing every opportunity, he took full advantage of the classes offered and leaned on the guidance of case managers, who helped him become vulnerable enough to embrace change. He attributes much of his growth to the unwavering support of Father Greg Boyle, who not only gave him a chance at life but also believed in him when he needed it most. Reflecting on his journey, he acknowledges that while he may not be where he wants to be yet, he’s far from where he used to be. He shared, "Homeboy Industries gave me a place and a face. A place to call home. And they gave me a face, meaning I no longer feel the need to have a mask or a brick wall up, anymore. I can be vulnerable and accepting of the real me." Recently, George traveled to Denver to speak alongside our CEO, Tom Vozzo. He was honored to be there, sharing his story, and talking about the impact Homeboy has had on his life and his many connections to everyone in our community.

Transformation Story

Meet Miguel Lugo

Meet Miguel Lugo, who began his journey as a trainee in 2015. He joined our 18-month program and worked to heal and transform the direction of his life. He has worn many hats, from working in education, to community organizing. Miguel is now our community relations lead and he’s committed to the work of rebuilding the same community he once harmed. “We’re the ones that destroyed the community, we have to be the ones to rebuild it,” Miguel recently shared. For Miguel, his road to healing began in prison, when he was guided by spiritual advisor, Lalo Velardez. He experienced spiritual freedom through the discovery of his Yaqui-Kumeyaay heritage. At Homeboy, “Fr. Greg Boyle constantly shows us how to walk in love and peace, not only for the world but for ourselves. He made my Native roots come to life, letting me live the way my ancestors lived.”

Transformation Story

Meet BYRON SALAZAR

Meet Byron Salazar. Byron joined and fully engaged with Homeboy Industries in 2022, after struggling to find his footing, going in and out of jail with little support. After experiencing a life changing incident, where he was shot and realized the pain he caused to his family, he was finally ready for the program and he returned to Homeboy. Being back in the program, Byron began working on himself, his mental health and physical well being. During the work phase of his 18-month program, Byron joined Homegirl Café and gradually gained culinary skills. He realized he had a passion for cooking, and with the help of our workforce development team, Byron began culinary training at Bread and Roses. After receiving his certification, he returned to the Café and completed his internship hours. Byron was able to get a position at OuVo pasta, and with the help of their team, Byron excelled. He quickly learned all of the restaurant’s recipes and was promoted to assistant manager at one of OuVo’s most popular and busiest locations. Byron is not done, in 6 months he relocates to New York to work as the sous chef at OuVo’s, opening soon in Manhattan. He is focused on his goal to become a regional chef.

Transformation Story

Meet Chanalisa Sera

Meet Chanalisa Sera. She came to Homeboy Industries in October 2021 after her release from prison, seeking tattoo removal and a fresh start. Her mother had urged her to check out the program for years, but Chanalisa was deep in addiction and not ready to make a change. After serving a four-year prison sentence, she decided it was time to turn her life around. During her time in prison, she earned her CalFire certification and participated in rehabilitation programs. Realizing that Homeboy offered a supportive environment similar to a rehab facility, she decided to give it a try. Over the past four years, she has grown within the organization, progressing from a trainee to a staff member as a Work Readiness Trainer. In this role, she helps others build confidence, learn new skills, and stay on track with their recovery. Through her journey, Chanalisa has gained self-confidence, secured her own apartment and vehicle, and, most importantly, regained custody of her children. She now considers her colleagues at Homeboy a second family, as they work together to empower others on their paths to success.

Transformation Story

Meet Jonathan Carillo

After serving 19 and a half years of a life sentence and focusing on self-improvement, Jonathan Carrillo was granted parole through the Male Community Reentry Program (MCRP), allowing him to complete his sentence in the community rather than behind bars. He joined Homeboy Industries in October 2023 and excelled in the 18-month program, becoming Trainee of the Month and mentor to others. Jonathan successfully completed the program and secured a job in HVAC/Refrigeration. Expressing his gratitude, he shared, "I want to thank Homeboy Industries for giving me the opportunity to better myself through healing and learning alongside some of the most loving and caring people I have ever encountered. Coming to Homeboys was a blessing in every way, with the support of Case Managers, Navigators, Employment Counselors, Work Readiness Trainers, and Therapists playing a significant role in my transformation."

Transformation Story

Meet Christy Stillwell

Meet Christy Stillwell, the head of domestic violence services here at Homeboy Industries. Christy walked through our doors and started working in Homegirl Café seven years ago. She was working in catering when her case manager, knowing her story, approached Christy with an opportunity to facilitate domestic violence classes.

“After realizing that I was a victim [of domestic violence] and after working on myself, I wanted to take on that role in helping people. I wanted to advocate for victims. I wanted to hear women out and give them the empowerment that I got. So it was a dream of mine, to be a domestic violence group facilitator.”

But there was a catch: the position would require working with the perpetrators of domestic violence, not the survivors. Unsure if the position was right for her, Christy sought guidance from a trusted contact at her old agency: “She said to me, ‘By you helping one man realize that hitting a woman is not okay, you are saving a woman from becoming a victim.’ It all made sense to me. So today, that’s what I do—I work with the batterers.”

Transformation Story

Meet Brett Kerby

“If it wasn’t for Homeboy, I don’t know where I’d be… I think I’d be struggling way harder than I am right now. Homeboy had everything I needed to get my daughters back, to go back to school, to get my license, through outpatient, to continue in my sobriety, and make a cornerstone for my life and balance me out for when I step out of here. Everything is coming along.”

Transformation Story

Meet Jorge Dominguez

“Homeboy is… to me, everything. It’s my place where I’ve grown, it’s my place where I’ve been accepted for who I am — the real who I am — it’s been a place where I’ve been accepted for all of my character defects, it’s been a place where I eat $2.00 meals because it’s affordable. I have my friends who are all from here. Training: I get it here. Therapy: I get it here. Support for school: I get it here. And sometimes, just a hug from people who support you with their hearts… I get everything. So to me, Homeboy is everything.”

Jorge Dominguez has been with Homeboy Industries for two years. He began working in our IT Department while working through our trainee program. Now a graduate, he was just recently hired on as our Desktop Support Specialist. We're happy to have him on the team!

Transformation Story

Meet Roman Flores

"I came to Homeboys not knowing what kind of opportunities would open for me... now, I’m a GED grad. I’m in college because of Homeboys. I know how to handle myself better. I've just turned into someone I never thought I would.”

Roman Flores is a trainee in our 18-month program who attained his GED last week. He began working toward his goal back in April when he enrolled in our Education department's GED Completion Program. He is also finishing up his first semester in college and working toward a degree in Kinesiology with the ultimate goal of becoming a physical therapist or professional trainer.

Transformation Story

Meet Diana Olguin

“I did a whole 180. I never thought I would accomplish everything that I’m doing now. If I were to go back, I would lose everything. It might be a struggle— what I’m going through— but it’s only a little obstacle on my way just to get to where I want to be; it’s only momentary gratification. I could lose my job, my home, everything I bought with my hard-earned money... just for a couple hours of [gratification] to lose everything I've worked for? I can't... I love my freedom too much."

Transformation Story

Meet Aaron Cobos

"On Monday, my new chapter begins: I’ll be a Forge Helper at Weber Metals. I’ll be taking raw materials and putting them in the forge to get pressed into airplane parts. I thought about that when we did a tour of the plant: when I came here [to Homeboy], I was a raw piece of metal, and through the process of working on myself and getting to know myself… now, I’m a shiny new part. I’ve never been this happy in my life."

Transformation Story

Meet Latisha Valenzuela

“Homeboys has given me hope. It’s given me a better understanding of myself. Before, I just never gave myself a chance. So it’s given me encouragement to change my life.”

Latisha Valenzuela came through our doors 4 years ago. She began taking GED classes, worked in our maintenance department, and eventually moved over to our merchandise shop. Today, you’ll find her working at Homegirl Café as well as supporting our City Hall Diner and Catering enterprises. In an often fast-paced environment, teamwork is everything:

“We [my team] have a different relationship here. We’re closer because we have to depend on each other so much to get the job done, to get everybody fed, especially when we have really big parties and we have a lot of people… we’re like a family.”

Transformation Story

Meet Kelshae Gonzales

“I want to become an engineer. I feel like there are so many things that can be fixed, or at least made better, with technology.”

Kelshae Gonzales in in our 18-month program and has been working at Homeboy Recycling since October, where she tests and properly recycles LCD and TV screens. Alongside her work, Kelshae has also taken full advantage of our educational classes: a few weeks ago, she completed her high school diploma just 5 1/2 months after joining our program.

“I feel like I’m in school all over again— you know, like starting high school where you can be who you want to be. You don’t have to be this person that you’ve been… you can become the true essence of you.”

Transformation Story

Meet Pamela Harrera

“I love myself today. I know I’m worthy of anything, and I know I’m capable of anything.”

Pamela Harrera came to Homeboy Industries in 2011 after hearing about our program in prison. She started in Homegirl Café and worked her way up from hostess to assistant floor manager. She then transferred to our Merchandise Store, where she is now General Store Manager—a title she’s earned after working there for two years. Throughout her time at Homeboy Industries, Pam would look up to women thriving in our program as a reminder of what could be.

“There’s women here in different stages of recovery, but we’re all here to hold each other up. We learn to look women in the eye and be friends with them, and not have feelings like you would have toward an enemy… it’s family here.”

Transformation Story

Meet Leslie Lozano

“I see Homeboys like a light. You know how after the storm, there’s sunshine? Homeboys is a light. It’s my light.”

Leslie Lozano came to Homeboy Industries in June of last year after working through a rehab program. For her, it was an opportunity to better herself and to work towards regaining custody of her daughter. Nine months later, Leslie has been sober ever since she walked through our doors, she recently graduated from L.A. CADA (a local substance abuse program), and she has begun to see herself in a new light. She’s also been working in our Bakery, where she has learned about (often slow and steady) baking processes:

“At first, I couldn’t stay still! But I’m taking it easy on myself, one day at a time. It’s helped me focus, to tune into where my body is at.

I want to get my daughter back, continue staying clean, to finish high school through Twilight School here, to graduate Homeboys.. to take whatever opportunities I get here so more doors open.”

Transformation Story

Meet Alexzander Calderon

“I’ve never held a job before. All I’ve ever done was criminal activity—that was my revenue. Moving forward, the experience I’m getting while working in Merchandise will be vital to put on a resume.

In the 18 months that I’ll be here, I hope to experience everything that there is to offer, whether it’s working in the Café, the Bakery, Recycling, Merchandise, or doing administrative work. Learning communication skills with my own boss and co-workers—all of it is important.

At the same time, there’s no other job like this. There’s no other job that cares about your wellbeing, spiritually, emotionally, and mentally. This is a place where we’re working but where we also get time to deal with the things we’ve dealt with for years. To have both of those things intertwined is so important.”

Transformation Story

Meet Norma Lopez

“I was at a point where I wanted to give up because I felt stuck. My record was keeping me from getting a job. I had nothing on my resume. They wanted to hire me somewhere, and when they found out I had a record and felonies, they denied me. I couldn’t find a job anywhere. That’s when someone told me to come to Homeboy.

Donna [our Director of Legal Services] helped me bring my felonies down to misdemeanors and expunge my record. I have so many things on my resume now! It feels really, really good. I’ve been sober for almost 6 years. I don’t feel stuck today. I feel I’m able to move forward. No matter what’s going on in my life, I know I can get through it.

It just gives me a lot of peace and hope that no matter what I’m going through, I don’t have to be alone today. I have people that are there for me and help me, even it’s just a hug or an ‘I’m here.’ I’ve never had this much support.

Life shows up. I used to run when life showed up. I don’t have to run today. I have people that are there for me, with me, to go through it.”

Transformation Story

Meet Emily Chapa

“I’d been using since I was 15 years old, and this is the longest I’ve ever been sober in my life. I got clean once before, but it was only for 3 years before I relapsed. Being able to double that and celebrate 6 years sober this year has meant a lot. I may have abandoned my kids as they were growing up, but today, I’m different. I’m a good grandmother. One thing we need to learn as women is that being emotional is not a weakness, but a strength. We need to learn to use our voices and take care of ourselves or we can’t take care of anybody.”

Transformation Story

Meet Delia Ross

"Since coming to Homeboy Industries, I’ve graduated Residential Drug Treatment, obtained housing, become financially independent to support my kids, got a job, and just recently got a car and my driver’s license. This has all taught me a major lesson on patience...things take time. I’ve never had this many amazing things happen to me, and it’s all come by letting go and letting God take the wheel. Homeboy Industries has become my place of clarity and safety; it’s my sanctuary.”

Transformation Story

Meet Fernando Martinez

“I’ve been sober for a year and 4 months. That in itself was a big accomplishment for me; I never thought I would be living a sober life. It’s helped me shape my life to achieve things like getting my driver’s permit. I’ve never gotten anything big like this before. I’m now able to succeed a lot of things I never would have been able to by myself before.”

Transformation Story

Meet Brandi Parham

“I’m finally free. It was a struggle for a while because when I came here, I had no patience. But I did what I needed to do and am finally off parole. I had no family, but Homeboy Industries became my family. And thanks to this place, I was also able to get my kids back. Those kids are who I live for; I needed to do this not just for myself, but for them.”

Transformation Story

Meet Carlos Caballeros

Recently, our very own Carlos Caballeros graduated and received his GED. When he committed to achieving this goal, he gave his whole self to it, completing everything in only four months. Carlos has been a Trainee here for six months and has used his time to be a positive influence on others also working towards their GEDs. “When some people reach a big accomplishment in their life, they stop right there.

This is only the beginning for me. My words of encouragement: don’t let the words and thoughts of people stop you. Just keep striving because it’s YOUR achievement you’re striving for, not theirs.”