Social enterprise has been at the heart of our work for over 30 years, even before we had a title for what we were doing.
“WE’RE IN THE BUSINESS OF
SECOND CHANCES.”
Father Greg popularized the radical notion that even the most demonized individuals can thrive when given a second chance. In the beginning he partnered with local Los Angeles businesses in the Boyle Heights neighborhood,encouraging them to hire homeboys and homegirls. Eventually, Homeboy Industries was established as a nonprofit and began creating and operating its own job training businesses. Now, Homeboy Industries has grown from a single bakery to almost a dozen social enterprises, which provide both a vital training ground for clients as well as revenue streams to support the mission. Expansion of our businesses proves that people can transcend their pasts and become valuable,empowered employees and business leaders.
Transformation Story
Meet David
At age 28, David Woods received his driver’s license. At the time, David had been a Trainee at Homeboy Industries for a little over a year, working on his GED while being a father to his son.