RENEW Theology on Tap | Week 3

Rev. Greg Boyle | 'Creating a Community of Kinship Such That God Would Recognize It'

A nationally-recognized speaker, Rev. Greg Boyle has worked tirelessly to provide love and support for kids whose homes are so emotionally impoverished or destructive that they join gangs in search of a surrogate family.

He believes that community involvement is essential to bring about change, and he emphasizes the importance of not giving up hope.

Father Boyle will share his stories about his work and the young people he works with.

There will also be a question and answer period after his talk.

About Rev. Greg Boyle

Rev. Gregory J. Boyle, S.J., is a Jesuit priest who is founder and executive director of Jobs for a Future/Homeboy Industries, an employment referral center and economic development program. Begun in 1988 for at-risk and gang-involved youth, Jobs for a Future is today a nationally-recognized center that assists 1,000 people a month in redirecting their lives. Through its unique and multi-service approach, Jobs for a Future offers hope to those for whom hope is often foreign.

Located in Boyle Heights, a community with arguably the highest concentration of gang activity in Los Angeles, Jobs for a Future provides employment opportunities, counseling and many other services (including free tattoo removal). By seeking to address the root causes of gang violence, Jobs for a Future creates opportunities so that at-risk youth can plan their futures and not their funerals.

"Nothing stops a bullet like a job" is the guiding principle.

In 1992, as a response to the civil unrest in Los Angeles, Father Boyle formed Homeboy Industries to create businesses that provide training, work experience and, above all, the opportunity for rival gang members to work side by side. The following economic development enterprises have been created since the first venture: Homeboy Bakery; Homeboy Silkscreen; Homeboy/Homegirl Merchandise; Homeboy Graffiti Removal; Homeboy Maintenance; and Homeboy Landscaping.

Father Boyle was born in Los Angeles. He received his bachelor of arts desgree in English from Gonzaga University, a master of arts degree in English from Loyola Marymount University, a master of divinity degree from the Weston School of Theology, and a master of sacred theology degree from the Jesuit School of Theology.

Before becoming Pastor of Dolores Mission (1986-1992), Father Boyle taught at Loyola High School and worked with Christian Base Communities in Cochabamba, Bolivia. He has also served as chaplain of the Islas Marias Penal colony in Mexico and Folsom Prison.

He is currently a member of the State Commission on Juvenile Justice, Crime and Delinquency Prevention, and serves on the National Youth Gang Center Advisory Board.

As executive director of Jobs for a Future/Homeboy Industries, Father Boyle is a nationally renowned speaker at conferences for teachers, social workers and criminal justice workers about the importance of adult attention, guidance and unconditional love in preventing youth from joining gangs.