Jose Carrillo

What do you do at Homeboy Industries? I work in the Homeboy Bakery making artisan breads. Because of what I’ve learned here, I was able to get a job at a restaurant in the area, but I still come to work and help out here. I want to help them to get to where I am. I want to show them it is possible. How has HBI changed your life? Before I came to Homeboy, I was homeless. If I wasn’t in jail, I was sleeping on a sidewalk somewhere and wondering how I’d make it through the day. Today, I have a good job, a house, a car, I’m married and, two months ago, my wife and I had our first son and I don’t have to worry about how I will provide for him. How hasn’t it changed my life?

Luis Enciso

Homeboy Chips and Salsa
What do you do at Homeboy Industries? I started two years ago on the maintenance crew and now I'm a part of the Chips & Salsa demo team. We go out to stores around Los Angeles to promote the products. We let them know how the money from their purchase goes to provide all kinds of free services for people like me. How has HBI changed your life? It opened my eyes. People aren't just here for a paycheck - they're here to change their lives. In addition to job experience, I've gotten the classes and counseling that I needed to stay sober, work toward my GED and be a better a father to my son.

Fr. Greg Boyle, S.J.

Founder and Executive Director
What do you do at HBI? I try to keep us all faithful to our mission here. How has HBI changed your life? It has enabled me to stand in awe at what the homies and homegirls have to carry. The day won’t even come when I am more noble, have more courage, or closer to God than they are.

Adela Juarez

Homegirl Café and Catering
What do you do at Homeboy Industries? I am a trainer with Homegirl Café and Catering. I work in our mini-farms, but I also help out in the restaurant if they need it. Right now, I’m working a lot on our new Backyard Grower Project. I work with home gardeners so that they can donate their produce to us. How has HBI changed your life? I learned to care – to take pride in what I do and who I am. I’m no longer afraid to take responsibility for my actions and choices. I work, now, to instill that in my kids by working hard and going back to school. My goal is to become a drug counselor. It sounds funny, but one of my favorite things to do is to stay late and clean the café. This is my home. I want to take care of something that has taken care of me.

Wil Lopez

Domestic Violence Counselor
What do you do at Homeboy Industries? I facilitate a group for batterers as well as provide one-on-one counseling. I work with groups of men and high school/middle school boys as they work toward having healthy relationships, I teach creative writing and I go out to numerous speaking engagements throughout Southern California. How has HBI changed your life? I was 11 the first time I was incarcerated, 13 the first time I met Father Greg and 24 the first time I walked in the door. Homeboy is a place for love, for change and for hope – and you have to be ready to receive all of that. They will show you the road, but it is up to you to walk it. This place made me feel like a human being for the first time in my life. It made me a better father, a better husband and a better son. It made me see the potential I carry within myself and compelled me to hold that mirror up for others.