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Homeboy Industries, the acclaimed institution that has worked to transform the lives of gang members in East Los Angeles for more than two decades, was forced into massive layoffs last week. The organization founded by Boyle Heights Jesuit Priest Father Gregory Boyle to combat gang violence through job placement has fallen short of maintaining its operating budget and as a result three hundred employees, including senior staff and administrators, found themselves suddenly out of work. The independent non-profit has been adversely affected by the long-standing economic recession as private donations and less local government funding has come at a time when unemployment has increased demand for its services. Despite the financial hardships, Homeboy Industries is not shutting down. One hundred people will continue to be employed at the organization’s businesses including Homegirl Café, Homeboy Bakery, and merchandise store. Services such as tattoo removal and mental health counseling will also remain in operation. As part of the effort to sustain Homeboy Industries, Father Boyle released his memoir “Tattoos on the Heart: The Power of Boundless Compassion,” earlier this year. A reflection of more than two decades of his life working with gangs; the book is filled with stories of hope, transformation, and tragedy. Both humorous and heartbreaking at times, Father Boyle’s words provoke compassion for gang members all too often stripped of their humanity in the public sphere. Actor and activist Martin Sheen calls the book, “An extraordinary reflection of a life committed to reshaping and redirecting the lives of countless young gang members.” All proceeds from sales of “Tattoos on the Heart” go towards keeping Homeboy Industries alive; a task no more urgent than now.

GUEST: Father Gregory Boyle, Founder and Executive Director of Homeboy Industries, Author of Tattoos on the Heart

Find out more at www.homeboy-industries.org, or call (323) 526-1254.