LOS ANGELES, CA – This morning, Assemblywoman Wendy Carrillo (CA-51) announced a $15 million investment, secured last year from the State of California, for Homeboy Industries that will allow the organization to expand the creation of quality jobs, increase skilled training opportunities and critical social services for formerly incarcerated individuals. Since its founding in 1988, this is the first time Homeboy Industries has received direct support from the legislature. Homeboy Industries and the California Workforce Development Board will work closely to build a “whole person” approach to workforce development by integrating free, supportive services to yield a new era of productivity and economic mobility. The announcement was made at Homeboy Industries headquarters in Chinatown.
“The benefits of this partnership between Homeboy Industries and the State of California are monumental. For decades, Homeboy Industries has stood grounded as a beacon of hope in our community. No matter where you come from, or what you’ve been through, the organization offers a lifeline to any who wish to turn their lives around” said Assemblywoman Carrillo. “Past mistakes do not preclude a person’s ability to contribute to society. As the legislature continues to pass much needed justice reform, it is crucial that we also recognize the value of workforce development and expand re-entry programs. It is my hope that this investment in Homeboy will be a model that will serve as a guide as to what is possible when investments are made in people.”
Over the next three years, the funding partnership between Homeboy Industries and the State of California will expand Homeboy’s workforce HUB to create more jobs at each of the eleven social enterprises that Homeboy currently operates. The investment will also work to expand existing support services including, critically important housing assistance, education, mental health support, legal services, trauma-informed arts programming, tattoo removal and case management.
“We are tremendously grateful for the steadfast support of Assemblywoman Wendy Carrillo,” said Fr. Gregory Boyle, S.J., Founder of Homeboy Industries. “The men, women and youth we serve are seeking a second chance but the long list of barriers they are up against, is overwhelming. Working together with Assemblywoman Carrillo, we can continue to open doors for more individuals so they can transform their lives.”
“We are grateful for our partners at the State of California and their investment in our 34-year, proven model of working with the most marginalized among us,” said Thomas Vozzo, CEO of Homeboy Industries. “Formerly incarcerated individuals that have access to quality jobs and services to help them heal, manage and diffuse conflict, are much less likely to reoffend and more likely change the direction of their lives.”
Founded in 1988 by Fr. Gregory Boyle, S.J., Homeboy Industries provides hope, training and support to formerly gang-involved and previously incarcerated individuals. Today, it is the largest gang rehabilitation and re-entry program in the world and each year, thousands are given the opportunity to heal from complex traumas through comprehensive wrap-around social services rooted in a culture of kinship and tenderness.
Assemblymember Wendy Carrillo was elected as the representative of the 51st Assembly District in December of 2017. She is currently the Chair of Budget Subcommittee No. 4 on State Administration, and a member of the Assembly Committees on Appropriations; Budget; Health; Housing and Community Development; and Utilities and Energy. Carrillo represents the people of East Los Angeles, Northeast Los Angeles, and the neighborhoods of El Sereno, Echo Park, Lincoln Heights, Chinatown and parts of Silver Lake.
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