Homeboy Industries’ Post

After surviving a brain injury from a gang-related shooting, Omar faced numerous disabilities and a profound anger towards the world. Despite knowing he needed a change, he was unsure how to become the person he aspired to be. Entering the doors of Homeboy Industries, he found what he described as “healing,” which transformed him into a better father, son, and man. During a tour, he introduced me to the founder Greg Boyle. S. J. I asked Father Greg how he measures success. He explained that measuring outcomes can be limiting and can encourage case managers to assist those with fewer barriers rather than the most at-risk individuals. Many county, state, federal, or nonprofit programs are bound by specific outcomes that determine who is deemed a “success” or “failure.” This binary overlooks individual circumstances or progress. Results like becoming a better father may not fit traditional success metrics, but they are significant achievements nonetheless. Two key takeaways from this visit: 1. The Power of Storytelling and Qualitative Data: Over 50% of Homeboy Industries’ $50 million yearly budget comes from private donations. These donors are moved not by statistics, but by the compelling stories of transformation. Father Greg, recently awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, fills his office not with accolades but with photos of individuals whose lives have improved—a testament to the power of storytelling. 2. Diversify Your Income Sources: About 25% of Homeboy Industries’ budget is generated through 13 social enterprise programs, such as Homeboy Electronics Recycling and Homeboy Threads. Less than 10% comes from public agency funding and grants. This diverse funding mix enables them to offer a wide range of services that might otherwise be unavailable. Thank you for being a tremendous tour guide Omar and congratulations on such a fantastic transformation! Thanks to the Workforce Development Avengers of Ventura County for joining the tour as well! Jacqueline Loredo Govea at Eckerd Connects Brendan Mactal at Career TEAM Patricia Dupree at Employment Development Department Monique Marquez at Managed Career Solutions Inc. Colleen Smith Workforce Development Board of Ventura County Matthew McDonald, MSIO Goodwill Industries of Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties #workforcedevelopment #publicsector #venturacounty #reentry #homeboyindustries