Gordon Philanthropies joins Homeboy Industries to celebrate the launch of CEO Thomas Vozzo’s new book, The Homeboy Way.

For anyone who hasn’t had the opportunity to visit Homeboy Industries, it is a sanctuary for people in need of second chances, hope, and, most importantly, love. Most trainees, as they are called, are individuals who have been incarcerated, many who were formerly gang members. Upon their arrival to Homeboy Industries, affectionately called “homies,” are given a much needed second chance. In the words of Homeboy Industries’ Founder Father G, “Hope has an address: Homeboy Industries.”

Homeboy Industries presently stands as the world’s largest and most successful gang intervention organization. Yes, “in the world”. Anyone who has walked through the doors of Homeboy Industries knows the immediate feeling of kindness and sincerity from the homies and homegirls. As a visitor, you will also understand why the trainees can be described as fitting the true meaning of grit. It is fair to say that the individuals who seek help from Homeboy Industries have insurmountable obstacles-drug addictions, homelessness, poverty, incarceration, trauma, and the brutalities of gang life.

In Thomas Vozzo’s latest release, The Homeboy Way, he tells the story of a woman who goes without eating to make sure her children are fed. She eats very little since Homeboy Industries provides meals to all trainees for $2.00 however, she saves the food to take back to her children. The book also describes how the lack of diapers can become an issue for many mothers and fathers at Homeboy Industries. Accompanied by many other heartbreaking stories, Vozzo’s book will undeniably drive home the message of the importance of seeing all humans as good, how our past does not define us for future, and the need to stop demonizing people living on the margins of our society and begin looking in their eyes and souls to see their humanity.

We thank Thomas Vezzo, Father Gregory Boyle, and the wonderful staff at Homeboy Industries for allowing us to form part of this momentous occasion as we celebrate the launch of this amazing book. The Homeboy Way: A Radical Approach to Buisness and Life is available to purchase through their website and Amazon.