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"Tattoos on the Heart: Power of Compassion" - Father Greg Boyle - 04/14/11

EndAbuseLB・2 minutes read

Father Greg emphasizes the importance of creating a vision and motivation for those working with domestic violence and child abuse, highlighting the need for kinship to achieve peace and justice in the community. The story of Homeboy Industries' founding and mission to combat the idea of lives mattering less than others is recounted, showcasing the power of hope and support in transforming gang members' lives.

Insights

  • Father Greg underlines the importance of creating a vision and motivation for addressing issues like domestic violence and child abuse, emphasizing the need for a community of kinship to combat these challenges effectively.
  • The establishment and growth of Homeboy Industries, the largest gang intervention and rehabilitation program in the United States, showcases the power of compassion, hope, and support in transforming the lives of former gang members and providing them with opportunities for a better future.
  • The narrative of Gabriel, a former gang member turned tour guide at the White House, exemplifies the profound impact of love, attention, and pursuit in guiding individuals away from gang life, highlighting the transformative influence of community support and attachment repair in breaking the cycle of gang influence.

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Recent questions

  • What is the mission of Homeboy Industries?

    To combat issues like domestic violence and child abuse.

  • How did Homeboy Industries start?

    With gang members seeking jobs and support.

  • What services does Homeboy Industries offer?

    Tattoo removal, mental health support, job training.

  • What is the impact of community support on Homeboy Industries?

    Essential in combating gang influence and providing hope.

  • How does Homeboy Industries address gang issues differently?

    By focusing on community health and collective efforts.

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Summary

00:00

"Creating Kinship: Combating Violence and Injustice"

  • Father Greg shares his experience at County Jail and his reputation as a gang expert.
  • He apologizes for potential repetition in his speech and focuses on gang reality.
  • Father Greg emphasizes the importance of creating a vision and motivation for those working with domestic violence and child abuse.
  • The Prophet Habakkuk's quote about vision and its fulfillment is highlighted.
  • The ultimate goal is to create a community of kinship to combat issues like domestic violence and child abuse.
  • Father Greg stresses the necessity of kinship for achieving peace and justice.
  • He mentions Mother Teresa's belief that forgetting our connection leads to world problems.
  • The importance of standing with the suffering, poor, and voiceless is emphasized.
  • Father Greg shares anecdotes about gang members teaching him valuable lessons and the concept of kinship.
  • The story of Homeboy Industries' founding and its mission to combat the idea of lives mattering less than others is recounted.

17:59

"Homeboy Industries: Transforming Lives Through Redemption"

  • Gang members were attracted to the church, leading to their presence on the third floor of the former convent above the elementary school, challenging the traditional notion of a church as a place for only good people.
  • The gang members expressed a desire for jobs, prompting a search by the author and parish women for felony-friendly employers in the surrounding factories, which proved unsuccessful.
  • Unable to find willing employers, the author and others started their own initiatives, including a childcare center built with rival gang members, leading to the establishment of Homeboy Bakery in 1992.
  • Homeboy Industries expanded to include Homeboy Bookstore and other businesses, evolving into the largest gang intervention and rehabilitation program in the United States.
  • Despite facing failures like Homeboy Plumbing, the organization engages around a thousand gang members daily, with various stages of involvement, including tattoo removal treatments for thousands of clients.
  • The tattoo removal program, initiated by a former inmate named Frank with a forehead tattoo, grew with volunteer doctors' help, leading to a waiting list of 3,000 clients.
  • The organization offers a range of services, including a domestic violence clinic, anger management, parenting classes, and a unique program called Baby and Me, where gang members learn to interact joyously with their children.
  • Mental health services at Homeboy Industries saw a significant shift after a tipping point, with gang members becoming more open to therapy and destigmatizing mental health treatment.
  • The organization also runs various businesses, such as a solar panel installation training program, Homeboy Bakery, Homegirl Merchandise, Homeboy Silkscreen, and Homegirl Cafe.
  • A poignant encounter between a former gang member waitress and actress Diane Keaton at Homegirl Cafe highlights the mutual respect and understanding fostered at Homeboy Industries, emphasizing the importance of enlightened witnesses in people's lives.

35:09

"Hope Over Fear: Transforming Gang Members' Lives"

  • Found an old clay record labeled "Oh Holy Night" with Kathleen Conway's name, played it on a phonograph, revealing mom's opera singing past.
  • Discovered a mantra in the song lyrics about Jesus and self-worth, emphasizing the importance of appearing and being one.
  • Shared a story about appearing on Dr. Phil to debunk myths about gangs and the importance of hope over fear in addressing gang issues.
  • Highlighted the misconception that kids join gangs for allure, emphasizing that they join due to fleeing misery and trauma.
  • Discussed the significance of accurate diagnoses in addressing gang issues, sharing a personal story of misdiagnosis leading to delayed treatment.
  • Described the profile of a gang member as despondent, traumatized, or mentally ill, emphasizing the need for early intervention and mental health services.
  • Shared a heartwarming story of a former gang member, Bandit, who turned his life around, highlighting the power of hope and support in transformation.
  • Emphasized the importance of compassion and widening the circle of understanding to help those outside find their way in.
  • Recounted a visit by Laura Bush to Homeboy Industries, showcasing the impact of the visit and the challenges faced due to the workers' backgrounds.
  • Shared a humorous anecdote about being invited to speak at a national conference by Mrs. Bush and bringing three homies to the White House for dinner, highlighting the power of breaking stereotypes.

52:17

From Prison to White House: A Journey

  • Gabriel, Gus, and Herbie, individuals with prison backgrounds and tattoos, are chosen for a trip to the White House for dinner.
  • The group, unfamiliar with flying and Washington DC, needs suits for the occasion.
  • At Men's Wearhouse, the salespeople are skeptical until they learn about the White House dinner.
  • Gabriel, a former gang member turned tour guide, impresses with his transformation and tour-giving skills.
  • Despite parole restrictions, Gabriel secures permission to travel to DC and the White House.
  • Mishaps occur during the trip, including Gabriel losing his suit pants before the dinner.
  • The group explores DC as tourists before attending the conference and dinner at the White House.
  • At the White House, Gabriel's candid reaction to fancy food causes a slight scare with the Secret Service.
  • On the return flight, Gabriel's interaction with a flight attendant leads to an impromptu tour of Homeboy Industries.
  • The story concludes with reflections on the impact of love, attention, and pursuit in guiding individuals away from gang life.

01:10:18

"From Trauma to Transformation: Homeboy Industries"

  • A man recalls a childhood incident where his mother burned his hand on a hot stove coil as punishment for playing with matches at the age of 7.
  • The man woke up that night with severe burns, trying to relieve the pain by placing his hand in toilet water.
  • This traumatic event led him to join a gang, as he realized he was running towards what he was trying to escape.
  • The importance of timely mental health services for individuals who are mentally ill, despondent, or traumatized is emphasized.
  • Homeboy Industries, a program aiding former gang members, received financial support from the county but faced challenges in funding.
  • The program offers free tattoo removal services to gang members, prioritizing gang-related tattoos and not demanding anything in return.
  • The founder highlights the impact of community support in combating gang influence, emphasizing the need for attachment repair for gang members.
  • The program faced hostility and threats in its early years due to the demonization of gang members by society.
  • Despite initial challenges, Homeboy Industries has seen success in reducing gang violence and providing hope to former gang members.
  • A former gang member's transformation is highlighted, showcasing the power of community support in helping individuals redefine themselves and break away from gang life.

01:27:47

"Evolution of Manhood and Community Engagement"

  • The individual has evolved his perspective on manhood, no longer associating it with carrying a gun or certain beliefs.
  • In his work with Jewish Family Children's Service, he has observed a rise in older relatives caring for grandchildren or great-grandchildren.
  • The importance of engaging various stakeholders in the community to address issues effectively is highlighted.
  • The shift from viewing gang problems as solely criminal to recognizing them as community health issues is emphasized.
  • The need for a collective effort involving teachers, clergy, social workers, and more to address community issues is stressed.
  • The negative impact of law enforcement solely handling gang issues is discussed, advocating for a community-based approach.
  • The significance of focusing on community health rather than crime in addressing gang problems is underscored.
  • The importance of remaining faithful to helping those in need rather than solely seeking success is highlighted.
  • The story of Saul, a troubled youth at Homeboy Industries, showcases the impact of support and guidance in his rehabilitation.
  • The emphasis on living in the present moment and finding delight in the work and people around you is encouraged.

01:44:46

"Valuable Resources for Understanding and Connection"

  • Recommends a PBS show called "Country Boys" and Patti Smith's book "Just Kids" as valuable resources for understanding certain topics.
  • Emphasizes the importance of valuing individuals' expertise and creating a mentality of kinship in interactions.
  • Highlights the significance of hiring individuals who understand and connect with the population being served.
  • Advocates for standing in awe of individuals' experiences rather than judging them, promoting kinship and social change.
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