Homeboy Industries

Three inspiring days. Countless lessons. Endless hope. ❤️ Our HomeBridge Ventures team was honored to join more than 300 organizations from around the world at the Homeboy Industries Global Network Gathering in Los Angeles. Throughout the conference, one message echoed again and again: "People change when they are cherished." – Father Greg Boyle From powerful plenary sessions and hands-on workshops covering case management, fundraising, mental health, social enterprises, and communications, to meaningful conversations with organizations serving people on the margins across the globe, we were reminded that lasting systems change begins with unconditional love, radical kinship, and mercy. As Father Greg shared: "When love meets suffering, suffering turns love into mercy." We return to Bridgeport inspired, equipped with new ideas, strengthened by new relationships, and more committed than ever to walking alongside those we serve. ❤️ Thank you, Homeboy Industries, for reminding us that this work isn't simply a program—it's a way of seeing people, believing in their dignity, and creating communities where everyone belongs.

“No us and them. Only us.” Grateful to have spent the last few days in Los Angeles at the Global Homeboy Network with Homeboy Industries. We’ve been coming for the past 14 years, and every year it feels like a family reunion with Father Greg, the Homeboy team, and friends from around the world. Thank you to everyone who poured so much into making it happen. Kindness. Care. Kinship. Hope. Community. More than 300 people from across the globe gathered to learn, grow, laugh, and be refreshed together. We had the opportunity to share about the work happening in Chicago, reflect on lessons we’ve learned along the way, and learn from others doing incredible work in their own communities. This work is hard. The hours are long. But being reminded that we’re part of a much larger movement committed to loving our neighbors and building beloved community gives us hope and keeps us moving forward. We’re excited to continue investing in young people and families across Chicago, strengthening partnerships, and working together toward greater peace, justice, and community. We are better together.

Not every lesson comes from a conference stage. A heartfelt thank you to Kimberly Denise Moore for taking us to Homeboy Industries while we were in Los Angeles. We had a GREAT time sharing a meal at Homegirl Café, touring the campus, and connecting with their incredible staff. For those unfamiliar, Homeboy Industries is the largest gang rehabilitation and reentry program in the world. For more than 30 years, they have helped formerly gang involved and previously incarcerated individuals rebuild their lives through hope, healing, training, and opportunity. Because my life, education, and career have been centered around working alongside justice involved individuals, this visit was incredibly meaningful. I had the opportunity to hear personal stories from staff members who shared how Homeboy changed their lives. One staff member shared how Homeboy helped her earn her GED, remove some of her tattoos, rebuild her confidence, and find purpose while raising three children 🥰. Hearing her share how lost she felt before finding Homeboy was powerful. Our tour guide also shared his story of transformation and how people from different backgrounds, including those he once considered enemies, became the first people to show up when he got out and asked a simple but life changing question: “Have you eaten?” 🥲 Those moments reminded me of the power of compassion, belonging, and showing up for people when they need it most. This experience is something I will never forget 🥰. I'm leaving with renewed inspiration and a deeper commitment to continue strengthening the work we're doing in Louisville. #HomeboyIndustries #CommunityViolenceIntervention #Reentry #SecondChances #PivotToPeace #Leadership #GoodwillKY

What does it take to land your dream job in hospitality? Last month, our President, Byron Puck, had the privilege of speaking at Homeboy Industries as part of their "How to Land Your Dream Job" series, sharing his perspective on hospitality, leadership, growth, and building a meaningful career. Homeboy Industries, the world's largest gang intervention, rehabilitation, and reentry program, creates life changing opportunities through support, training, and community. Being invited into that space was an honor we do not take lightly. At Wolfgang Puck Fine Dining Group, we believe hospitality begins and ends with people. It has the power to create opportunity, open doors, and help individuals build futures they may not have imagined for themselves. Creating pathways for growth and investing in people has long been part of our culture, and it remains a responsibility we care deeply about. Among the many insights shared, one message from Byron stood out: "I myself cannot teach you passion. I cannot teach you ambition. You either have that fire or you don't. But if you have it, even a spark, I can tell you that this industry will meet you where you are, and take you somewhere that you haven't imagined yet." Hospitality has long been an industry where talent, determination, and hard work can open doors. No matter where someone begins, what matters most is the willingness to learn, grow, and keep pushing forward. Thank you to the Homeboy Industries team for the warm welcome and for the incredible work you do every day. We are grateful to have been part of such a meaningful conversation. #WolfgangPuckFineDiningGroup #HomeboyIndustries #HospitalityCareers #Leadership  #CommunityImpact