At The Intersection Of Entrepreneurship and Rehabilitation | How I Built This with Guy Raz | NPR | Summary and Q&A

Summary

In this interview, Guy Raz speaks with Father Greg Boyle, the founder of Homeboy Industries, a gang intervention and rehabilitation program in Los Angeles. They discuss the challenges of running a non-profit social enterprise, the different social enterprises that Homeboy Industries has launched, and the impact of the pandemic on their organization and the communities they serve. Father Greg also shares his insights on grief, kinship, and the importance of finding joy in all circumstances.

Questions & Answers

Q: Can you tell us a little bit about what Homeboy Industries does?

Homeboy Industries is a program that aims to reimagine the lives of individuals involved in gangs. With approximately 15,000 people walking through their doors each year, they provide gang intervention, rehabilitation, re-entry programs, and social enterprises. Their goal is to heal gang members, prevent them from returning to prison, and help them reintegrate into society.

Q: What are some of the social enterprises that Homeboy Industries has launched?

Homeboy Industries has several social enterprises, including Homeboy Bakery, Homegirl Cafe, Homeboy Homegirl Merchandise, Homeboy Diner, and Homeboy Grocery. They also have Homeboy Recycling, Homeboy Silkscreen, and Homeboy Embroidery. These businesses provide employment opportunities for individuals in the program and contribute to the organization's overall sustainability.

Q: Did you consider yourself an entrepreneur when you founded Homeboy Industries?

Father Greg does not consider himself an entrepreneur, and he believes his board would agree. While they had to respond to the needs of the community and create various programs and businesses, there was no grand business plan behind it. Instead, they focused on doing what they believed was right and good, and success followed.

Q: Is it easier to make social enterprises work when the mission leads rather than a profit motive?

Father Greg believes it is easier to make social enterprises work when the mission leads because people are more willing to support a business that makes a positive difference in the world. While profitability is essential, the quality of products or services and the positive impact they have on individuals and communities are equally important.

Q: How is Homeboy Industries structured, and how does the organization bring in revenue?

Homeboy Industries has approximately 300 employees and an annual budget of around $22 million. About half of their revenue comes from their social enterprises, including bakery, cafe, and merchandise sales. The other half is raised through fundraising efforts. They continually need to raise funds as they operate on a training model, providing job training and employment opportunities for individuals in the program.

Q: How has the pandemic affected Homeboy Industries and the communities you serve?

The pandemic has significantly impacted Homeboy Industries, as many of their social enterprises are food-related businesses. While their bakery and cafe at LAX have recently reopened, other locations are still closed. However, they were able to pivot quickly and secure contracts to provide meals to those in need, serving about 17,000 meals per week. They have also implemented strict safety protocols to protect both staff and program participants.

Q: With the release of incarcerated individuals and the economic crisis, are you seeing an increase in people seeking support from Homeboy Industries?

Homeboy Industries is still experiencing a high demand for their programs, especially with the release of incarcerated individuals. The organization serves as a crucial support system for those who want to reimagine their lives. Father Greg also mentions that the rise in homicides and the impact of the pandemic have further heightened the need for their services.

Q: How do you counsel people to deal with grief, especially during this challenging year?

Father Greg advises individuals to lean into grief, be curious about it, and eventually find joy. By acknowledging and embracing grief, one can find joy in the present moment and delight in connecting with others. He emphasizes the importance of realizing that joy is possible, regardless of the circumstances.

Q: Do you think training programs could start within prisons to support individuals transitioning back into society?

While Father Greg believes prisons should shift from punishment to a more restorative approach, he mentions the value of individuals choosing to participate in programs voluntarily. He emphasizes the importance of individuals walking through the doors of Homeboy Industries or similar programs, as the desire for change plays a significant role in the success of rehabilitation and reintegration.

Q: Should aspiring entrepreneurs start businesses now, despite the challenges?

Father Greg shares a story of a homie who wanted to start a non-profit, highlighting the word "impossible" and its transformation into "I'm possible." While he acknowledges the difficulties, he believes that if individuals see a need in the world and have the passion and drive to make a difference, they should go for it. He also mentions the importance of assessing the current climate and looking for business opportunities that meet community needs.

Takeaways

Father Greg Boyle, the founder of Homeboy Industries, discusses the challenges and successes of running a non-profit social enterprise. The organization has successfully launched multiple social enterprises to provide employment opportunities for individuals seeking to leave gangs and reenter society. Despite the impact of the pandemic, Homeboy Industries has pivoted to continue serving their community through meal programs. Father Greg emphasizes the importance of finding joy in all circumstances, demonstrates the power of radical kinship, and encourages individuals to pursue their entrepreneurial aspirations by addressing community needs.