Father Gregory J. Boyle on the power of community at the 2011 COPS Office Conference

Gregory J. Boyle, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Homeboy Industries

Gregory J. Boyle, an ordained Jesuit priest, is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Homeboy Industries. Known as Father G by the homeboys/homegirls, Homeboy Industries traces its roots to "Jobs For A Future" (JFF), a program created by Boyle while serving as pastor of the Dolores Mission parish. In an effort to address the escalating problems and unmet needs of gang-involved youth, Boyle and the community developed positive alternatives, including an elementary school and a day care program and finding legitimate employment for young people. JFF's success demonstrated the model followed today that many gang members are eager to leave the dangerous and destructive life on the "streets." In 2009 the Los Angeles Headquarters Association honored Boyle as one of the city's leading visionaries responsible for changing the face of Los Angeles.