Tag Archives: Homeboy Industries

Mar 26 2025

The Power of Extravagant Tenderness

a book review by Dana Taylor

If you’re looking for a break from the harsh headlines of anger and aggression across the land, order a copy of The Whole Language: The Power of Extravagant Tenderness by Gregory Boyle. “Father G” or “G Dawg,” as he is often called by gang members of the streets of Los Angeles, is the local Catholic priest and founder of Homeboy Industries. My introduction to Father Boyle’s work was his bestseller Tattoos on the Heart, which I reviewed back in 2011 (see review here.) Father Boyle offers employment, encouragement, and “extravagant tenderness” to the homies and homegirls of LA.

“What began in 1988 as a way of improving the lives of former gang members in East Los Angeles has today become a blueprint for over 250 organizations and social enterprises around the world, from Alabama and Idaho, to Guatemala and Scotland.” Homeboy Industries website

To get a good feel for the style and language of the book, watch this short video of Father Boyle speaking to a group.
In The Whole Language, Father Boyle weaves his philosophy of boundless compassion with poignant glimpses of the colorful men and women of Homeboy Industries, complete with salty language. Saints and sinners are quoted in a beautiful flow of prose that touches the heart and spirit. And despite best efforts and encouragement, the adversity of poverty, addiction, and mental illness still takes a high toll of death and destruction in Homeboy territory.
Yet, it is clear that Father Boyle has made a positive difference for thousands of people across LA and the world. His legacy has just begun. I recommend reading The Whole Language like a daily devotional, a few paragraphs a day to set your mind and spirit on a good course for the hours ahead. You just may find the Grace of God through the Power of Extravagant Tenderness for yourself.

The Whole Language: The Power of Extravagant Tenderness is available at Amazon.

Nov 2 2013

Boundless Compassion in Action

Spiritual Activism–Article Three

Putting faith into action is certainly exemplified by Homeboy Industries, founded by Father Gregory Boyle. Father Greg is the long term priest for the Dolores Mission in the gang center of the world, Los Angeles. Seeing a dire need for jobs to short-circuit the cycle of violence and prison sentences, Father Greg began putting gang members and ex-cons to work. As he relates in the excellent TATTOOS ON THE HEART: The Power of Boundless Compassion (see my review), having rival gang members work side-by-side often fostered a kinship that led to a life beyond the barrio.

“Homeboy Industries has been the tipping point to change the metaphors around gangs and how we deal with them in Los Angeles County. This organization has engaged the imagination of 120,000 gang members and helped them to envision an exit ramp off the “freeway” of violence, addiction and incarceration. And the country has taken notice. We have helped more than 40 other organizations replicate elements of our service delivery model, broadening further the understanding that community trumps gang — every time.”  – Father Greg

The Homeboy Bakery and the Home Girl Café produce wholesome food, while employing and training marginalized members of the community. Other businesses Homeboy Silk Screen and Embroidery, Solar Panel Installation Training and Certification, Homeboy Farmer’s Market, and Homeboy Merchandise. Services to the community include tattoo removal, job counseling, mental health, substance abuse, and domestic violence counseling.

Visit HomeboyIndustries.Org for more information.

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Homeboy Industries and the philosophy of Father Greg is influencing communities around the world with the Power of Boundless Compassion. Click Here to see Video.

Read the Homeboy Stories at their blog http://www.homeboystories.blogspot.com/

Order bakery goods now on-line at HomeBoyFoods.com