(ZENIT News / Washington, DC, 07.05.2024).- Father Greg Boyle was honoured with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, for his tireless work in transforming the life of thousands of youths in the city of Los Angeles. For over thirty years, Father Boyle has dedicated his life to rescuing young people, trapped in violence and crime. He has done so through the Homeboy Industries organization, which he founded in 1992. Hence the reason for Biden’s awarding him the Medal of Freedom.
When Father Boyle was assigned to the poorest parish of Los Angeles in 1986, he met with a desperate situation: drugs, violence, gangs, disintegrated families and unemployment. Thus Homeboy Industries was born, the world’s largest organization dedicated to the rehabilitation and reinsertion in society of young gang members.
President Biden praised Father Boyle’s work during the award ceremony of the Presidential Medal of Freedom, pointing out that the priest has changed countless lives and recognizing his dedication to work with those that many reject. Father Boyle believes firmly in the capacity of every individual to prosper if given a second chance. Homeboy Industries does just that, offering a broad range of programs to satisfy the individual needs of each youth, moving from domestic violence to education and work capacity. Father Boyle openly supported Biden’s 2020 campaign and has received aid from progressive businessmen, such as Mackenzie Scott and Dan Jewett.
One of Homeboy Industries’ great programs is tattoo removal, a unique service that the organization offers for free. Many young gang members get tattoos as part of their gang identity; however, over time, they want to leave the past behind and build a different life for themselves and their families. The Homeboy Industries team, made up of 30 volunteer medical care providers, removes some 3,000 tattoos a month, helping patients to find employment and begin again in the society.
The work of Father Boyle and of Homeboy Industries is an inspiring testimony of the capacity of transformation and redemption that can exist in every individual, regardless of his past. The priest’s work not only has impacted positively thousands of youths in Los Angeles, but has also demonstrated that, with compassion and support, it’s possible to build a better future for all.
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