In this episode of The Homeboy Way, Tom Vozzo sits down with Fr. Greg Boyle, S.J., the founder of Homeboy Industries, to unpack Homeboy Industries’ long and complicated relationship with government agencies. Fr. Greg reflects on how Homeboy went from reviled to revered, yet still receives little public funding, while Tom recalls early encounters with officials who believed they could do Homeboy’s work better inside the system, unaware of the heart and humanity that drive the mission.

Together, they explore why bureaucracy often gets in its own way, shaped by outsider assumptions, political pressure, and a focus on legacy over real impact. They describe shifting relationships with law enforcement, moments of meaningful partnership, and the ongoing struggle to secure support without compromising mission or purity of purpose.

This episode reminds us that hope, community wisdom, and authentic relationships, not top-down policies, are what truly transform lives.

Key Takeaways

• Real change begins with listening to the people on the ground.

  Policy fails when it’s shaped by outsiders who never ask communities what actually works. Real solutions come from those closest to the struggle.

• Hope moves people more than punishment ever will.

  Longer sentences and tougher policing do not stop violence. Homeboy shows that transformation starts when people believe they have a future.

• Staying true to the mission matters.

  Homeboy refused to reshape its identity to fit government requirements. Protecting the integrity of their work mattered more than chasing funding.

• Humility from leaders creates space for real progress.

  The most impactful officials were the ones willing to listen, ask questions, and admit they didn’t have all the answers.

• Community programs outperform forced systems.

  Government agencies often claim they can do the work better, especially in jails, but voluntary healing at Homeboy is far more effective than captive-audience programs.

• Mental health is the deeper crisis.

  Rising violence in detention centers points to untreated emotional wounds intensified by trauma, isolation, and the pandemic.

In This Episode:

• 00:00 – Introduction to The Homeboy Way

• 00:41 – The government's role: good intentions, slow execution

• 02:03 – Homeboy's journey from "reviled to revered"

• 02:54 – The challenge of partnering with bureaucracy

• 05:25 – Resisting funding to protect mission purity

• 08:49 – The problem of the "outsider view" in policy design

• 11:21 – Addressing the "lethal absence of hope"

• 13:28 – Evolving relationships with police and sheriff departments

• 17:40 – The surprising benefits of youth probation camps

• 21:46 – Conclusion: belief in second chances

Notable Quotes

• "We won't become who you want us to become. We think we know what we're doing. Fund what we're doing, or don't." — Fr. Greg (08:20 )

• "We went from reviled to revered. It really was quick." —Fr. Greg (01:49 )

• "We're not that concerned about legacy. And every elected official is concerned about legacy."— Fr. Greg (04:06 )

• "Rather than say, let's stop the violence, Homeboy says, wait, the violence is about a lethal absence of hope. Let's address the despair."— Fr. Greg (10:31 )

• "Mental health is the defining health issue of our time." — Fr. Greg (20:13 )

Resources and Links

Homeboy Industries

• https://homeboyindustries.org/

• https://www.youtube.com/@HomeboyIndustries_LA/videos

• Donate: https://homeboyindustries.org/donate/donate-online/

Homeboy Media 

• https://homeboyindustries.org/social-enterprises/homeboy-media/

Father Greg Boyle

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/greg-boyle-s-j-05458514

• Books: "Tattoos on the Heart," "Barking to the Choir," "The Whole Language"

Thomas Vozzo

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomasvozzo

• The Homeboy Way: A Radical Approach to Business and Life: https://www.amazon.com/Homeboy-Way-Radical-Approach-Business/dp/082945456X

Credits:

Hosted by: Tom Vozzo

Produced by: Podify, and Alexa Rousso and Melody Carter of Homeboy Media