Homeboy Industries helps former gang member start over
Originally aired Friday, April 10, 2015
Javier Chavez was only eight years old when he began getting into trouble. By the time he was 11, he was involved in a gang in Los Angeles.
He’s been arrested multiple times, on charges ranging from selling drugs to weapon possession.
Chavez’s longest stint in prison was for four years. He’s 33 now, and says he’s getting a second chance at life.
Chavez works as a mentor, navigator, and recovery group facilitator at Homeboy Industries. Homeboy provides job training positions and free social services for formerly gang-involved, and previously incarcerated, men and women.
How hard is it to start over? Listen to the full story in the audio player above.
Marketplace is on a mission.
We believe Main Street matters as much as Wall Street, economic news is made relevant and real through human stories, and a touch of humor helps enliven topics you might typically find…well, dull.
Through the signature style that only Marketplace can deliver, we’re on a mission to raise the economic intelligence of the country—but we don’t do it alone. We count on listeners and readers like you to keep this public service free and accessible to all. Will you become a partner in our mission today?