READI Chicago staff and three participants from the North Lawndale site attended the Ruth Knee Lecture on Spirituality and Social Work at the University of Chicago on Nov. 1. The event featured Father Gregory Boyle, founder of California’s Homeboy Industries, the largest gang reentry and rehabilitation program in the world.
Senior Director Eddie Bocanegra opened the event, discussing the importance of social work, noting that opportunity is so often dependent on access, and stressing that experiences are meaningful regardless of mistakes and obstacles. Eddie is an alum of the university’s School of Social Service Administration and thanked Interim Dean Deborah Gorman-Smith for providing the opportunity.
Father Boyle, who brought along two Homeboy Industries participants, discussed the importance of mutuality in service, urging the audience to view their work not as service provider and recipient, but rather as a mutual human connection and understanding. Both Father Boyle and the two participants emphasized the role that trauma plays in violence and gang activity and acknowledged that healing is a vital step in the road to rehabilitation.
“A healed gang member will not ever go back to prison,” Father Boyle said.
“Their stories are examples of transformation and resiliency,” Eddie said. “They offer hope and remind us that we belong to each other and are therefore responsible for one another. This population is worthy of investing and believing in.”
