I’ve written a great deal about my personal story and relationships, and how they inspired me to create Keepster. But the more I keep my eyes and ears open to the world, the stronger my conviction about the need to preserve texting conversations grows.
Last night I attended an event for Homeboy Industries. It is an extraordinary organization which provides support to formerly gang-involved and previously incarcerated men and women to change their lives: to have a second chance at living a better life they could never have imagined. It was an extraordinary evening where several speakers shared their journeys, full of challenges and struggles, as much as celebrations and triumphs. At the end of the evening, Father Greg Boyle, the founder and director of Homeboy, spoke. It truly was an experience of being in the presence of greatness.
Homeboy Industries 2019 Lo Máximo Awards Dinner
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 30: (L-R) Lily Tomlin, Father Gregory Boyle, Fabian Debora and Jane Fonda attend Homeboy Industries 2019 Lo Máximo Awards Dinner at JW Marriott Los Angeles at L.A. LIVE on March 30, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Tibrina Hobson/Getty Images for Homeboy Industries)
He too shared many stories. The title of his book says it all “Tattoos on the Heart: The Power of Boundless Compassion” He spoke of the conversations he’d had over the years with many of the homies he’d met along the way... extraordinary exchanges filled with understanding, respect, humor and enormous love, but some also sadly filled with the futility of loss and tragedy, graced only by his strength to continue his mission.
Some conversations he recounted were about those shared shoulder to shoulder, but what struck me was how many times he referred to texting conversations. I literally had to force myself not to jump up and yell out “Keepster that!” to Father G, as he affectionately known.
I hope that this blog post connects with Father Greg to let him know that the texting conversations which he spoke of, these precious testimonies of faith, hope, and courage, deserve to be saved forever. Thanks to Keepster that is now possible - and in the aftermath of last night I can’t think of any greater stories worth preserving.
Again hugest Congratulations to Homeboy, Father G, all the homies and everyone who makes this work continue!
Jane Fonda & Lily Tomlin of Grace & Frankie fame are fully onboard with Homeboy
Homeboy Industries 2019 Lo Máximo Awards Dinner
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 30: Lily Tomlin and Jane Fonda host Homeboy Industries 2019 Lo Máximo Awards Dinner at JW Marriott Los Angeles at L.A. LIVE on March 30,2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Tibrina Hobson/Getty Images for Homeboy Industries)
ABOUT HOMEBOY INDUSTRIES
Homeboy Industries is the largest and preeminent gang rehabilitation and re-entry program in the world. For 30 years, the organization has offered an “exit ramp” for those stuck in a cycle of violence and incarceration, helping them develop the strength and skills to transform their lives and become contributing members of our community. The organization's holistic approach, with free services and programs, supports nearly 9000 men and women per year as they work to overcome their pasts, reimagine their futures, and break the intergenerational cycle of gang violence. Therapeutic and educational offerings (case management, counseling, and classes), practical services (e.g., tattoo removal, work readiness, and legal assistance), and job training-focused businesses (e.g., Homeboy Bakery, Homegirl Cafeì & Catering, and Homeboy Electronics Recycling) provide healing and alternatives to gang life, while creating more inclusive and healthier communities.
Written By:
JENNIFER SIMCHOWITZ
Founder / CEO
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