A Dog Grooming Program Is Giving Former Gang-Involved Individuals a Fresh Start

One dog’s bath is a man’s fresh start. That’s the idea behind Homeboy Puppy Fades. Part pet care and part human care, the initiative is the latest social enterprise from Homeboy Industries, the largest gang reentry and rehabilitation program in the world.
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“We are on a mission to provide top-notch dog grooming for your beloved pet and meaningful career opportunities for individuals rebuilding their lives,” the website reads, noting the services are “coming soon” to Pasadena, California.
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Much like the firmly established Homeboy Bakery and Homegirl Cafe, Puppy Fades provides job training and a sustainable career path for formerly gang-involved individuals on their journeys to overcome their pasts. As founder Father Greg Boyle has previously summed up: “We’re in the business of second chances.”
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In this case, the second chance involves clients with fur and four legs. Cohorts of “homies” are getting trained in professional dog grooming techniques by the West Coast Grooming Academy, so they’ll be certified to give pooches a gentle wash and a cute haircut. In return, they get a fulfilling career with lots of adorable puppy time.