Claudia Garcia has dedicated the past 11 years to working at HomeGirl Cafe, an establishment under Homeboy Industries that offers a secure haven for women who have faced incarceration, gang involvement or domestic violence.

With the cafe’s comprehensive support system, which includes on-the-job training, access to mental health resources, and assistance with housing and education, Garcia has rebuilt her life and found stability.

Her remarkable journey exemplifies the transformative power of a safe and nurturing environment in empowering women to overcome their past and build a brighter future.