<![CDATA[Meghan and Harry volunteer at Los Angeles gang rehab charity]]> https://usagag.com/2020/06/24/meghan-and-harry-volunteer-at-los-angeles-gang-rehab-charity/ Wed, 24 Jun 2020 18:45:54 +0000 hourly 1 https://usagag.com Meghan and Harry volunteer at Los Angeles gang rehab charity Meghan Markle and Prince Harry wore hairnets, gloves and masks as they prepared food during a secret visit to a Los Angeles gang rehab charity, Page Six can reveal.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, who are living in Tyler Perry’s $18 million LA mansion, have been desperate to get to work amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

We’re told the Sussexes spent Tuesday afternoon at Homeboy Industries, a Los Angeles organization working to improve the lives of formerly incarcerated and ex-gang members.

The organization is run by Father Greg Boyle, with whom the Duke and Duchess have been speaking about the racial justice movement.

LA-born Markle has also long been connected with the organization’s work: Father Greg worked closely with her alma mater, Immaculate Heart High School, and she and her mother, Doria Ragland, had the chance to join Father Greg for a cooking workshop almost 20 years ago.

A source told us, “Meghan still remembers the tamale recipe she learned there to this day.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Homeboy Industries (@homeboyindustries) on

Mariana Enriquez, manager of the Homegirl Café, told us exclusively, “It was remarkable to share our Feed Hope program with Harry and Meghan. They are both down to earth and kind. The staff was honored they took the time to see us, hear us and walk on our journey … We will never forget it.”

Father Greg added, “The Duke and Duchess of Sussex were just ‘Harry and Meghan’ to the homies. They rolled up their sleeves and deeply engaged with our workers in the Bakery and Café. It was immediate kinship, and heartening in its mutuality.”

The charity posted photos on Instagram.

Homeboy Industries offers counseling, education, legal assistance, addiction recovery support, tattoo removal, job training and direct opportunities for employment through 10 social enterprises — including the Homeboy Bakery and Homegirl Café. The org’s #FeedHOPE program employs Homeboy participants to provide meals to food-insecure seniors and youth across LA in the wake of the COVID19 pandemic.

A source added, “The Duchess and Duke connect deeply to Homeboy’s mission … To them, Homeboy is a perfect example of how empathy, kindness, and compassion can change the world.”

Thomas Vozzo, CEO of Homeboy Industries, told Page Six, “With their visit, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex saw the dignity and power that comes from having a job. At Homeboy … people can continue to heal and they work, learning skills and changing their lives, changing their families and changing communities.”
ends

]]>