History
How it all began
Rise Up Industries was founded in 2013 by a group of volunteers from Kairos Prison Ministry at RJ Donovan Correctional Facility. One pivotal day, Father Greg Boyle—author of Tattoos on the Heart and founder of Homeboy Industries, the largest and most successful gang intervention and reentry program in the world—came to speak at RJ Donovan.
During his visit, our founder, Joe, asked Father Greg if there were any programs like Homeboy Industries in San Diego. Father Greg paused, looked at Joe, and simply said, “No. Why don’t you start one?”
Inspired by that challenge, Rise Up Industries was born. Following the model of Homeboy Industries in Los Angeles, our Reentry Program opened in Santee in March 2016. It provides support and opportunities for individuals who were formerly incarcerated and gang-involved, helping them successfully reenter society—thereby reducing gang involvement and recidivism in our community.
OUR STORY
Rise Up Industries incorporated as a nonprofit organization.
After a few years of research, networking with related nonprofits in San Diego, and offering basic services, we launched the Reentry Program in March 2016. Our 18-month Reentry Program now provides a comprehensive set of services including employment, job-training, case management, tattoo removal, counseling, mentoring, education assistance, financial literacy, life skills, and work ethic development.
Completed first expansion to a 3,200 sf facility in Santee.
Selected for the REDF Accelerator Program.
Registered the Reentry Program’s apprenticeship training with the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL); purchased a 20,000 sf facility in the City of San Diego’s Encanto Neighborhoods.
Launched Rise Up Leadership Academy in City Heights, an after-school and summer program for youth at risk of gang involvement.
Grand Opening of Market St. facility.
