If you’re looking to add another 5K medal to your collection – or just take in some fresh air with a brisk morning walk – there’s an opportunity over the next weekend to get moving while supporting a good cause.
Homeboy Industries, the largest gang rehabilitation program in the world, is hosting its 14th annual 5K Run/Walk and Community Festival in downtown Los Angeles on Saturday, September 23.
Proceeds from the event will support the nonprofit’s mission to provide services, job training, and support to people who have been incarcerated or involved in gangs.
Cynthia Zuno-Godinez is the director of Homeboy Industries’ bakery operations, one of the many businesses the organization runs all over L.A. She told KNX News’ Nataly Tavidian that the job gives her a sense of security and stability.
“It kind of makes you feel responsible and grown, because there’s so many things that actually depend on you coming to work,” she said.
Every year, nearly 9,000 people come to Homeboy Industries seeking services, the nonprofit says. Many of them credit the community with helping them turn their lives around.
“Before Homeboys, I was in rehab,” Zuno-Godinez said. “I was there for 11 months, and before that I was in and out of jail, in and out of prison, on the streets. I already had my son, but I really wasn’t a mom to my son, which is not fair at all. It pretty much just gave me my life back.”
The 5K Run/Walk will be followed by a 1K Kids Run for children 12 and under.
More information on how to register is available here.
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