Founder and Director of Homeboy Industries to Keynote Catholic Charities USA's 2013 Annual Gathering

ALEXANDRIA, Va., May 16, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Catholic Charities USA (CCUSA), among the nation's leading organizations in poverty reduction and disaster response, announced today that Father Greg Boyle, Founder and Executive Director of Homeboy Industries, will serve as one of the keynote speakers during CCUSA's 2013 Annual Gathering in San Francisco, California.

Founded in 1998, Homeboy Industries serves high-risk, formerly gang-involved men and women with a continuum of free services and programs, and operates seven social enterprises that serve as job-training sites. Homeboy Industries is the largest gang intervention, rehab and re-entry program in the United States.

"Fr. Greg has spent his life devoted to creating opportunities for a segment of the community others may have given up on," said Rev. Larry Snyder, President of CCUSA. "His commitment to helping underserved populations is an inspiring reflection of the ability of individuals to lift up those in need through a powerful dedication to faith."

Boyle is the author of the New York Times Bestselling book, "Tattoos on the Heart: The Power of Boundless Compassion."  His debut book has been honored by the Southern California Indie Booksellers Association, Pen USA, Publishers Weekly, and Goodreads Choice Awards. He has received numerous honorary degrees, awards and recognitions including the Civic Medal of Honor, the California Peace Prize, Humanitarian of the Year from Bon Appetit Magazine, and in 2011 was inducted into the California Hall of Fame.

Boyle's keynote will take place on Sunday, September 15. 

The Annual Gathering will also include a series of workshops and panels on the most important issues facing our country and Catholic Charities agencies across the country. The sessions span a wide range of critical human services subjects from immigration and food insecurity, to the need to reform our approach to how our country views poverty reduction and creating greater sustainability in moving people out of poverty.

A special highlight of the national conference will be the return engagement of Sojourn Theatre, who, for the second year in a row, will immerse themselves in the entire Conference program, interacting directly with attendees, to create and ultimately perform a moving and insightful finale presentation.

Additional information about CCUSA's 2013 Annual Gathering can be found by visiting the event website: 2013AnnualGathering.CatholicCharitiesUSA.org.

About Catholic Charities USA 
Catholic Charities USA (CCUSA) is the national office for Catholic Charities agencies nationwide. Catholic Charities USA's members provide help and create hope for more than 10 million people a year regardless of religious, social, or economic backgrounds. To learn more about CCUSA, please visit http://www.catholiccharitiesusa.org

SOURCE Catholic Charities USA