Founder of Viamericas appointed to Board of Directors at Homeboy Industries, Inc.

BETHESDA, Md., Feb. 7, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Viamericas Corporation, an international licensed remittance company, announced that one of its founders, Joe Argilagos, was recently appointed to the board of directors of Homeboy Industries, Inc., a Los Angeles-based gang rehab and re-entry organization.  Homeboy Industries breaks barriers to employment and re-integration into society for former gang members. It helps men and women break a cycle of violence and despair and replace it with hope and healing.

In 2013, Mr. Argilagos picked up the book Tattoos on the Heart, written by Father Gregory Boyle, the man who has run Homeboy Industries for the past 20 years. In his book he talks about his experience working in under-privileged areas. The book inspired Mr. Argilagos to contact Father Boyle.

Mr. Argilagos began working with Homeboy Industries in late 2014 and, since then, has engaged interns from Homeboys and has sponsored monthly Microsoft Office training to Homeboy participants and staff. Mr. Argilagos said, "These training opportunities will assist Homeboy participants in developing marketable skills. Our aim is to prepare them for full-time employment in corporate environments."

"We have a group of fantastic advocates, and Joe has been one for many years. We are excited to formalize that role through a position on the board of directors, and take the championing of Homeboy Industries to a higher level," says Jacki Weber, Chief Development Officer at Homeboy Industries.

In his new role as a member of the board, Mr. Argilagos will be focused on investing in-kind resources in education and employment at Viamericas for trainees and graduates, working to change the hiring laws at his security company to make special considerations for qualified applicants with criminal records, and making an impactful personal financial commitment.

"It is imperative that we invest in our own communities. Viamericas has offices here in Los Angeles, and there is clearly a need for resources that we can provide," says Mr. Argilagos. "For every person we employ, we are giving someone a chance to create a new and successful life for themselves."

About Viamericas
Viamericas provides mobile and in-person financial services, including money transfer, bill payment, mobile phone top-up services and B2B check processing. Together with its digital brand Vianex, Viamericas makes it easier than ever for customers to move their money.  For more information, visit govianex.com.

About Homeboy Industries
Homeboy Industries is the largest gang rehabilitation and re-entry program in the world. Homeboy offers an "exit ramp" for those stuck in a cycle of violence and incarceration, helping them develop the strength and skills to transform their lives and become contributing members of society.

For More Information Contact:
Kim Dossett
[email protected]
323-547-8653

SOURCE Viamericas Corporation