From Gang Member to Case Manager: Robert Valles on 20 Years of Addiction and Recovery

When Robert Valles first walked through the doors of Homeboy Industries, he wasn’t looking for healing. He was looking for a job. After more than fifteen interviews and repeated rejection because of his federal record, he arrived skeptical and unsure of what to expect.What he found instead was something he had never experienced before: a place where people are, in his words, “paid to heal.”In this episode, Tom Vozzo and Hector Verdugo sit down with Robert to reflect on the long road that brought him there. Once a gang member and federal prisoner, Robert spent years numbing pain through addiction. When sobriety finally forced him to face his life, he was confronted with shame, loss, and the devastating moment his children were taken away.Not knowing where his kids were for forty days became the turning point that pushed him to surrender and change.Today, Robert serves as a Case Manager, helping others rebuild their lives. His story reveals how healing begins, how love can feel unfamiliar at first, and how serving others can become a powerful form of recovery.Key TakeawaysWhen a federal record becomes a barrierRobert went on 15 job interviews before coming to Homeboy. Despite being likable and qualified, his federal record, which can never be expunged, kept doors closed until he found Homeboy.Getting paid to healRobert was initially upset about the low pay. But through self-help classes, he discovered: "You get paid in a different way here. I'm getting paid to heal." His story now helps others heal, too.Healing as a couple, with boundariesRobert was skeptical about doing the program with his wife. But it worked because they understood: "You have your program, I have my program. Once we're healed, then maybe we can heal our marriage.""If I could do it, you could do it"Robert tells trainees daily: "Gang member, incarcerated, addicted 20 years, kids taken away. If there's a box, check it." His lived experience gives others hope.A touch of love makes a differencePeople who experienced even some love in childhood recognize it at Homeboy and thrive quickly. That thread of love, however tangled, matters.When there is no love, healing takes longerThose who were tortured as kids, who experienced no love, often leave when shown love. They return, leave again, and stay longer each time. Healing just takes more time.In This Episode:00:00 – Introduction00:53 – Robert’s role and journey at Homeboy02:43 – Transformation from gang life03:26 – Ozzy the Navigator moment04:50 – Getting paid to heal 05:20 – Determination to get his children back06:09 – Skepticism about his wife joining07:15 – What Robert tells new trainees11:33 – Confronting shame12:44 – Watching his children walk away13:11 – Faith, surrender, and recovery16:36 – Restoring relationships with children18:05 – Breaking generational cycles19:25 – Robert’s future goals in 5-10 years 20:31 – Growing up with addiction and abuse in the home22:48 – The power of love and healing at Homeboy26:29 – The future of Homeboy is strongNotable Quotes“I'm getting paid to heal.” — Robert [04:55]“If I could do it, you could do it because I'm no different from you.” — Robert [07:18]“ Just that simple, are you okay? And how are you doing today? Could change your life..” — Robert [07:59]“ My fear as a parent is my kids growing up doing what I was doing.” — Robert  [18:05]Resources and LinksHomeboy Industrieshttps://homeboyindustries.org/https://www.youtube.com/@HomeboyIndustries_LA/videosDonate: https://homeboyindustries.org/donate/donate-online/Homeboy Media https://homeboyindustries.org/social-enterprises/homeboy-media/Hector Verdugohttps://w