From Hollywood to the Homeboy Board: Camilla Belle Shares Her Story

A Hollywood actor spent years trying to get through the doors of Homeboy Industries. Not as a client. Not as a case manager. Just as someone who felt drawn to a place she did not fully understand. Camilla Belle had heard Father Greg speak at her church, seen the logo around Los Angeles, and had friends on the inside. But she still needed someone to take her by the hand.In this episode, Tom Vozzo sits down with Camilla to hear the full story, from Mommy & Me classes at Jane Fonda's workout studio to finally getting the tour at Homeboy. She describes her first morning meeting as indescribable: the prayer, the celebrations, the bake sales. That single visit turned into a board seat, a PA training class, and a van ride with a homie who trusted her with his entire life story.Camilla did not come from gangs or prison. She came from Hollywood. And that turned out to be enough. Because at Homeboy, kinship does not require a shared past. Just a willingness to show up, listen, and believe in second chances.Key TakeawaysMorning meeting is the heartbeat of HomeboyCamilla describes it as indescribable, a celebration of life, community, and positivity that stays with you. From prayer to bake sales, everyone should experience it.Second chances are irresistible.Camilla was drawn to Homeboy not despite the fear people feel, but because of it. Father Greg's message about giving people another chance spoke to her deeply.You don't need a shared past to belongMany look at Homeboy and think, "I have nothing in common." But inside those doors, there's no judgment. We're all human.Listening is a privilege.During a board activation day, Camilla sat in the front of a van and listened as a homie told her his whole story, incarceration, family, and kids. She felt lucky he trusted her.Homeboy doesn't give anything away.No handouts. You work hard, show up, go through the 18-month program, and dedicate yourself to change. Homeboy gives second, third, and fourth chances as many as it takes.In This Episode:00:00 – Introduction00:45 – How Camilla got involved with Homeboy03:25 – First impressions: the morning meeting05:25 – Philanthropy and motivation to join Homeboy07:02 – Finding common ground and human connection08:41 – Homeboy Media Group and workforce development09:07 – PA training class experience11:22 – Navigating the entertainment industry and social media13:06 – Lessons learned from Father Greg Boyle14:40 – Applying Homeboy lessons to everyday life15:26 – Jane Fonda’s influence and activism17:37 – Encouraging advocacy and activism19:28 – Building relationships and volunteering20:17 – Family support and memorable Homeboy stories22:04 – Hope for the future and second chances24:00 – The importance of second chances25:25 – Board member experience27:39 – Podcast closingNotable Quotes“You walk in here and you say, there's no judgment..” — Camilla [08:08]“If you believe in it, you're going to show up.” — Camilla [15:54]“Get off your phone, talk to people.” — Camilla [17:45]“Slow yourself down and just be available and listen.” — Camilla [21:53]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/Camilla Bellehttps://www.instagram.com/camillabelle/Thomas Vozzohttps://www.linkedin.com/in/thomasvozzoThe Homeboy Way: A Radical Approach to Business and Life: https://www.am