In March 2018, Jessica stepped into the foyer of the Santa Monica Public Library, a place she had been a dozen times as a volunteer literacy tutor. However, this time, she noticed a flyer on the wall adorned with a butterfly logo promoting a networking event. Having recently moved back from living in San Diego, […]
For three decades, Gilbert viewed the world through a small window. From his cell, he could see a desert field, a fence, and a car patrolling the surrounding area. He also envisioned what life would be like while not incarcerated… a colorful life that involved time with loved ones and embracing meaningful employment. He […]
International real estate firm Hines is making global-scale change at Chrysalis! In 2021, Hines team members were inspired to form a partnership with Chrysalis that would support our clients and the ability of our staff to deliver our employment program. In the recent few years Hines team members have provided 159 hours of one-on-one services […]
When asked what a steady job means to her, Monet smiles and looks at her daughter, “It feels good. It feels really good to be back on track. Everything I’m doing is to make a better life for her.” As a Security Guard with Southern California Edison, Monet helps to ensure public safety and the […]
In 2022, Karen made it her goal to find a way to bridge the gap between her fellow community members experiencing homelessness and the resources they needed to find stability. While searching online for organizations that offered support, she came across Chrysalis. Having previously volunteered at other organizations, Karen applied to become a volunteer and […]
Ready to take the next step in their career, Jessi first joined the Chrysalis Downtown Los Angeles center as an Employment Specialist in 2021. While supporting clients in this capacity, Jessi has found inspiration in cultivating meaningful relationships with those we serve. Currently, as the Business Development Coordinator, they leverage their expertise to support clients […]
It’s game day. Maria spots a Dodger blue sports car in the line of vehicles she is processing for parking. As they pull up, she compliments their ride and the driver, beaming, heads into the lot at Chavez Ravine. As an SP+ cashier and ambassador at Dodger Stadium, Maria cherishes the opportunity to greet fans […]
Robert greets his freeway maintenance crew at 7 a.m. sharp. As the group clocks in and reviews safety protocols, he sees that one of the individuals appears discouraged and learns that they almost skipped their shift. After a brief chat, Robert convinces him to stick it out. Chrysalis Roads is a division of our employment […]
For the past 15 years, Monte has dedicated his time to volunteering for nonprofits in Orange County. He was first attracted to Chrysalis because of his firm conviction that employment is the key to self-sufficiency. Monte has been an active volunteer in the Anaheim center for three years, always eager to make a positive impact […]
At 19 years old, Maurice was sentenced to 40 years in prison. He had been present at the scene of a murder and did not intervene. Making amends for the loss of someone’s life while determining the future of his own would become a key focus of the majority of Maurice’s existence. While incarcerated, Maurice […]
April is Financial Literacy Month! Chrysalis’ core commitment is to help people secure employment and get on a pathway to stability, security, and fulfillment in their work and lives. Woven into the fabric of our supportive services and resources are tools and trainings that enhance financial literacy. Financial literacy noun the ability to understand and […]
From an early age, Tom had a drive to work, especially on jobs that he could take a step back from at the end of the day and see what he helped make. “[My dad] set me up with some roofers, thinking that they were going to wear me out. Turns out, I liked pushing […]
When David finishes his work as a Ph.D. consultant for chemical safety, his day isn’t over. In his full-time job as a hiring manager, part of his duties includes conducting evaluations of staff and gaining insight. As a Chrysalis volunteer, David brings that same level of expertise when facilitating job-readiness classes, helping with resume preparation […]
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 2, 2023 Chrysalis “GO ALL IN” Poker Night Returns on May 3 A fundraising poker tournament to benefit individuals navigating barriers to the workforce [LOS ANGELES] — On May 3, Southern California nonprofit Chrysalis will host its sixth annual GO ALL IN Poker Night. The spirited Texas Hold-Em fundraiser will help […]
As a Detox Support Technician at CRI-Help, Inc., Anival is part of a team that maintains a safe, comforting environment and recovery process for the organization’s clients who are rehabilitating from substance use. While the prospect of entering the healthcare industry was daunting at first, Anival’s personal experience with navigating recovery and maintaining sobriety affirmed […]
The smell of eggs and turkey bacon infuses the air of a dining area already brimming with noisy chitchat. Mia smiles as she says, “I crack eggs every morning. I want everyone to smell what’s cooking!” In a more serious tone, she shares, “Some of [our guests] have not had a hot meal in […]
What are Chrysalis Recruiters for Change? Recruiters for Change support Chrysalis and our clients by setting up a personal fundraising page and engaging with their network to reach their self-assessed individual or team goal. Whether the aim is to raise $50, $200, or $500, these collective efforts help ensure that thousands of our job-seeking clients […]
David Nazar with Sustaining US on KLCS PBS reports on the importance of addressing homelessness and recidivism rates by connecting our Southern California community members to employment opportunities – particularly people who are navigating housing instability, previous justice system involvement, or other barriers to the workforce. In this episode, Nazar introduces viewers to Chrysalis Supervisors […]
Damien steps into each work day with a sense of resolve and purpose. While every shift is different, the goal remains the same: to show up for himself and his team. As a supervisor with the Chrysalis Roads program, each morning he ensures that his highway maintenance crew is equipped to safely and effectively provide […]
May is mental health awareness month! Join us in celebrating one client who is helping to #EndTheStigma by connecting our community members to vital basic needs resources. Before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Laura came to Chrysalis ready to take the next step in her career. She brought with her 15 years of […]
Chrysalis “GO ALL IN” Poker Night returns on April 21 The Southern California-based nonprofit hosts its fifth fundraising poker tournament to benefit its job-focused programs [LOS ANGELES] — On April 21, Chrysalis will host its fifth annual GO ALL IN Poker Night. The spirited Texas Hold-Em fundraiser will include a buffet dinner, cocktails, a silent […]
At Chrysalis, we work with individuals who have been impacted by systemic barriers to quality employment by providing resources and support needed to find and keep a job. We also recognize that we have an obligation to help break down those systemic barriers by contributing to the creation of equitable systems and hiring practices in […]
After six years of unemployment, Daniel came to Chrysalis with the drive to secure work so that he could provide for his family. As he reflects on his first visit to our center, he shares, “I was immediately impressed. It was a different atmosphere than most work source centers that I have been to.” […]
In 1980, Phil began a career with Farmers Insurance that would span nearly 40 years. As an executive with the company, Phil had years of leadership under his belt and an underlying passion for helping people. After retiring four years ago, he found himself wondering what he could do to help fulfill his passion in […]
Heart-stricken by the income and housing disparities that so many were experiencing across Southern California in the early 2000s, Brad began volunteering at Chrysalis. At the time, his career in the entertainment industry allowed him to connect with fellow Chrysalis champion Rebecca Gayheart Dane, who originally inspired him to get involved. In 2002, Brad joined […]
Sherri has a long-running volunteer resume. During her years working in Detroit as an executive editor at a monthly real estate newspaper, Sherri used her writing skills to help people experiencing homelessness in a facet similar to what awaited her at Chrysalis. When the Santa Monica-native made her way back to Southern California, she knew […]
“I’m more of a family man kind of guy,” says Dave, who first connected with Chrysalis two years ago. He spends as much time as he can with his children who can’t seem to get enough of him. “Now, they always want to hang out with me. I look at them and see that glow […]
Chrysalis Launches Safekeeping Chrysalis has expanded by reorganizing and adding a new division of our Employment Social Enterprise. Chrysalis Safekeeping is supporting more transitional workers through partnerships with other organizations and very important safe storage projects such as The Bin. This story and others are featured in our newsletter. GROWING OUR EMPLOYMENT SOCIAL ENTERPRISE For […]
Pathways Forward in OC Chrysalis launched another Roads crew in Orange County this summer. With three crews now serving Caltrans District 12, we are expanding our partnership with the Butte County Office of Education and creating more transitional jobs in the region. This story, and others, are featured in our newsletter. OUR GROWING EMPLOYMENT SOCIAL […]
Tiffany Bey’s bags are full of books: “The Hare with Amber Eyes” by Edmund de Waal, “The Dangerous Book for Boys” by Jill Footlick and “Heart of Darkness” by Joseph Conrad. Bey also has science books, biographies and children’s books. She’s a bookworm and spends as much time reading as possible. “I like nonfiction better […]