Our Services

Chrysalis’ services are free and available to all. Our only program requirement is that an individual is willing and able to work. The first step to becoming a client and gaining access to our services is to attend an orientation session at one of our locations.*

*We are currently offering in-person and virtual services. For more information, please call (213) 394-2390 or email CS@ChangeLives.org.

100% of our clients are low-income, 74% are unstably housed, and 65% have been impacted by the criminal justice system. While we specialize in empowering individuals who are navigating barriers to reentering the workforce, our job search services are available to all.

Hours of operation at Chrysalis vary by location.

We are closed from noon to 1 p.m.* and may be closed during federal holidays such as Fourth of July, Juneteenth, Labor Day, etc.

*Our Inland Empire location is closed from 11 a.m. to noon.

Our program consists of an orientation, an enrollment meeting with an Employment Specialist, job preparation courses, a one-on-one resume writing session, and a practice interview. Clients often attend the classes and one-on-one meetings over the span of two to three weeks.

Once a client has gone through this portion of the program, they can work with their Employment Specialist on their job search (though they are, of course, free to begin their own search as they go through the program) and are expected to check in at least once every 30 days. Clients may also participate in practice interviews more than once, as they focus on refining their skills prior to a real job interview. An individual’s time in the program can vary dramatically, depending on their barriers and what other things are going on in their lives. Chrysalis, however, is here for them – whatever it takes for as long as it takes.

After assessing an individual’s employment goals and determining that a time-limited position in our employment social enterprise is the right next step in someone’s journey to employment, an Employment Specialist would refer their client to our transitional jobs program. The client would interview for the position and, if hired, would continue their search for employment outside of Chrysalis while working for us.

Our clients find positions in a full range of industries, including (but not limited to) food service, construction and general labor, warehouse work, retail and customer service, and maintenance and janitorial work. Many also work in security, healthcare, administrative positions, transportation, and other areas such as entertainment management and telemarketing.

While our primary focus is employment, we do recognize the role stable housing plays in an individual’s road to self-sufficiency. We have relationships with shelters and affordable housing providers in each of the geographies where we work and can provide warm referrals and support.

In addition, Chrysalis has a subset of Employment Specialists that work with clients in the Breaking Barriers program, which is a two-year, rapid-rehousing program designed to reduce recidivism rates for adults on probation by helping them stabilize in housing and employment. Through our partner Brilliant Corners, clients have access to quality, affordable housing and time-limited rental subsidies; at the same time, clients work with their Chrysalis Employment Specialist to secure and retain employment. The goal of this combined case management approach is aimed at preparing individuals to take over their rent once the subsidy expires.

In 2022, 1,594 clients secured employment in the general workforce. 1,083 worked a transitional job within our employment social enterprise. Last year, 63% of clients reached were still employed after six months.

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