It’s impossible to miss Rudy’s glowing smile when you enter Chrysalis’ Downtown Los Angeles center. As client services operations coordinator, he is dedicated to providing exceptional customer service every day, ensuring that our lobby is both safe and welcoming for clients and all who enter. He explains that his approach is rooted in empathy and ensuring that clients feel seen and valued.
“I have a reason to wake up every morning so I could help and assist these clients who are in need.”
After years of incarceration, Rudy faced significant barriers to employment, including fears of discrimination stemming from his past. The pandemic further complicated his job search. Yet he recalls feeling hopeful when he came across Chrysalis while searching for employment services online.
At Chrysalis, Rudy received vital support from his dedicated employment specialist, who initially guided him through our program and services virtually during the pandemic. Together, they established his professional goals, made improvements to his resume, prepared for interviews, and completed online job applications.
“Chrysalis is always going to open their doors to anybody, regardless of background or situation.”
Rudy was also referred to a transitional job within our organization’s employment social enterprise. The opportunity to work as a street sweeper provided him with a steady paycheck while paving a pathway to his current role.
Rudy’s professionalism, work ethic, and charisma consistently stood out to his employment specialist and others in the organization. There was no doubt he was the perfect candidate to be one of the first points of contact for current and new clients.
He smiles with pride as he reflects on the day he rang the success bell – a historical celebration marking a client’s transition to permanent employment. In his current role, he gets a front-row seat to the occasions – bell ringings, he describes, remind him of the transformation a caterpillar undergoes within a chrysalis to become a butterfly.
“One of my favorite things is when the client gets a job. I see a smile on the client’s face because they are off on their new journey. It’s beautiful.”
Today, Rudy skillfully deescalates challenging situations and encourages clients daily with words of encouragement. He enthusiastically shares his personal alignment with Chrysalis’ vision and values and demonstrates it in his actions each day.
“I feel extremely supported here,” he shares, explaining that in addition to being his employer, his Chrysalis coworkers have become like family to him. He encourages others with words of wisdom: “No matter how hard life gets, no matter how many doors you get slammed in your face, keep on trying and don’t give up. Because, eventually, a butterfly is going to land right on your shoulder when you least expect it.”
Like Rudy, you, too, can make a difference in the lives of individuals navigating barriers to employment by joining our team of dedicated and passionate professionals.
Chrysalis is an equal opportunity employer and strongly encourages applications from all qualified individuals who share lived experience with the communities we serve. In particular, Chrysalis welcomes applicants who are formerly incarcerated and/or justice-involved; people who have experienced housing insecurity and/or economic inequity; Black, Indigenous, and people of color; persons with disabilities; ethnic and religious minorities; and members of the LGBTQ+ community.