After the withdrawal of U.S. and NATO troops from Afghanistan in August of 2021, Ahmad’s decades-long career in development and education—where he worked as a researcher and field coordinator with international organizations like the United States Institute of Peace and World Bank—was perceived as a threat by the Taliban. Ahmad faced a critical decision: stay […]
“When I first started working for Chrysalis as a client, I knew right away that this was for me. I looked around the van and thought, ‘This is where I belong.’” In many ways, a Chrysalis Roads van embodies the essence of a chrysalis. It serves as a space for growth, change, and transformation for […]
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 […]
The car is so silent you could hear a pin drop. Shantelle glances into the rearview mirror and locks smiling eyes with her son and daughter – they know what’s coming. In an instant, a spontaneous burst of rhythm fills the vehicle, beginning with Shantelle’s foundational beat – boom-chk, boom-boom-chk – followed by her children’s […]
The sun was beginning to set as Salvador pulled into the parking lot at work. As he walked inside, he paused and took a moment to glance back at his 2024 Nissan Sentra. He grinned widely as he admired the sparkling new rims reflecting the sun’s afterglow. Thirty-seven years ago, at the start of a […]
Kenya has a heart for serving people. After years of working in education, providing in-home care, and holding multiple customer service roles, she was laid off from her job during the 2020 pandemic. While supporting her partner’s business, she learned about Chrysalis. Dedicated to embark on a new journey of transformation, she joined our program […]
As a dedicated firefighter with Cal Fire, Lloyd is prepared for any emergency. He begins his day at 4:30 a.m. with a devotional, ensuring that his mind is in the right place to show up for work and his loved ones. Working three-day shifts of 24 hours each, his commitment to our community’s safety and […]
Richard wakes up each morning and greets the day by getting on his knees and saying a prayer of gratitude. After spending the better part of his life struggling with substance use and cycling in and out of the justice system, he celebrates being free, sober, steadily employed, and embracing all that life has to […]
In the early morning hours, Alan gets ready for work and tends to his garden – accompanied by the gentle clucking of his family’s two hens. Life under an open sky alongside his loved ones and coworkers looks vastly different than it did 28 years ago, when he was sentenced to nearly three decades in […]
Faced with exorbitant business taxes, increasing violence in their community, and threats to their safety, Rene, his wife, and their three-year-old son applied for asylum in the U.S. in 2016. Despite years of working as a doctor in El Salvador, Rene knew that the best next step was to leave everything behind and start over […]
Before coming to Chrysalis, Sue had dedicated years to helping marginalized communities. Previously, she was a volunteer for Women Helping Women, an organization that provided her an avenue to teach individuals computer technology, – from creating resumes to navigating Microsoft programs. After COVID-19 disrupted and closed that opportunity for her, Sue discovered a renewal of […]
It was a dark night as Patrik biked through Venice Beach. When the officer flagged him down, he breathed a sigh of relief. Although he was initially detained for not having lights on his bike, he was grateful for the opportunity to ask for help. After six years of homelessness and substance use, Patrik was […]
Nicole was first drawn to Chrysalis’ model of providing individuals a pathway to employment. Witnessing it first-hand and in action, she saw what stable work could do for people taking their next steps in life. After dedicating 16 years of service to Los Angeles-based nonprofits that specialize in workforce development and education, Nicole joined Chrysalis […]
As a long-time advocate for causes that combat homelessness, Chrysalis has been in Kristin’s purview for over a decade. She had been volunteering for organizations adjacent to Chrysalis for a while, distributing clothes and hygiene kits to those experiencing homelessness. Following the peak of the pandemic, Kristin felt compelled to make an even greater change […]
Every morning, Can Dee reports to work at 6:00 a.m. with the Chrysalis Roads program. She shares, “I put on my uniform with pride.” She takes satisfaction in a job well done as she and her fellow crew members travel to locations like Westminster, Laguna Beach, and Huntington Beach to provide freeway maintenance in partnership […]
Celebrating the 5th Anniversary of our Orange County center was an amazing moment and we were so proud to share this milestone with our community, peers, and supporters. The birthday week kicked off with an Open House at the center with City of Anaheim Mayor Pro Tem and Councilmember Natalie Rubalcava and many honored guests, […]
Bright and early, Symphony starts her workday stationed behind the front desk at the Chrysalis Downtown Los Angeles center. When the doors open at 8 a.m., Symphony and her fellow Client Services colleagues spring into action, warmly welcoming clients with a cup of coffee and guiding them toward essential job-readiness resources and support – such […]
When Graham was faced with a life sentence in prison at 21 years old, he thought he would never go home. His grandmother – whom he called his guiding light – had passed away while he was fighting his case. He remembers thinking, I’m done. I don’t have anything to go home to. When Graham […]
In 2019, we had the privilege of introducing you to Stephanie. Now, four years later, we are honored to provide an update on her remarkable journey, which showcases her continued personal and professional growth and the profound impact she is making in our community. “Life on the streets was definitely crazy,” she shares. “Going from […]
Every Wednesday, Robin facilitates Chrysalis’ job-preparation class, helping our clients hone their practice interview skills and craft effective resumes. With 38 years of experience in education, including serving as a principal, Robin is uniquely qualified to help support individuals as they navigate barriers to employment. Beyond this crucial weekly role as a Chrysalis volunteer, Robin […]
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 […]