Established in 1991, Chrysalis Enterprises provides a transitional jobs program to clients who face the greatest barriers to employment. Transitional employment offers our clients the opportunity to gain real-world skills, build confidence, earn a paycheck, and develop the experience needed to find and retain long-term employment. Clients working a transitional job are in an important stage of their individual transformation, which is highlighted in the interview below:
We recently sat down for a Q&A with Amatullah, a Chrysalis client working a transitional job as a part of not one, but two street maintenance teams based in the Arts District Los Angeles Business Improvement District (BID) and Figueroa Corridor area of Downtown Los Angeles.
Chrysalis: How did you find out about Chrysalis, and why did you decide to give our program a try?
Amatullah: Well, I got into some trouble so I needed help looking for work. A couple of my friends told me about this organization, and I came down to give it a try. There are a lot of programs out there that say if you go through the classes, they’ll help you and all that, but [Chrysalis] really did it. As long as you’re serious about it, they’re right behind you, and I really appreciate that.
Chrysalis: How does it feel to be part of the Works program?
Amatullah: It’s great. Being out there handling trash every day isn’t the most appealing job, but if you’re serious, you can move up and it puts money in your pocket – which is important for continuing with your life. With a background, I thought I would have no chance of doing that — until I came here, and they didn’t even think twice about helping me. You don’t get jaded by the fact that you’re picking up trash because there are all these other opportunities that they offer once you get past that.
Chrysalis programs like Breaking Barriers also helped me with housing and now I have my own apartment! I have privacy, I don’t have to be in a shelter, or deal with other people’s rules. I get to set my own rules. Before it was a constant struggle, and now I have a place to live, I have a job, and Chrysalis is helping me find other job leads which is really great.
Chrysalis: What do you like about your transitional job?
Amatullah: I really enjoy the fact that I get to interact with different people every day. Sometimes I have people coming up to me and saying, “Thank you for doing what you’re doing,” and that makes me feel good. You know, taking the trash off the street isn’t the best job ever but you get to make it look better and make sure the trash isn’t going into the ocean, for example. Being able to have an actual hand in that is great.
I actually filled out a job application to become a Works driver and I passed the driving tests; I’m just waiting to be placed. Having a driver’s license can help with getting other jobs too, so getting mine recently was a big moment in my life. My family was really proud of me and I was really proud of myself. Being here has really built my self-esteem up.
Chrysalis: What makes you a great employee?
Amatullah: My coworkers tell me I’m a hard worker, and I’m a team player; I always get the job done. If something needs to get done, or if they need help, I’m there to help them out – especially when new Works people come into the Arts District. I can always show them what I know.
Chrysalis: What do you see as being next for you?
Amatullah: Since I have my license now, I’d like to find a driving job. I used to do security and retail work though, so I’m looking for something in that field too. I’m also looking to go back to school because you can never stop learning. I’m actually only 12 credits away from getting my GED! After that, maybe I’ll look into nursing. There are not enough caring people in this world, so I think helping people is really where it’s at for me. Once I’m off probation, a lot more doors will open for me, so I’m focusing on staying on the right path right now.
Chrysalis: What do you like to do when you’re not working?
Amatullah: Lately, I’ve been building Legos sculptures a lot. Some of the ideas are from the packages, but I also have a friend who comes up with ideas like Mickey and Minnie Mouse, or the Scrooge. It’s really cool. I really want to put them up at some art fairs and see how that goes.
Chrysalis: Do you have a mantra that keeps you motivated?
Amatullah: “Take it one day at a time.”
Chrysalis: Is there anything else you’d like to share about yourself or your journey?
Amatullah: When I first started at Chrysalis, it was a really rocky start. When someone said, “You’re going to be picking up trash,” I put it off until I really needed to come in. I had a lot of things going on in my life, and I didn’t start off on the right foot. I was doing the wrong things and hanging with the wrong people, but Chrysalis helped me get on the right path. I learned to see the error of my ways. You know, you can’t just get what you want, when you want it. You have to work for it, you have to have patience, you have to be flexible, and you have to maintain a good attitude — I think that’s the most important thing.
I’m glad Chrysalis had patience with me because I don’t think any other job or organization would have had that amount of understanding. Before I came here, I was a little skeptical, but now I’m like, “If I set these goals then I really can accomplish them!” I’m taking the lessons I’m learning here and applying them to my everyday life. A lot’s been happening and it’s all good stuff; I’m just trying to wrap my head around it. It’s just wonderful.
Chrysalis: Thank you for sharing with us! We look forward to seeing what you accomplish next.