Established in 1991, Chrysalis Enterprises provides a transitional jobs program to clients who face the greatest barriers to employment. Working with our employment social enterprise 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 virtual Q&A with Josue, a Chrysalis client who is a part of the Works program at the Venice Beach BID.
Chrysalis: How did you find out about Chrysalis, and why did you decide to give our program a try?
Josue: I saw the flyer at a rehab center and the staff knew a little about you guys from other patients becoming clients at Chrysalis. So I asked about the program and they helped me get in contact with Chrysalis, and then get a job there in July of 2020! I started at the Downtown LA center and then moved over to the Santa Monica center when I started my job with the Works program. I’ve never seen a program like Chrysalis’ before!
Chrysalis: How does it feel to be part of the Works program?
Josue: It felt great! I wanted to make some income so it felt good to start going to work.
I started off as a street sweeper and I did that for about seven months. Now I’m an engagement lead. So, I pretty much do the same thing [as a street sweeper], I just happen to help people now too. My day starts off as a regular sweeper; I get there, check my route, and as I’m doing my route, we have a dispatch. The dispatch will call me for a service request and as an engagement lead, I then go over there and help out with whatever it is. We talk to the businesses and the community members when there’s conflicts and we also inform them what Chrysalis is, what we do, and how we work. That’s pretty much what I do on a regular basis.
Chrysalis: What do you like about your transitional job?
Josue: I pretty much like everything! Especially now that they added the engagement part. I get to help out more with the people I’m already interacting with every day. So you meet the owners and workers of the businesses, and you start getting along with them. They treat you nicely and you treat them nicely. It’s a cool job because it’s about building respect all the way around.
I might start working as a driver for Chrysalis, too. I’m staying at the Venice BID though and I’m hoping I could keep my lead engagement time though!
Chrysalis has been a good experience. I’m loving it right now! I like my job and I’m doing it to the best of my ability.
Chrysalis: What are you currently working on?
Josue: One of the big things I like about Chrysalis is the work training. I’m trying to build my resume for myself because I need the experience of work in order for me to build a good resume. I’m looking for a job that best fits me.
I’m trying to go for driving or warehouse-type jobs.
Chrysalis: What makes you a great employee? What would your coworkers say is your best quality?
Josue: I have a lot of respect for people. I treat people the way I want to be treated, you know? I think that’s one of the things that helps me along.
Chrysalis: What do you like to do when you’re not working?
Josue: I’m a big family man! But if I’m not spending time with my family, I like to go shopping or play handball. I play a lot of handball! I go at least once or twice a week and play outdoors. I really enjoy hanging out in Mother Nature a lot.
Chrysalis: Do you have an inspirational quote or something you say to yourself that keeps you motivated?
Josue: “The early bird catches the worm.” There [are] a few others I say to myself a lot, but that’s one that sticks because my grandpa used to always say it to me. He actually gave me the quote carved in wood!
Chrysalis: What advice would you give to new clients or someone new to Works?
Josue: I always tell people to pace themselves. Do your work and do what you can. They can take their time getting things figured out.
Chrysalis: Thank you for your time, Josue! We can’t wait to see what you do next!