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 Donald, a Chrysalis client working a transitional job providing street maintenance in the Historic Core area of Downtown Los Angeles.
Chrysalis: What brought you to Chrysalis?
Donald: I found out about Chrysalis from a guy in prison who was in for life. So the first time I came to Chrysalis, I had just gotten out of prison. At first, I wasn’t taking it as seriously as I should have. But by choice or by force there comes a time in life where you have to take things seriously and face your fears. I may have caught on late, but I’m glad I’ve caught on. Since I’ve been here at Chrysalis, it’s been helping me tremendously. Chrysalis taught me how to be mature, and how to be genuinely appreciative. I learned that listening is the best communication. I’ve realized that finding and keeping a job isn’t just about working. It’s your time. It’s your attitude. It’s your response. It’s your attributes as a person.
Chrysalis: What do you like about your transitional job?
Donald: I just had a daughter, and I’m so glad I’m here to experience the stuff that I’ve missed before. I want to feel like a provider to my little girl and my nieces and nephews, and I want to feel like I mean something to people. I like responsibilities, and Chrysalis has given me that. Every night I go to bed with my Chrysalis Works uniform laid out and ready to go for the next day. I feel important putting on work clothes and work boots. And every day I work sweeping, my daughter’s face is on my mind. I really appreciate Chrysalis. I am healthy. I get to work. I see there are good people around me.
Chrysalis: What kind of jobs are you looking for? 
Donald: I would like to work for the City. When I was a little kid, I always loved construction. As a kid, I would build birdhouses and be really precise and dedicated in my work. I also want a job that is steady. I want my daughter to be proud of me as she grows up.
Chrysalis: What makes you a great employee?
Donald: I don’t focus on the obstacles, I just work through them. Chin up, chest out. Sometimes I’ll be the last one back at the shift because I want to make sure I’m doing it right. You have to do the right thing when no one’s looking because that makes you be a better person. And being a better person makes you feel the growth and goodness. It’s magical.
Chrysalis: Do you have a favorite inspirational quote?
Donald: When I’m out there sweeping, my mantra is “Chin up, chest out.” In general I hold onto the truth that working keeps you living longer, and that inspires me to keep going.
Chrysalis: Is there anything else you’d like to share about your journey?
Donald: I thought that I was never going to get to be the man that I wanted to be. But now that I’ve got a second chance, I don’t want to mess it up. If I can help people, I will. When you help people from your heart, it takes nothing.
It feels so good to be here talking with you because every time a person’s wanted to talk with me and is sitting across a desk from me, it’s been an authority figure because I got myself in trouble. I’m tired of sitting in front of those people. So it feels so incredible to talk about the good things, the inspirational and enlightening things I’ve learned.
Chrysalis: Thank you so much for sharing your experiences with us. We’re so excited for the path you’re on!