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 ready for a change. “I woke up one day and said, I can’t do this anymore.”
“This is not my life. I was ready to quit when I quit. When I walked away from it, I knew I was done, and there was no looking back.”
With a steady gaze on the possibilities of the future, Patrik accepted a referral to Chrysalis in early 2020 on behalf of his rehab program. He came to us with years of steady warehouse, construction, professional driving, and caregiving experience. But his previous arrests and lack of recent work history were clear barriers to his ability to secure employment.
Patrik discussed his professional goals with his employment specialist, and together they outlined an employment plan. In addition to building a resume and cover letter with a Chrysalis volunteer, he secured professional attire from our resource room, was referred to a transitional job with Chrysalis Roads maintaining our California freeways, and was connected to legal aid that enabled him to have a felony conviction expunged from his record.
“When I came to Chrysalis I had just completed rehab and I was homeless for six years. The resources that Chrysalis has are so endless almost.”
Despite the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Patrik jumped at every opportunity to cover shifts and attended paid online training with Roads when offered. He was later referred to a competitive micromobility cohort with the Los Angeles Cleantech Incubator (LACI) through the SECTOR program, which opened the first of many doors that would give Patrik access to compensated educational sessions and gainful employment within the clean tech space.
In addition to completing a paid 16-week bicycle maintenance course, Patrik secured an internship with Pedal Movement, which later turned into a full-time job that he has held for over a year. As a bike tech, he helps to maintain 650 electric bikes throughout Long Beach, a position that melds his passion for the cycling industry with his desire to establish a long-term career in the space.
“The doors that have been opened to me have been endless, and [Chrysalis] has been with me every step of the way.”
Patrik shares that the real-world resources and support he received at Chrysalis have been critical to his ability to succeed. He reflects, “Being committed to something and seeing it through, that’s what it’s about, and Chrysalis helped with that. I’m not homeless anymore. I can provide for myself.”
When Patrik first turned to us for support, he had a bike and a backpack to his name. He also had a solid commitment to living his life with integrity and knowing his worth. Today, he celebrates being sober and having stable housing, a steady job, a driver license, and a car – although he’ll be the first to say he prefers his bike.
Chrysalis commends Patrik for bringing his personal and professional goals to life. In his free time, he rides his bike to raise money for cancer research, volunteers with a dog rescue organization, and looks forward to attending business school in the future.
“Everything [Chrysalis] has done has helped me go from where I didn’t want to be any longer to where I am now.”
Patrik is among 8,500 Chrysalis clients who turn to our organization for support each year. Please join us in our efforts to build a stronger workforce – every dollar helps us change lives!