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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
When David finishes his work as a Ph.D. consultant for chemical safety, his day isn’t over. In his full-time job as a hiring manager, part of his duties includes conducting evaluations of staff and gaining insight. As a Chrysalis volunteer, David brings that same level of expertise when facilitating job-readiness classes, helping with resume preparation […]
As a Detox Support Technician at CRI-Help, Inc., Anival is part of a team that maintains a safe, comforting environment and recovery process for the organization’s clients who are rehabilitating from substance use. While the prospect of entering the healthcare industry was daunting at first, Anival’s personal experience with navigating recovery and maintaining sobriety affirmed […]
The smell of eggs and turkey bacon infuses the air of a dining area already brimming with noisy chitchat. Mia smiles as she says, “I crack eggs every morning. I want everyone to smell what’s cooking!” In a more serious tone, she shares, “Some of [our guests] have not had a hot meal in […]
What are Chrysalis Recruiters for Change? Recruiters for Change support Chrysalis and our clients by setting up a personal fundraising page and engaging with their network to reach their self-assessed individual or team goal. Whether the aim is to raise $50, $200, or $500, these collective efforts help ensure that thousands of our job-seeking clients […]
David Nazar with Sustaining US on KLCS PBS reports on the importance of addressing homelessness and recidivism rates by connecting our Southern California community members to employment opportunities – particularly people who are navigating housing instability, previous justice system involvement, or other barriers to the workforce. In this episode, Nazar introduces viewers to Chrysalis Supervisors […]
May is mental health awareness month! Join us in celebrating one client who is helping to #EndTheStigma by connecting our community members to vital basic needs resources. Before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Laura came to Chrysalis ready to take the next step in her career. She brought with her 15 years of […]
Chrysalis “GO ALL IN” Poker Night returns on April 21 The Southern California-based nonprofit hosts its fifth fundraising poker tournament to benefit its job-focused programs [LOS ANGELES] — On April 21, Chrysalis will host its fifth annual GO ALL IN Poker Night. The spirited Texas Hold-Em fundraiser will include a buffet dinner, cocktails, a silent […]
At Chrysalis, we work with individuals who have been impacted by systemic barriers to quality employment by providing resources and support needed to find and keep a job. We also recognize that we have an obligation to help break down those systemic barriers by contributing to the creation of equitable systems and hiring practices in […]