…Chrysalis, a long-time Los Angeles-based nonprofit that focuses on the struggle to overcome barriers that get in the way of finding and keeping a job. A local Roads crew is among the social enterprise efforts and other employment services that Chrysalis is bringing to Orange County, its first foray in opening an office outside of L.A. County.
Growing up in South Central Los Angeles, where a soundtrack of gunshots and helicopters seemed to play on repeat, Cordaro struggled to find the motivation to steer his life in any particular direction. A 6-year prison sentence stopped Cordaro in his tracks, motivating him to build a better life for himself and his family. With support from Chrysalis, Cordaro landed a job and changed his future.
Teaching is Paula’s calling. After working for the Los Angeles Unified School District for 34 years, she retired and began volunteering with Chrysalis facilitating the final course in our Job Preparation curriculum: Keeping the Job. She shared, “I love helping people, and I absolutely love to teach. I really want everyone in the class to absolutely […]
“I live in Santa Monica, and I was looking for a way to volunteer in a more meaningful way than just a one-off experience,” shared Chrysalis volunteer Karen about finding Chrysalis three years ago. Karen started looking at nonprofits in her neighborhood, adding, “When I found out exactly what Chrysalis did, I thought it was […]
When a caterpillar enters its chrysalis stage, it begins to transform from an immature, inactive larva into a beaming butterfly. Myron Tobin, a 57-year-old South Central native, entered his chrysalis stage in 2013 when he was released from prison after 33 years.
In his behind-the-scenes interview with Chrysalis, Donald shares how a transitional job is preparing him for permanent employment.
“By far, my favorite memories of Chrysalis are the times when I’ve been doing a practice interview with someone and the bell rings. We all go into the lobby and hear the person tell their story. It’s incredibly emotional… It is what I go home and talk to my family and friends about for days. It makes me feel really lucky.”
On Tuesday, June 19, 2018, the Anaheim City Council unanimously and enthusiastically approved an agreement that will provide Chrysalis with access to a city-owned building where we will be opening a new center later this year.
There are about 2,000 homeless encampments around downtown Los Angeles’ Skid Row. Six days a week, a nonprofit organization takes on the monumental task of cleaning up trash in a 49-square-block area called the Business Improvement District. Here’s how they do it.
Paula Coleman’s “Keeping Your Job” class at the nonprofit Chrysalis is equal parts Tony Robbins seminar and practical guide to staying employed. The students — many of whom are homeless — have already gone through workshops on how to do job interviews and craft resumes.
Featuring Gina Rodriguez, director Paul Feig, Academy Award-winner Jamie Foxx, and Chrysalis clients Darrell Stevenson and Byron Taylor to present awards, the 17th annual Butterfly Ball raised an impressive $1.8 million, honored Jim Gianopulos, Stacey Sher, Curtis Stone, and Chrysalis client Myron Tobin.
In 1984, John Dillon founded Chrysalis, Apple released the first commercially successful computer, and Myron was looking back on his first two years in prison. It would be another three decades before he would arrive at Chrysalis and start a massive game of catch-up with the world and technology.
Chrysalis helps women build self-confidence and career skills through the Women’s Empowerment Program.
Paramount chairman and CEO Jim Gianopulos will be honored June 2 for his work helping homeless individuals as Chrysalis’ annual Butterfly Ball will celebrate the executive’s decade-long support of the nonprofit.
At the end of April, Chrysalis announced its plans to expand to Orange County later this year. According to Chrysalis CEO Mark Loranger, further expansion is anticipated in 2019 and 2020. Chrysalis is filling a need. But how does the Chrysalis model work? And how is it grappling with the challenges of expansion?
When Johnny was ready to reconnect to the workforce after over 20 years without stable employment, Chrysalis was there to help. Now, more than a decade later, Johnny is still telling his story to encourage and inspire.
Press Release: Chrysalis Announces Plans to Expand to Orange County
For almost five years, Pat has provided one-on-one practice interview services and facilitated Job Prep 3: The Interview, preparing hundreds of clients to feel confident and interview-ready. As an actor with years of experience pitching himself to casting agents, he easily drew the parallels between auditions and traditional interviews when he started volunteering with Chrysalis. […]
USC connects students with volunteer opportunities, like one-on-one resume writing and practice interview services provided at Chrysalis, to help individuals experiencing homelessness prepare to get back to work.
Ernie spent much of his life going in circles, in and out of prison, with no destination in sight. When his Employment Specialist asked him what he wanted to do for work, he felt empowered to change his trajectory and reshape his future for what felt like the first time in his life.
After a 4-year cycle of substance abuse and unstable housing, Maria came to Chrysalis and found a place where she could heal and ready herself to return to her career as a real estate broker. Now, she inspires others with her story. Learn about her journey and how a very special workshop series empowered Maria as an individual and business woman.
“Every single time I hear that bell ring, and every time I hear someone tell their story, is a favorite memory. For me, that’s what it’s really about. It’s about camaraderie, respect, achievement, and pride. And it’s not only the person telling their story, but the reaction of everyone in the office around them. It’s […]
Students collect critical data in the second year of the university’s partnership with the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority.
With years of solid work history and a college degree, Katherine never imagined she would lose her livelihood and her home. As she grappled with the reality of beginning a job search in her 60s, she knew she needed someone in her corner.
Tastemade’s documentary, “The Shift,” follows the extraordinary stories of Chrysalis clients Bryon and Darrell and their journeys from incarceration to working for celebrity chef Curtis Stone.
For more than three decades, Chrysalis has been changing lives through jobs. But the recent surge in the homeless population has only toughened an already challenging task. Los Angeles Magazine sat down with Chrysalis President & CEO Mark Loranger about the crisis and his organization’s work.
Jayson was faced with challenges after he left that army that lead him to substance abuse and more than 17 years of homelessness. He came to Chrysalis for a fresh start. Now, he transforms discarded carbon fiber into skateboards – a job that has transformed his life.
From serving on our Board of Directors to providing one-on-one services to clients, Steve is changing lives in a number of ways at Chrysalis!
At Chrysalis, we celebrate with a client who lands a job by having them ring the bell; however, we also recognize the value of celebrating the “little bells” along the way. Hear from Chrysalis client, Marshall, a transitional jobs worker with Chrysalis Enterprises in this Q&A.
A native Texan, Byron left a history of drug use and a life in and out of the criminal justice system behind and moved to L.A. He was ready for a change, but he was struggling to land a job because of his past.