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 the well-being of his family is evident.
Upon his release from a 15-year prison sentence, Lloyd was faced with the challenge of reintegrating into society. With support from his Chrysalis employment specialist, he developed an employment plan and accepted a transitional job within our employment social enterprise providing freeway maintenance within our Roads program. He shares, “Chrysalis gave me clothing for interviews, hygiene items, and helped me out with everything I needed.”
“Chrysalis was the one that gave me my first job when I got out.”
Lloyd’s journey to becoming a firefighter was far from easy. For many years, he found himself lost and struggling with addiction. “I didn’t know where to run anymore, and when I got arrested, it continued in prison,” he reflects.
He found solace and direction through his faith and self-improvement programs, including the Anti-Recidivism Coalition (ARC). “I figured out why I was the way I was and started changing all that,” he shares.
“It was always a dream for me to become a firefighter. I’ll go to camp, earn my bones by fire, and I’ll never go back.”
While serving time, Lloyd became eligible for a firefighting program that ignited his passion for serving his community. He also saw an opportunity to reconnect with his children and granddaughter.
Aside from being a full-time firefighter, Lloyd volunteers and inspires those who are currently incarcerated by participating in outreach programs. “Even if one of them decides to pursue firefighting or just thinks about changing, that’s good,” he says, “It’s been an honor for me to be able to be of service to the community.”
“Chrysalis definitely has the help you need. Programs like this are a stepping stone to the next level.”
Today, Lloyd cherishes the opportunity to help keep his community safe, be present for his family, and empower others facing barriers to the workforce. He also looks forward to continuing to advance his career and one day becoming an engineer.
Lloyd’s transformation is making positive ripples of change, and Chrysalis couldn’t be more honored to be a part of his journey.
Lloyd 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!