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Success Bells: Rene

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 […]

Volunteer Sue

Volunteer Spotlight: Sue

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 […]

Success Bells Patrik

Success Bells: Patrik

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 […]

Staff member Nicole

Staff Spotlight: Nicole

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 […]

Volunteer Kristin at the DTLA center

Volunteer Spotlight: Kristin

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 […]

Before the Bell: Can Dee

Every morning, Can Dee reports to work at 6:00 a.m. with the Chrysalis Roads program. She shares, “I put on my uniform with pride.” She takes satisfaction in a job well done as she and her fellow crew members travel to locations like Westminster, Laguna Beach, and Huntington Beach to provide freeway maintenance in partnership […]

Orange County’s 5th Anniversary

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, […]

Symphony

Staff Spotlight: Symphony

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 […]

Success Bells: Graham

When Graham was faced with a life sentence in prison at 21 years old, he thought he would never go home. His grandmother – whom he called his guiding light – had passed away while he was fighting his case. He remembers thinking, I’m done. I don’t have anything to go home to. When Graham […]

Success Bells: Stephanie

In 2019, we had the privilege of introducing you to Stephanie. Now, four years later, we are honored to provide an update on her remarkable journey, which showcases her continued personal and professional growth and the profound impact she is making in our community. “Life on the streets was definitely crazy,” she shares. “Going from […]

Volunteer Robin

Volunteer Spotlight: Robin

Every Wednesday, Robin facilitates Chrysalis’ job-preparation class, helping our clients hone their practice interview skills and craft effective resumes. With 38 years of experience in education, including serving as a principal, Robin is uniquely qualified to help support individuals as they navigate barriers to employment. Beyond this crucial weekly role as a Chrysalis volunteer, Robin […]

Jessica in the DTLA lobby

Staff Spotlight: Jessica

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, […]

Success Bells: Gilbert

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 […]

Partner Spotlight: Hines

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 […]

Client Monet with her daughter

Success Bells: Monet

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 […]

Volunteer Karen

Volunteer Spotlight: Karen

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 […]

Jessi

Staff Spotlight: Jessi

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 […]

Success Bells: Maria

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 […]

Success Bells: Robert

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 […]

Volunteer Monte with Chrysalis staff member Abby

Volunteer Spotlight: Monte

For the past 15 years, Monte has dedicated his time to volunteering for nonprofits in Orange County. He was first attracted to Chrysalis because of his firm conviction that employment is the key to self-sufficiency. Monte has been an active volunteer in the Anaheim center for three years, always eager to make a positive impact […]

Success Bells: Maurice

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 […]

Chrysalis Computer Lab

Financial Literacy Workshops at Chrysalis

April is Financial Literacy Month! Chrysalis’ core commitment is to help people secure employment and get on a pathway to stability, security, and fulfillment in their work and lives. Woven into the fabric of our supportive services and resources are tools and trainings that enhance financial literacy. Financial literacy noun the ability to understand and […]

Success Bells: Tom

From an early age, Tom had a drive to work, especially on jobs that he could take a step back from at the end of the day and see what he helped make. “[My dad] set me up with some roofers, thinking that they were going to wear me out. Turns out, I liked pushing […]

Volunteer Spotlight: David

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 […]

Press Release: Poker Night Returns on May 3

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 2, 2023 Chrysalis “GO ALL IN” Poker Night Returns on May 3 A fundraising poker tournament to benefit individuals navigating barriers to the workforce [LOS ANGELES] — On May 3, Southern California nonprofit Chrysalis will host its sixth annual GO ALL IN Poker Night. The spirited Texas Hold-Em fundraiser will help […]

Success Bells: Anival

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 […]

Success Bells: Mia

 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 […]

Recruiters for Change: Michael Murphy & Cookie Duong

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 […]

Sustaining US – KLCS PBS: David Nazar Reports

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 […]

Success Bells: Damien

Damien steps into each work day with a sense of resolve and purpose. While every shift is different, the goal remains the same: to show up for himself and his team. As a supervisor with the Chrysalis Roads program, each morning he ensures that his highway maintenance crew is equipped to safely and effectively provide […]