News 2009

Chrysalis Helps Local Women Suffering from Poverty & Homelessness get “Job Ready”

(SANTA MONICA, Calif.—April 7, 2009) – On Wednesday, March 25, twenty-seven female clients of Chrysalis, a nonprofit dedicated to helping those suffering from poverty and homelessness become self-sufficient through employment opportunities , met at Forme Salon in Santa Monica for a makeover day. As members of Chrysalis' Women's Empowerment Program, the women were treated to a day of beauty and fashion advice in order to feel confident and beautiful on their job interviews. The day included their hair cut and styled by professionals, makeup makeovers and a fashionable wardrobe appropriate to wear to a job interview.

“Women's Empowerment has been full of positive inspirations from every direction and full of positive surprises…like today! You can make contacts, exchange ideas…I just love it” responds Sylvie, a member of the Women's Empowerment Program at Chrysalis.

The makeover night in Santa Monica was the final step before the completion of this eight week program. For the past few weeks these women have been meeting with female mentors to socialize and discuss topics which are important to every woman, such as resume workshops, interview skills, money and time management, healthy living and stress reduction. The program's purpose is to build self-esteem and motivate Chrysalis' female clients, the majority of whom are coming from places where few people have taken the time to listen to their dreams and goals.

“Women's Empowerment provides a safe and supportive setting where women can celebrate their successes and look to other women who have become successful in the career world” says Piper Kamins, Coordinator of the Women's Empowerment Program and Site Director of Chrysalis' Santa Monica location.

Chrysalis believes that the most important tool in fighting poverty and homelessness is a job. For 25 years, Chrysalis has helped over 30,000 individuals change their lives through jobs at their 3 centers throughout Los Angeles- downtown, Santa Monica and the San Fernando Valley. Through services such as the Women's Empowerment Makeover, Chrysalis offers their clients a ‘hand up' rather than a ‘hand out' by helping to reduce or eliminate any barriers to unemployment.

"It was the best investment I've made in me. The word empower... it did!" Belvia, a member of the Women's Empowerment Program at Chrysalis.

About Chrysalis Chrysalis provides critical employment services to nearly 2,500 homeless and economically disadvantaged individuals annually through its service centers in downtown Los Angeles, Santa Monica and in the San Fernando Valley where poverty is the most pervasive. Since 1984, Chrysalis offers services ranging from job-preparation classes and one-on-one mentoring to material assistance such as interview clothing, bus tokens, and access to phones, computers, and fax machines.

FEELING BEAUTIFUL FROM THE INSIDE, OUT