This year marks Chrysalis' 25th anniversary. In 1984, founder John Dillon took a courageous step forward when he first established Chrysalis on Skid Row as a way to reach out to the many impoverished individuals he saw on the street. The courage Mr. Dillon showed when he first opened the doors of Chrysalis is mirrored every day by the tenacity we see in the men and women who come through Chrysalis' doors seeking help to gain self-sufficiency.

With the help of donors and supporters, Chrysalis has transformed into an organization that has helped over 30,000 people change their lives through jobs in three locations: downtown Los Angeles, Santa Monica and San Fernando Valley. And we continue to see how Chrysalis' services allow people to transform their lives through employment.

Amidst the adversities of 2009, Chrysalis has created new opportunities to help thousands of men and women change their lives through jobs.

• Finding Jobs:  Chrysalis helped 1,145 men and women successfully find jobs in the first three quarters of 2009 – despite record unemployment.  Many of these jobs were secured by individuals with significant barriers to employment; homelessness, lack of education, little work experience and incarcerations.

• Retaining Jobs:  In addition to finding a job, keeping that job and succeeding at it is critical to achieving long-term self-sufficiency.  Chrysalis created a new program to emphasize job retention strategies and career development for the recently employed.

• Collaborative Approach: To fully meet the needs of those we serve, Chrysalis partners with over 50 community-based agencies – housing assistance, mental health support, childcare and recovery services – allowing us to focus on the essential employment component.

We all know what a tough time this is economically and Chrysalis is in a real crunch: the demand for our services is skyrocketing – 40% more people sought our services this year – and we are expecting that trend to continue throughout 2010.

However, with your continued support, Chrysalis will provide these critical services to all the many men and women seeking a way out of poverty and homelessness.

You can feel confident that 90% of funds raised go directly to helping Chrysalis clients. 

If you cannot make a donation this year, please continue your involvement with Chrysalis.  Visit How to Help for other ways you can lend support.

On behalf of the 30,000 clients we have served over the past twenty-five years, I thank you for your invaluable support in partnering with Chrysalis to change lives through jobs. 

Sincerely,

Mark Loranger
Chrysalis President & CEO