Welcome to our Volunteer Center! Getting involved with Chrysalis is enriching -- you can make a real difference in the lives of the men and women in Los Angeles who are willing, ready, and able to become self-sufficient through employment.

Chrysalis offers numerous volunteer opportunities. To help you choose which volunteer opportunity is right for you, please read the descriptions below. 

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Client Services Volunteers

• One-on-one resume preparation
• One-on-one practice interviews
• Class and workshop facilitation
• Computer lab assistance
• GED class assistance
• Administrative support

Being a Client Services Volunteer is a rewarding experience. It allows you to work directly with clients, providing them with the knowledge and skills to find—and keep—a job. It's a weekly and ongoing commitment available at any of our three site centers, with an average of 1-4 volunteer hours dedicated each week. Is becoming an Client Services Volunteer right for you? Answer the following questions to find out:

• Are you able to volunteer during Chrysalis' business hours?
  Business hours are 8AM - 4PM,  Monday - Thursday (closed between 12 & 1),
  and 8AM - 12PM on Friday. 
• Are you able to commit to a consistent volunteer schedule for a minimum of 4 months?
• Are you proficient in computers, and have excellent oral and written communication skills?
• Are you comfortable working with impoverished communities, including individuals who may have a criminal background and/or a history of drug abuse?
• Are you over the age of 18?

If you answered “Yes” to all of the above, we would like to discuss our available volunteer opportunities with you. Please complete the Client Services Volunteer Application Form. Our staff will contact you to schedule an orientation, which typically takes place on a monthly basis.

If you didn’t answer “Yes,” please consider getting involved with Chrysalis as a volunteer for special projects.

Special Project Volunteers

For Chrysalis supporters who are only able to help during nights and weekends.

Individuals who are interested in being a Special Project Volunteer are put on a list for outreach to participate in special projects, including: event preparation, holiday party assistance, event staffing, administrative support, and more. Most opportunities take place at our Santa Monica center or at an off-site location.

An ideal Special Project Volunteer is enthusiastic and open to performing a diverse set of duties but unable to make an ongoing commitment. Interested? Please complete the Special Project Volunteer Application Form today.

Guest Speakers

One-time, job-related Special Presentations

Do you have something worthy to share with our clients? Chrysalis provides opportunities for clients to learn from guest speakers about topics related to work and life skills. If you feel you have expertise to share with our clients, please tell us more about yourself and your ideas and sign-up to become a guest speaker. Email volunteer@changelives.org.

Corporate Support

Community Engagement & Team Building Opportunities

If your company is looking to get involved with Chrysalis, we offer a variety of opportunities for projects that combine hands-on volunteer work with financial support. It’s a great way to give back to the community and provide a project that strengthens your team on a new level. To learn more about our corporate involvement program, please email volunteer@changelives.org.

Volunteer Reflections

Over the last 6 years, Cynthia, who has lived and worked on every continent, has brought her extensive experience as a journalist and PR specialist to Pacoima Chrysalis. She works one-on-one with clients on practice interviews and cover letters.  During her time here, she’s made many contributions to the program.

Some of those contributions include: stressing the importance of researching a company before submitting an application, emphasizing cover letters as a key to success and improving the method for evaluating practice interviews.