Volunteer and help change lives!

Chrysalis’ philosophy is to provide a hand up, rather than a hand-out and volunteers are instrumental in motivating our clients during one of the most critical stages of their lives: the transition to self-sufficiency.  Chrysalis is looking for friendly, outgoing, and dedicated volunteers to empower our job-seeking clients.  Here are some of the ways you can support our programs:

• One-on-one resume preparation
• Conduct one-on-one practice interviews
• Facilitate a class
• Computer lab support
• Fundraising/development projects
• Special Events
• Administrative support
• Presenting workshops at evening support groups & seminars

We have a need for volunteer support in each of our three offices, including Downtown Los Angeles (516 S. Main St.), Santa Monica (1853 Lincoln Blvd.), and the Valley (14015 Van Nuys Blvd. Suite E). The majority of our regular opportunities are during the weekdays from 8 am - 4 pm (closed between 12 & 1 pm) and Fridays from 8 am - noon.    

If you are interested in volunteering weekly, your next step is to download and fill out the application here and send it back to Jessica Wishan at Jessica.Wishan@changelives.org.

Once your information is reviewed, we will contact you to discuss volunteer opportunities and arrange for a required volunteer orientation at the office where you are looking to volunteer.

If you have questions or would like additional information, please call or email Jessica Wishan at (310) 401-9392 or Jessica.Wishan@changelives.org. 

Thank you for your support of Chrysalis!

FAQs

Can a group of us come in to volunteer for one day?
Unfortunately, Chrysalis programs cannot generally support volunteer groups because any volunteer work requires advance training as well as an ongoing commitment. 

Are there evening and weekend volunteer opportunities available?
Most Chrysalis volunteer opportunities exist within our normal business hours, which are during the weekdays from 8 am - 4 pm (closed between 12 & 1 pm) and Fridays from 8 am - noon.  We do have some event specific opportunities available nights and weekends; for additional information or to be included on the outreach list, please contact Jessica Wishan.

What is the minimum age to volunteer?
In order to help with client services, you must be at least 18 years old.  Certain administrative projects sometimes welcome high school students, however.

What kind of experience do I need?
All volunteers receive training in addition to a mandatory orientation, but a background in business, public speaking or human resources is helpful.  Knowledge of computers is required.

Do I have to volunteer for the entire day every time I come in?
No, volunteers typically commit 1-4 hours per week; what is most important is that volunteers commit to a regular and consistent schedule.

Can I assist clients with their resumes from home- even though I can’t physically be there?
It is important that you work with our clients personally so that you empower and teach them instead of do the work for them.  Empowering clients leads to an increased skill set and ultimately higher self-esteem.