Client Profile
Chrysalis' clients are homeless and economically disadvantaged men and women and their families throughout the Los Angeles county. Everyday our clients demonstrate enormous personal strength and courage. Chrysalis is proud of the accomplishments of our clients and is committed to keeping the. Read some success stories first hand in our testimonials section.

A Client Story
Elaine M. experienced the loss of family at an early age. Her father died when she was three and her mother was unable to care for her. Like many addicts, Elaine escaped into the world of alcohol and drugs to ease the pain. Unfortunately, when it was time for Elaine to take on the responsibilities of being a parent to her son Gavin, the lifestyle she had lived for so many years interfered and caused neglect. Elaine found herself having to experience the tragedy of the courts taking away her son and putting him up for adoption. After this enormous loss, her addiction worsened and led her to become homeless for more than three years.

Feeling that she had hit rock bottom, Elaine knew that she needed to get control of her life and begin the process of sobriety. Elaine found herself at a homeless drop-in center where she received the appropriate referrals to assist her needs and issues. Elaine was referred to a homeless shelter and she attended recovery meetings every day.

After becoming clean and sober, Elaine was ready to find employment and she was referred to Chrysalis. She took advantage of Chrysalis' programs and her employment specialist worked with her to develop a resume, schedule mock interviews, and provide on-going case management and support.

Elaine landed her first job at Macy's — a seasonal position during the holidays. After she began working, Elaine participated in Chrysalis' Job Retention support group on Friday evenings to help her address the pressures and new challenges associated with her job. Because of her dedication and strong performance at Macy's, she was offered the opportunity to continue working after the holiday season ended. During this time Elaine moved out of the shelter and into a transitional living facility.

Elaine soon progressed in employment and became an Account Executive for a wireless communications company where she made$12/hour. Today she is working as an administrative assistant/sales representative for a firm that provides supplies for computers and copiers. She continues to stay connected with Chrysalis by participating in the Job Retention Program and by volunteering.

To put her experience into her own words, Elaine says, "I feel I became homeless in my heart, long before I actually lost my home. I had to reverse the whole process of dealing with my life from inside myself to find my way back home. But coming to Chrysalis has changed my life forever."