Chrysalis Enterprises is a transitional jobs program for clients facing the greatest barriers to employment. Participating clients start earning a paycheck sooner, gain on-the-job training, and develop the experience needed to find and retain long-term employment. This social enterprise is composed of four business lines including Chrysalis Works, which focuses on street maintenance for Business Improvement Districts, County Board of Supervisor Districts, and City Council Districts throughout Los Angeles.
We recently sat down with Ismael, a client and Chrysalis Works team member. Ismael has been proactively rebuilding his life after experiencing challenges with homelessness, substance use, and his mental health. In our conversation, he talks about his journey and how Chrysalis has been an integral partner as he regains his footing.
Chrysalis: How did you find out about Chrysalis, and why did you decide to give our program a try?
Ismael: Some of the residents [at my sober living home] were clients of Chrysalis, and I got informed through them. Before coming into the program, I was homeless and experiencing substance use problems. Once I felt my head was on straight again, I decided it was time to get back to work. I sent out a bunch of applications and wasn’t getting the results I needed. As soon as I signed up for Chrysalis and did the initial four [job preparation] classes, my whole mindset shifted. My morale was picking back up and my mentality shifted: It’s time to get back on my feet.
Chrysalis: Tell us what it’s like being on the Chrysalis Works team. What do you like about your transitional job?
Ismael: I enjoy it. I enjoy my team, my whole crew. We go around to different parts of the city and different cities, and what we normally do is clean up sidewalks and curb lines. Some of these places that I’ve been to are pretty bad. There’s a whole bunch of stuff, a lot of litter on the street. When we give it a pass-through and go back the next day to check it out, it’s nice to see the change. It’s great when you’re able to walk and drive through clean streets. Personally, I think it subconsciously helps the morale of the community. Once people see the street is clean, it prevents them from littering afterward.
Chrysalis: What makes you a great employee and team member?
Ismael: No matter what kind of work I do, whether in my career or a job that’s considered a stepping stone to the next job, I always give it my all. I always put forward my best effort. I’m able to take on the duties of my job and streamline the process. We think, “Oh, we’re just cleaning the streets. You have your push broom, weedwhacker, and leaf blower.” But even when you’re doing street cleaning, there are certain processes you can do in a certain order to make the job so much easier and quicker. I’m really good at finding the best route to do the job successfully and in a timely manner. From there, I share my experience with the rest of the team. We all give good feedback to each other. When we find a technique that works, we pass it on and implement it.
Chrysalis: How has your transitional job impacted your life outside of work?
Ismael: Before coming into Chrysalis and the Works program specifically, I was showing signs of anxiety and depression from not being employed, from not having any kind of direction. As soon as I started making these moves and taking action, and with the help of Chrysalis (getting employment through Works), I noticed that my anxiety level and sense of desperation and depression quickly started going down. I can look back in retrospect and realize being out of work was having a negative effect on my psyche and morale. I’m glad that I was able to get this opportunity to start improving my life and start getting back on track.
Chrysalis: How do you like to spend your time when you’re not working?
Ismael: I’ll go out and see my family. I’ll make food at the house and take it to my mom, so we can enjoy meals together. I’ll also see my son and his mom. We’ll go out to the park and spend some family time together. My relationship with the family overall has improved greatly since I started this program and started working.
Chrysalis: What does your son think of the work you’re doing?
Ismael: When I initially told my son what I do—he’s 9 years old—he gave me a frown: “I wouldn’t want to clean up after anyone. I wouldn’t want to clean the streets.” I didn’t know how to explain to him that it was an overall improvement in society. So before a [Works job] started, I took him to that area and showed him around: “Look. See all this litter, stuff people dump on the street. Remember this.” Then I took him back after we were done [cleaning] that area. He cheered up: “Oh, it looks much better. I’m real proud of you, Dad.” That alone was so worth it.
Chrysalis: What do you see as the next step of your journey?
Ismael: Right now, I am utilizing the services that Chrysalis is providing – this [transitional] employment especially – to generate some income for myself and my family. When I was homeless, I got myself in some trouble, which created a record for myself. During this time, I’m working toward cleaning up my record [so I can more easily find work again]. Once this transitional job ends, I plan on getting back into my field of work: aerospace manufacturing.
Chrysalis: How do you feel about how far you’ve come?
Ismael: A year ago, I was out on the streets sleeping on sidewalks with no sense of direction, no positive outlook. At that time of my life, I wasn’t even thinking about getting a job. I was just thinking, “I’m going to survive on the streets as best I can.” I’m glad I found the strength in me to go reach for help, and I found [that help] in these programs.
Chrysalis: Thank you for sharing with us! We look forward to seeing what you accomplish next.