Before walking out of Chrysalis’ San Fernando Valley center, Eddie makes sure to grab a stack of flyers. He’s the kind of person who believes in paying it forward. Anytime he meets someone looking for a fresh start, he pairs words of encouragement with an informational flyer—confident they’ll be able to find a path forward at Chrysalis.
Six years ago, Eddie was on the receiving end of that flyer. While standing in line at his local corner store, Eddie overheard someone recommending Chrysalis to another customer. Looking for a new job at the time, Eddie joined the conversation and was surprised to learn the organization was just down the street from his house.
“I didn’t even know that [my neighborhood] had a program like that. I called and came in, and that’s what started everything,” remembers Eddie.
This was during the COVID-19 pandemic and, consequently, a precarious job market. Eddie had maintained steady employment since high school; he took pride in being a reliable and diligent worker. But things took a turn when business declined at the automotive recycling lot he had worked at for years—forcing the owner to sell the company. On the search for more stable options, Eddie reached out to Chrysalis and soon found full-time work in home repair and maintenance.
Last year, Eddie found himself navigating another challenging season. He had gotten laid off from his job of five years and was seeking a new opportunity. He was discouraged but determined, and he knew exactly where to go to rebuild his way back to stability, confidence, and a meaningful career.
“When I got let go from the job, I was devastated,” Eddie reflected. “But then Chrysalis welcomed me with open arms. Everybody’s very helpful, and if you need anything, they’re there for you. It makes you feel good. It makes you feel like somebody cares about you.”
Returning to Chrysalis a second time was almost a completely different experience for Eddie. This time, he was able to physically visit the center, connect with fellow jobseekers, and see the computer lab, classrooms, and clothing and food resources—all that Chrysalis had to offer. It felt brand new, but he did recognize one familiar face: his former Employment Specialist, David.
“He told me he wasn’t a coach anymore—he was a director. That was awesome because he deserved it. I advanced, and he advanced,” Eddie smiled, inspired by their parallel journeys. “That gave me motivation. And even though he was a director now, he helped me out again.”
Learning about David’s own career development and being able to access Chrysalis’ services in person, Eddie knew he had come to the right place. Without pandemic era limitations, he was able to get the full Chrysalis experience. He took additional steps to make sure he felt equipped for a new role—learning from both staff and his peers and ultimately feeling a deeper sense of accomplishment and pride.
“It was more satisfying because I had to really work for it: take the [job preparation] classes, take the time to get here, and focus. So the second time around, I appreciated it more.”
That focus and determination quickly led him to a new job and, soon after, a promotion. He started out as a freight stocker at Home Depot, but hoped to progress to a role where he could better leverage his people skills and expertise in home maintenance. Within two months, he was promoted to work in the paint department, where he enjoys interacting with customers and helping out with home projects.
Today, Eddie feels like his future is bright, and he wants the same for others. His story is a reminder that when people are given the tools to help themselves, they not only rebuild their own lives but also pass that opportunity forward—sometimes with a flyer in their back pocket.