A recent evaluation by the RAND Corporation of the Breaking Barriers program reinforces what Chrysalis has long understood: employment is essential to long-term stability. Housing alone is not enough and must be integrated with employment services, especially with individuals who are justice-impacted. As cited in the study, individuals exiting prison experience homelessness at 13 times […]
We recently sat down with three Chrysalis team members who spoke about incarceration—not in the abstract, but as individuals who lived it. Kendra is a Supervisor with a division of our employment social enterprise called Roads, overseeing freeway maintenance crews. Anthony is a Program Manager at our Downtown LA center, where he oversees daily operations […]
“I was shell-shocked.” That’s how Michael felt when he came home from long-term incarceration. He had fallen into the gang lifestyle in his teenage years and spent his youth in juvenile hall and probation camps. After returning in his early twenties, he continued the same path—coming in and out of prison until 2024. While Michael […]
About one year ago, Vanessa wasn’t dreaming about her ideal career or searching for her life’s calling. After a traumatic situation left her in uncertainty and overwhelm, she was looking for a safe place to land—a way to get back into the rhythm of everyday life. She focused on regaining solid ground for herself and […]
Wildfire recovery continues in the Los Angeles region—and so does the work of preparing our region for the future. In the months following the fires, Chrysalis launched C-CREW: Chrysalis Clients Ready for Environmental Work, an initiative focused on helping people facing barriers to employment gain the skills, training, and paid experience needed to step into fire recovery and […]
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 […]
After the workweek, Ernest slows down to enjoy the simple delights of spending time with his family and playing with his growing grandchildren. It’s an ordinary day but one that felt out of reach just a year ago. Ernest came home in the summer of 2024 after being incarcerated for 30 years. The path that led him there was […]
One year ago, wildfires reshaped communities across Los Angeles. Homes were lost, neighborhoods were disrupted, and thousands of people faced an uncertain road ahead. While emergency response ended months ago, recovery has continued—and for some, it has meant finding a way forward through work. In the aftermath of the fires, Chrysalis expanded its workforce programs […]
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 […]
From his vantage point, Alexander soaks up the morning sunlight as it casts light over the mountains, etched by busy freeways that carve the landscape along the Grapevine. Some mornings, fog rolls in, and other days, fresh snowfall blankets the roads, waiting for his Caltrans team to clear the way. He breathes it all […]
After years of experiencing homelessness and limited support, Elyse Moya has built a life filled with stability, empowerment, and community. Today, she celebrates sobriety, steady employment, and being a devoted mother, embracing each day with purpose and hope for the future. “Now I feel totally empowered when I come in. I get to see all […]
When Oscar first came to Chrysalis more than five years ago, he was looking for a fresh start. He spent three years as a client, building skills, confidence, and discipline. With guidance and support, he transitioned into staff roles, and for the past two and a half years, he has served as a Works Supervisor, […]
When Victor left Mexico for the United States twenty years ago, he carried with him a deep hope and the determination to build a better future—not just for himself, but for his mother. For 17 years, he worked steadily at an antique car parts factory, proud of the life he had built. In 2019, everything […]
Over the years, through career shifts and moments of uncertainty, Chrysalis has been a steady presence for Noëlle—helping her navigate the ever-changing landscape of work and opportunity. At 76, Noëlle has lived a life rich with adventure. Born in a French colony in Africa, she began her career as a medical assistant at a […]
Amanda Muñoz first learned about Chrysalis while working as a student researcher at the UCLA Labor Center. After transcribing an interview with a Chrysalis staff member, she was inspired by the impact of social enterprise and workforce development. That moment stayed with her and eventually led her to join the Chrysalis team. Amanda became part […]
Larry casts his fishing line and waits patiently for the first bite of the day. There’s no rush. No tension. No weight of the past pressing down on him. For the first time in decades, he is free—free from addiction, free from a cycle of incarceration, and free to savor a moment like this […]
At Chrysalis, we believe in second chances—and in the people that make the most of them. That’s why we’ve launched the Own the Next Chapter pledge, a heartfelt call to action for anyone who believes in the power of change, redemption, and fresh starts. This isn’t your standard petition. This is a promise. A promise […]
When you walk through the doors of Chrysalis’ Downtown Los Angeles center, you’ll find Jazelle working behind the scenes to help power our mission forward. As an Operations Coordinator for Chrysalis Works, she supports our social enterprise business lines while bringing heart, lived experience, and over 20 years of professional expertise to her role. Jazelle’s […]
LOS ANGELES, CA – Today, Chrysalis CEO Mark Loranger joined Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass and fellow community leaders at a press conference to denounce the recent ICE enforcement and federal government actions taking place across the city and Southern California. The gathering served as a unified front against fear-based tactics targeting immigrant communities and […]
“Two years ago, I had no idea I was going to be where I am now,” Dylan says. When Dylan first came to Chrysalis, he wasn’t thinking about mentoring others or building new programs. He had just been released from prison after nearly seven years and was focused on one thing—getting back on his feet. […]
For Celine Bundy-Kahn, giving back was always part of the plan. A proud native Angeleno and seasoned recruiter in the IT industry, Celine knew that once she retired, which she called her “Chapter 2,” she wanted to use her skills to make a meaningful impact. After stepping into Chrysalis’ Santa Monica center more than […]
At Chrysalis, we believe in dignity, opportunity, and the rights of all workers – regardless of immigration status. Many of the individuals we serve are rebuilding their lives and livelihoods, often while navigating systemic barriers and fear rooted in their immigration circumstances. It is essential that employers know their legal responsibilities and how to protect […]
What happens when a group of mission-driven employees at one of California’s most recognizable institutions seeks to deepen their impact in the community? For the Automobile Club of Southern California (AAA), the answer led straight to Chrysalis. At the Automobile Club of Southern California, doing the right thing isn’t just a slogan—it’s part of the […]
Most days, Tom is up before the sun. As he expertly maneuvers a massive sanitation truck down Santa Monica’s narrow streets, he’s occasionally greeted by impatient honks or stares from residents in a hurry to get on with their morning. With a respectful nod, he remains focused on providing what is often an overlooked essential […]
At Chrysalis, our volunteers are essential to our mission of helping people navigate barriers to the workforce. Tony, a volunteer at our San Fernando Valley center, embodies the care, intention, and respect that make this work possible. A lifelong resident of the Van Nuys/Sherman Oaks area, Tony’s story is deeply rooted in the community. After […]
For over a year, Deborah has been a dedicated volunteer at Chrysalis, offering her time, experience, and compassionate support to individuals navigating barriers to employment. As a ministry leader at Celebrate Recovery and a seasoned volunteer with more than two decades of experience, Deborah plays a pivotal role in empowering others, providing hope, and helping people overcome personal challenges. […]
When you step into Chrysalis’ Downtown Los Angeles center, it’s hard to miss Shemel’s warm and welcoming presence. As a client services operations coordinator, he is committed to creating a safe and supportive environment where clients feel heard and valued. “What excites me about working at Chrysalis is that I get the opportunity every day […]
At the client’s request, this story has been shared anonymously. A pseudonym and stock images have been used to protect their privacy. The conveyor belt never stopped. Hour after hour, the peanut butter cookies kept rolling down the line, demanding one simple task: place the top wafer onto each one. Hundreds of thousands of cookies, […]
We’re excited to share some amazing news: Disneyland Resort has granted us $100,000 to support our programs for Anaheim and Orange County residents facing barriers to employment. This generous contribution is an important boost to our efforts, helping people right here in the community get the job-readiness training, work experience, and resources they need to […]
In the wake of two of the most destructive wildfires on record in California history, the region is met with the challenge of helping to heal from what was lost and restore what remains. The loss of homes—and lives—is staggering. To rebuild homes and communities, we must first address the safe cleanup of an unprecedented […]