Chrysalis Enterprises is a transitional jobs program for clients facing the greatest barriers to employment. For clients like Dante, this social enterprise is a crucial bridge to stability—making it possible to earn a paycheck sooner, gain on-the-job training, and begin building a sustainable career.
Dante has had the unique experience of working with three of the four Chrysalis Enterprises business lines: Roads, focused on freeway maintenance throughout Southern California; Safekeeping, which encompasses housekeeping services and safe storage (also referred to as “The Bin”); and Works, which handles street maintenance for Business Improvement Districts.
We recently sat down with Dante to learn about his experiences as a Chrysalis client and team member. In our conversation, he talks about his journey of perseverance and the resources and community that have encouraged him to move forward.
Chrysalis: How did you first find out about Chrysalis, and why did you decide to give our program a try?
Dante: I first found out about Chrysalis in 2017 when I was in a drug program in the city of Venice. A lot of us [in the program] went to Chrysalis in Santa Monica. In 2021, I was trying to get my life in order again. I was in another program and went from there into sober living. I didn’t want to give up on myself, and I knew Chrysalis would be here for me. Chrysalis would be there to give me that head start.
Chrysalis: What did you hope to change in your life by coming to Chrysalis?
Dante: I just felt stuck on the streets. No way around it. I had no money for food—nothing. I couldn’t get out of where I was at. My grandma passed away when I was around 15 or 16, and I was homeless since then. I would bounce around here and there. A lot of my early jobs were mainly warehouse jobs. Sometimes their contract would end, and I’d have to find another job. I never lasted over three months at a job until working with The Bin. I felt good working that job for a whole year straight. And I want to continue with this [driving] job for a whole year straight and however much longer I can.
Chrysalis: What has your experience with Chrysalis Enterprises been?
Dante: When I got back in touch with Chrysalis in 2021, I was working with Roads in Santa Monica. I [later] started working for Safekeeping for a year, and now I am a driver with Works in the Arts District. Being on the Roads crew was fun. I liked helping clean up. We got to work alongside Caltrans [] as well. It gave me hope that maybe I could work with Caltrans one day as well. At Safekeeping, we would hold people experiencing homelessness’ belongings, loved ones’ ashes, important documents, paperwork. We keep [their items] in a storage bin and take their bin to them. It felt good to know that there’s even a place like that. When I was on the streets, I didn’t know a place like that even existed.
Chrysalis: Tell us about your new role as a driver with Works in the Arts District.
Dante: We meet in the morning to load up the trucks with fresh boxes of bags. We make our solution to clean out the back of the truck for the end of the day. We cover five zones in the Arts District, and we change all the trash cans, pick up bulky items (beds, dressers, etc.). We also sweep up the curb lines. Each day, we sweep up a certain zone, and if there’s another zone that really needs it, we sweep up that zone as well.
Chrysalis: What makes it meaningful to work alongside people who’ve shared similar experiences?
Dante: I have different driver’s assistants, and sometimes they’re going through some things. I can show them that I was once in their position as well and [encourage them] to keep coming to work every day. I can see myself – different parts of myself – through these people. It’s a good reminder to never give up on yourself and always try. Maybe I was in that position—I still am in that position sometimes. I need to hear it from someone, and it keeps me motivated.
Chrysalis: Are there other resources or services you were able to access as a client?
Dante: I also got my certification in welding through Chrysalis. They sent me to a place called ReIGNITE Hope. It was a faith-based program, and it was really awesome. We would study different types of welds. There are three different welds: Stick, MIG and TIG. I got certified in Stick and MIG. I always wanted to get into welding because my dad builds motorcycles, and a lot of people in my family do welding.
Chrysalis: How do you like to spend your time outside of work?
Dante: I like to listen to music, hang out with friends, or go to art galleries and music shows. I like skateboarding.
Chrysalis: What do you see as the next step of your journey?
Dante: I’ve just got to keep pushing forward. I want to learn as much as I can here and maybe even bump up to a lead and eventually a supervisor. I want to continue being open and learn as much as I can and see how far I can take this. I just don’t want to be back where I was in the beginning. I just have to continue showing up every day, and everything will fall into place.
Chrysalis: How has that consistency and stability impacted your life outside of work?
Dante: It’s kept me busy. It’s training me for the future. This is what you have to do in life every day: you have to work. It’s also brought me closer to my family. This is the closest I’ve ever been around my family. They say they’re proud of me and encourage me to keep doing what I’m doing—that it’s working and to just keep pushing forward, don’t look back. They’re happy that I’m working and doing something, and I’m not just on the streets. I feel they have more faith in me now than before, when there was a gap between us. I’m not just wasting away—I’m actually trying for myself and giving myself a chance.
Chrysalis: What advice would you give to new Chrysalis clients?
Dante: Always believe in yourself and never give up on yourself no matter what. Take what Chrysalis offers and work with them. Always call your Employment Specialist and try to get as [many] job leads and the little things that [Chrysalis] offers. Take advantage of it while you can. Find a permanent position so you’re not floating around. Just push forward. Keep coming back.
Chrysalis: Is there anything else you’d like to share about yourself or your journey?
Dante: Thank you guys so much for being by my side and helping me get through this thing called life.