Established in 1991, Chrysalis Enterprises provides a transitional jobs program to clients who face the greatest barriers to employment. Transitional employment offers our clients the opportunity to gain real-world skills, build confidence, earn a paycheck, and develop the experience needed to find and retain long-term employment. Clients working a transitional job are in an important stage of their individual transformation, which is highlighted in the interview below:
We recently sat down for a Q&A with Floyd, a Chrysalis client working a transitional job providing street maintenance in the Historic Core area of Downtown Los Angeles.
Chrysalis: How did you find out about Chrysalis, and why did you decide to give our program a try?
Floyd: Actually, it was a friend of mine! He’s not (a Chrysalis client) anymore but he used to work on the Downtown Center BID’s clean team. He told me about it, so I came and did the classes.
After I finished the classes, Chrysalis hired me and started me as a sweeper for the Arts District Los Angeles BID. After that, I decided one of my goals was to become a driver, and I became a water truck driver for Chrysalis. And then they made me a lead! I’m the evening lead, so I’m in charge of a couple of sweepers. I make sure everything is okay with them, and I make sure they have everything they need before they go out on their routes.
Chrysalis: How does it feel to be a part of the Works program? And how did it feel to get promoted to a driver, then lead?
Floyd: It feels good. It’s challenging, but I mean, I like it. When I got promoted, it felt pretty good. I felt that I finally accomplished something in my life. So, the only thing I can do is keep moving forward from that and keep making the right decisions.
Chrysalis: What do you like about your transitional job?
Floyd: You know, being busy! I’m always doing something.
Chrysalis: What kind of job are you looking for?
Floyd: I have my resume ready to go! If something comes up and it’s in my field and I like it, I’m ready to apply to it. I am looking for driving job opportunities with companies like UPS or Amazon. I like driving, and I know L.A. and the surrounding areas. I figure if you can drive in Downtown Los Angeles, you can drive anywhere!
Chrysalis: What makes you a great employee?
Floyd: If there is one thing I know, it’s how to work with people. Plus I’m always on time and I make sure the job is done and it’s done right.
Chrysalis: What do you like to do when you’re not working?
Floyd: I like sports. Sometimes I play basketball, and sometimes I play soccer. I grew up playing soccer; I was usually a forward.
Chrysalis: Do you have a mantra that keeps you motivated?
Floyd: Believe in myself. Whatever is in front of me, I can get it done.
Chrysalis: Is there anything else you’d like to share about your journey?
Floyd: I like that Chrysalis is giving me the opportunity to do what I’m doing and inspiring me. After this, I’ll be ready because Chrysalis made me ready to do whatever I need to do. So, I love the journey and I appreciate everything.
Chrysalis: Thank you for taking the time to share some of your story with us! We look forward to seeing what the future has in store for you!