Events | Chrysalis

Orange County’s 5th Anniversary

Mallory Loring — Fri, 17 Nov 2023 21:13:16 +0000

Celebrating the 5th Anniversary of our Orange County center was an amazing moment and we were so proud to share this milestone with our community, peers, and supporters. The birthday week kicked off with an Open House at the center with City of Anaheim Mayor Pro Tem and Councilmember Natalie Rubalcava and many honored guests, including our friends from 211OC, CalOptima, Families Forward, Illumination Foundation, Pathways of Hope, Orange County United Way and Working Wardrobes. Closing out the festivities was a great gathering at the Downtown Disney District’s Jazz Coastal Grill & Patio thanks to the outstanding support of The Disneyland Resort.

Help us keep the celebration going!

Are you thinking about a great way to make an impact in your community in 2024? Learn more about volunteering in-person at the Orange County center.

Volunteer

The post Orange County’s 5th Anniversary first appeared on Chrysalis.

Press Release: Poker Night Returns on May 3

Mallory Loring — Thu, 02 Mar 2023 18:17:24 +0000

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 2, 2023

Chrysalis “GO ALL IN” Poker Night Returns on May 3

A fundraising poker tournament to benefit individuals navigating barriers to the workforce

[LOS ANGELES] — On May 3, Southern California nonprofit Chrysalis will host its sixth annual GO ALL IN Poker Night. The spirited Texas Hold-Em fundraiser will help Chrysalis clients navigating barriers to the workforce prepare for, find, and retain employment through Chrysalis’ job-readiness program, individualized supportive services, and paid transitional employment. The annual event will feature a night of competitive play, buffet dinner, cocktails, a silent auction, and prizes for the first, second, and third chip leaders. Latham & Watkins and Ernst & Young (EY) are returning as Title Sponsors. Since 2016, this event has raised over $650,000.

Chrysalis GO ALL IN Poker Night will be held at Los Angeles’ luxury landmark hotel, Fairmont Century Plaza, from 6:00 to 10:30 p.m. Tickets are available for $300 for a Gallery Ticket and $400 for a Player Ticket. Corporate packages are available for $5,000. All funds raised will benefit Chrysalis’ services available to anyone navigating a barrier to employment such as housing instability, experience with the justice system, or other systemic barriers to the workforce.

“Chrysalis Poker Night is sure to be an exciting evening and opportunity for attendees to GO ALL IN to support our mission in changing lives through jobs,” said Mark Loranger, President & CEO of Chrysalis. “The critical work of Chrysalis empowers our clients on their pathway to stability, security, and fulfillment in their work and lives.”

For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit ChangeLives.org/Poker and follow @ChrysalisSoCal.

About Chrysalis
Chrysalis serves people navigating barriers to the workforce by offering a job-readiness program, individualized supportive services, and paid transitional employment. We empower our clients on their pathway to stability, security, and fulfillment in their work and lives. Since 1984, Chrysalis has served more than 77,000 individuals at its six centers and locations throughout Southern California. In 2022, nearly 3,000 Chrysalis clients secured employment while participating in Chrysalis’ program and/or worked a transitional job with the organization’s social enterprise. Learn more at ChangeLives.org.

About Latham & Watkins
Latham & Watkins delivers innovative solutions to complex legal and business challenges around the world. From a global platform, our lawyers advise clients on market-shaping transactions, high-stakes litigation and trials, and sophisticated regulatory matters. Latham is one of the world’s largest providers of pro bono services, steadfastly supports initiatives designed to advance diversity within the firm and the legal profession, and is committed to exploring and promoting environmental sustainability.

About EY
EY exists to build a better working world, helping to create long-term value for clients, people and society and build trust in the capital markets. Enabled by data and technology, diverse EY teams in over 150 countries provide trust through assurance and help clients grow, transform and operate. Working across assurance, consulting, law, strategy, tax and transactions, EY teams ask better questions to find new answers for the complex issues facing our world today. EY refers to the global organization, and may refer to one or more, of the member firms of Ernst & Young Global Limited, each of which is a separate legal entity. Ernst & Young Global Limited, a UK company limited by guarantee, does not provide services to clients. Information about how EY collects and uses personal data and a description of the rights individuals have under data protection legislation are available via ey.com/privacy. EY member firms do not practice law where prohibited by local laws. For more information about our organization, please visit ey.com.

###
Contact Information:
Camille Phillips: cphillips@murphyobrien.com / (310) 453-2539
Murphy O’Brien

The post Press Release: Poker Night Returns on May 3 first appeared on Chrysalis.

Chrysalis Poker Night Returns

Tiffany (Hogan) Alvarez — Thu, 31 Mar 2022 20:48:30 +0000

Chrysalis “GO ALL IN” Poker Night returns on April 21

The Southern California-based nonprofit hosts its fifth fundraising poker tournament to benefit its job-focused programs

[LOS ANGELES] — On April 21, Chrysalis will host its fifth annual GO ALL IN Poker Night. The spirited Texas Hold-Em fundraiser will include a buffet dinner, cocktails, a silent auction, and prizes for the first, second, and third chip leaders. Latham & Watkins and Ernst & Young (EY) are returning as Title Sponsors. Since 2016, this event has raised over $500,000.

What: 5th Annual Chrysalis GO ALL IN Poker Night
When: Thursday, April 21, 2022; 6:00 to 10:30 p.m.
Where: Fairmont Century Plaza, 2025 Avenue of the Stars, Los Angeles, CA 90067

Prices: $300 Gallery Ticket and $400 Player Ticket

On Saturday, April 9 at 12 a.m., ticket prices increase to $325 Gallery Ticket and $425 Player Ticket

“Attendees of our Chrysalis GO ALL IN Poker Night are betting on us to support our clients and community,” said Mark Loranger, President & CEO. “All funds raised will benefit our programs and services available to anyone navigating a barrier to employment such as housing instability, experience with the justice system, or other systemic barriers to the workforce.”

For more information, please visit ChangeLives.org/Poker and follow @ChrysalisSoCal.

About Chrysalis
Chrysalis serves people navigating barriers to the workforce by offering a job-readiness program, individualized supportive services, and paid transitional employment. We empower our clients on their pathway to stability, security, and fulfillment in their work and lives. Since 1984, Chrysalis has served more than 77,000 individuals at its five centers and locations throughout Southern California. In 2021, more than 1,500 Chrysalis clients secured employment while participating in Chrysalis’ program and more than 1,600 participants worked a transitional job with the organization’s social enterprise. Learn more at ChangeLives.org.

###

Contact Information:
Camille Phillips: cphillips@murphyobrien.com / (310) 453-2539
Murphy O’Brien

The post Chrysalis Poker Night Returns first appeared on Chrysalis.

Volunteer Spotlight: Brad

Tiffany (Hogan) Alvarez — Wed, 08 Dec 2021 18:34:45 +0000

Heart-stricken by the income and housing disparities that so many were experiencing across Southern California in the early 2000s, Brad began volunteering at Chrysalis. At the time, his career in the entertainment industry allowed him to connect with fellow Chrysalis champion Rebecca Gayheart Dane, who originally inspired him to get involved.

In 2002, Brad joined Rebecca and a small group to create the Chrysalis Butterfly Ball, an annual gala honoring a Chrysalis client alongside leaders in film, television, fashion, and music that has raised over $18 million to date.

His dedication to changing lives extended beyond the annual event, however. Over the span of his career, one of Brad’s significant jobs was that of an LAUSD teacher. There, he would acquire the skills that would inform his path as a volunteer at Chrysalis. When he first visited one of our centers, he saw the need to disrupt the cycles that lead folks to homelessness. More than helping someone find a job, he wanted to empower people to find self-sufficiency and stability. As a volunteer, he took on a role facilitating a class focused on job-readiness skills and stress management. In this capacity, he truly found his stride. His years of teaching would give him a knack for helping clients navigate their individual barriers to employment.

Today, he volunteers in a virtual capacity. “I love the grit and determination they have,” says Brad of the clients who tune in to his job-readiness courses. “Every time I finish a class, I feel inspired.” Each week, he shares his time with people who are actively navigating a rapidly evolving labor market as well as ensuring that they meet their basic needs – such as getting food on the table. What particularly stands out to Brad is how hard clients will work to attain their goals while completing Chrysalis’ program. “They are people who are taking care of other people and trying to find a job,” he shares.

Brad is consistently amazed by the tremendously hard work our clients undertake as they make strides toward self-sufficiency. He also admires the courage it takes for someone to walk through the doors of a Chrysalis center and give it their all.

Most important to Brad is contributing to an atmosphere where clients are treated with respect and dignity. “When you walk through the doors of Chrysalis, you feel like a human being. It feels great to be a part of that.” While his career and volunteering may take him in different directions yet to come, he will always be a champion and supporter for those navigating barriers and work toward creating an equitable society for all. Outside of his role as a volunteer, Brad is a strong advocate for social justice. Currently, he teaches public policy at UCLA and his research and media firm RPM is “accelerating good by connecting thoughts to actions,” specifically by advocating for policy changes in sectors that have exacerbated poverty and the expansion of mass incarceration over the years.

The Volunteer & Program team is currently recruiting volunteers to support clients – please click here to learn more.

The post Volunteer Spotlight: Brad first appeared on Chrysalis.

Los Angeles County Fall 2021 Newsletter

changelives_chrys20 — Mon, 18 Oct 2021 16:00:57 +0000

Chrysalis Launches Safekeeping

Chrysalis has expanded by reorganizing and adding a new division of our Employment Social Enterprise. Chrysalis Safekeeping is supporting more transitional workers through partnerships with other organizations and very important safe storage projects such as The Bin. This story and others are featured in our newsletter.

GROWING OUR EMPLOYMENT SOCIAL ENTERPRISE

For three decades, Chrysalis has offered transitional jobs to our clients through our employment social enterprise, Chrysalis Enterprises (CE). These opportunities are ideal for individuals who are navigating significant barriers to the workforce. Last year, this business distributed $12.1 million in wages to 1,666 clients working transitional jobs.

Since the start of our current five-year strategic plan, our employment social enterprise has seen a 130% increase in the number of clients employed in transitional jobs. Some of this growth is thanks to the launch of a fourth business line earlier this year, Chrysalis Safekeeping!

Started within Chrysalis Works, Safekeeping is now recognized as its own division within CE. The name Safekeeping is a combination of safe storage and housekeeping. Through this branch, Chrysalis clients are employed as housekeeping, janitorial, and customer service staff members. This includes The Bin’s free, safe storage facilities, where housed and unhoused patrons may store and access personal property.

Flora, who previously worked a transitional job with Chrysalis, oversees housekeeping services at the Weingart Center. She reports that while she truly enjoys the cleaning aspect of her job, it is working with people that she has realized as her calling.

“I told a friend that I wanted to help people and I wanted to work for a nonprofit so when I was hired as a supervisor, my friend reminded me that I was doing just that!,” said Flora. “The people I supervise know where I came from and that enables them to know that they can do it, too.”

Another growing division of CE is Chrysalis Roads, a program focused on providing freeway maintenance jobs to individuals who have been impacted by the justice system. Since 2016, the program has connected nearly 1,500 Chrysalis clients to meaningful employment beautifying our California roadways.

Through a partnership with Caltrans, the Los Angeles Mayor’s Office of Reentry, and the Butte County Office of Education, we added an additional crew to this program in Orange County this summer, for a total of 12 Chrysalis Roads crews across Southern California.

The addition of the Roads crew in Orange County coincided with the State of California’s announcement of Clean California. This program is a sweeping $1.1 billion, multiyear cleanup effort to remove trash, create thousands of jobs, and engage communities to transform roadsides and restore pride in public spaces. It is estimated that Clean California will generate 11,000 jobs over three years for veterans, students, people experiencing homelessness, and those re-entering society from incarceration. Chrysalis anticipates that the program will bring more transitional jobs with Chrysalis Roads crews and that many of these workers will go on to jobs with Caltrans.

Chrysalis’ President & CEO Mark Loranger and a Roads Supervisor of an OC-based crew spoke at the Clean California press conference. The Roads Supervisor, Matthew, spoke about the experience that led him to working on his job search with Chrysalis. Navigating depression and homelessness, he believes it was no accident when he noticed our tagline on a Chrysalis Roads van: Changing Lives Through Jobs.

Matthew completed our job-readiness program, accessed resume-writing services with a volunteer, and was provided with professional attire for interviews and transportation assistance before being referred to Chrysalis Roads by his Employment Specialist. He went on to be promoted to his current position of Roads Supervisor and is now preparing to leave Chrysalis for a fulltime job with Caltrans.

A transitional job can be a critical stepping stone for someone on their pathway to stability, security, and fulfillment in their work and life. Of the 1,623 clients who secured jobs with an employer outside of our organization in 2020, over 70% retained employment for six months or longer.

VIRTUAL VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT: JANICE

When COVID-19 hit, Janice’s career in the travel and leisure industry was immediately impacted. Layoffs were widespread and, while she was fortunate to remain employed, her workload was increased to compensate for it.

When she started volunteering with clients virtually, she began each call with a question she would ask in person: “What are your five-year goals?” She quickly became aware that the pandemic had affected some in a different way than it had affected her. While her work responsibilities increased due to the layoffs, others were faced with the challenge of finding a job while many businesses were closing their doors. For clients experiencing housing instability or previous justice system involvement, conducting a job search was that much harder.

While volunteering during the pandemic, Janice encouraged clients who were feeling discouraged to set short-term, achievable goals that they could talk about during an interview and add to their resume. In addition, she reminded clients they have a lot to offer to a potential employer and plenty of reasons to be proud of themselves. When a client seemed stalled on the task at hand, she would take a pause to compartmentalize and help them take it one step at a time.

CHRYSALIS NIGHT IN

The past two years have brought an array of challenges, leaving many unsure how they could safely help those in need. Though we were unable to join together in person for our annual Butterfly Ball this year, we knew after 2020, there was still a way we could come together to support Chrysalis clients.

This past May, we hosted our second Chrysalis Night In event. Over 1,400 guests tuned in for a night of inspiring stories from clients and special appearances from Curtis Stone, Dave Bautista, Eric Dane, Katheryn Winnick, Kit Harington, LL Cool J, Luke Evans, Macy Gray, Marc Cohn, Max Greenfield, Nick Jonas, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Rachel Zoe, Robert De Niro, Zendaya, and many more.

The 2021 Chrysalis Night In virtual gala honored Bob Hart, President & CEO, TruAmerica Multifamily, Demi Weitz, Co-Creator, RW Quarantunes, and Richard Weitz, Partner, WME & Co-Creator, RWQuarantunes.

Sponsored by Blackstone, CBRE, Greystar, the Johnny Carson Foundation, Kennedy Wilson, NBCUniversal, Netflix, TruAmerica Multifamily & Benedict Canyon Equities, and U.S. Bank and in partnership with our Event Co-Chairs, Chrysalis Night In featured an array of speakers, musical performances, surprise guests, and an RWQuarantunes after party. And together, we raised $1.2 million!

Despite the obstacles we have faced, with the help of supporters like you, Chrysalis was able to continue bringing folks together, and we can’t wait to see what the future holds.

WHERE WE ARE HEADED

A LOOK AT KEY 2021 OUTCOMES

Achieved () and in Progress ():

Goal: Welcome over 1,300 new clients to our program.

As of July 2021, 1,778 individuals completed assessments with Chrysalis.

Goal: Distribute over $200,000 in COVID relief funds and material needs funds to clients. This amount was reached by May 2021.

Raised $80,000 toward our COVID Response & Recovery campaign.

Safely and intentionally increase in-person services at our centers and locations across Southern California.

Train and transition 170 staff members from our Chrysalis Enterprises, Client Services, and Strategy & External Relations teams over to a new Salesforce database.

Help 1,900 clients secure employment.

Employ a weekly average of 670 clients in transitional jobs with our employment social enterprise.

Conclude our current five-year strategic plan.

DEI & SYSTEMS CHANGE

Chrysalis’ mission is to help our clients, the majority of whom are Black, Indigenous, (and) People of Color (BIPOC) and have been impacted by systemic injustices to navigate barriers to the workforce. In 2020, Chrysalis made a public commitment to standing in solidarity with those fighting against racial inequities in the wake of anti-Black violence across the country.

Though our work is centered around direct services, we recognized that we had not just an opportunity but an obligation to advocate for social justice. We knew we could do more for our community and with guidance from Chrysalis staff, we began taking steps to become actively anti-racist within our organization.

Over the past year and a half, we have restructured our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Steering Committee as an action-based group with more decision-making power, created new opportunities for staff to connect with each other and get involved, updated procedures and policies, supported BIPOC-owned businesses, and publicly endorsed a slate of ballot propositions and measures that would impact the lives of those we serve.

While progress is underway, there is still more to be done to support BIPOC communities every day. As we make our way through 2021, we are continuing to hold conversations with community leaders, our supporters, staff, and clients to make tangible change in our workplace culture and in the community beyond our walls.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Live Community Broadcast

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 19, 2021

Join Chrysalis President & CEO Mark Loranger and guest speakers for a 30-minute, interactive discussion on policies that affect the workforce landscape and those we serve.

Turkey Trot

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 24 – SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2021

Gather with family and friends in-person or virtually when you walk, jog, or run from wherever you are in support of our programs and services.

Poker Night

THURSDAY, APRIL 21, 2022

Our annual poker tournament – featuring cocktails, dinner, silent auction, and exclusive prizes for top players and raffle winners.

Butterfly Ball

FALL 2022

Attendees from every sector of entertainment, business, and philanthropy will come together again for our annual gala – details to come!

Virtual & In-Person Tours

ONGOING EACH MONTH

Experience a behind-the-scenes look at our locations and services.

CHANGE LIVES WITH US

Join us today in our commitment to helping individuals get on a pathway to self-sufficiency in one of the following ways:

Donate Planned Giving

Your donation ensures that the more than 6,000 clients who will turn to Chrysalis for access to vital resources and support this year will be empowered in their journeys to find and retain employment.

Volunteer

Caring, motivated people are needed to provide virtual one-on-one services to Chrysalis clients. Read some of our volunteer spotlights and consider giving your time to someone today!

Hire

Chrysalis has focused on employment for more than three decades, and we can tell you that employers have the opportunity to be great catalysts of change in our communities.

Download our Fall 2021 eNewsletter

The post Los Angeles County Fall 2021 Newsletter first appeared on Chrysalis.

Orange County Fall 2021 Newsletter

Tiffany (Hogan) Alvarez — Mon, 18 Oct 2021 16:00:06 +0000

Pathways Forward in OC

Chrysalis launched another Roads crew in Orange County this summer. With three crews now serving Caltrans District 12, we are expanding our partnership with the Butte County Office of Education and creating more transitional jobs in the region. This story, and others, are featured in our newsletter.

OUR GROWING EMPLOYMENT SOCIAL ENTERPRISE

For three decades, Chrysalis has offered transitional jobs to clients through our employment social enterprise, Chrysalis Enterprises (CE). These opportunities are ideal for individuals who are navigating significant barriers to reconnecting to the workforce. Last year, this $24.7 million business distributed $12.1 million in wages to 1,666 clients working transitional jobs. At Chrysalis, 100% of our clients have experienced economic disadvantages, 72% housing instability, and 58% justice system involvement. A transitional job is a critical steppingstone in our ability to offer our Orange County neighbors a pathway to becoming thriving members of our community.

One of the four divisions of CE is Chrysalis Roads, a program focused on providing freeway maintenance jobs to individuals who have been impacted by the justice system. Since 2016, the program has connected nearly 1,500 Chrysalis clients to meaningful employment beautifying our California roadways and, ultimately, a pathway forward.

Through a partnership with Caltrans and the Butte County Office of Education, we added an additional crew to this program in Orange County this summer.

The addition of another Roads crew in Orange County coincided with the State of California’s announcement of Clean California. This program is a sweeping $1.1 billion, multiyear cleanup effort to remove trash, create thousands of jobs, and engage communities to transform roadsides and restore pride in public spaces. It is estimated that Clean California will generate 11,000 jobs over three years for veterans, students, people experiencing homelessness, and those re-entering society from incarceration. Chrysalis anticipates that the program will bring more transitional jobs with Chrysalis Roads crews and that many of these workers will go on to jobs with Caltrans.

Matthew completed our job readiness program, accessed resume-writing services with a volunteer, and was provided with professional attire for interviews and transportation assistance before being referred to Chrysalis Roads by his Employment Specialist. He went on to be promoted to his current position of Roads Supervisor and is now preparing to leave Chrysalis for a full-time job with Caltrans.

We celebrate that nearly half of our clients left the Roads program to accept a job last year. This is exactly what we were envisioning in 2016, when staff and Board members dedicated nine months to developing a five-year strategic plan to improve and enhance our program and its impact.

Since then, our employment social enterprise has seen a 130% increase in the number of clients employed in transitional jobs.

In addition to the growth of Roads in Orange County, Chrysalis launched a fourth business line earlier this year. Started within Chrysalis Works, Safekeeping is now recognized as its own division within CE. The name Safekeeping is a combination of safe storage and housekeeping. Through this branch, Chrysalis clients are employed as housekeeping, janitorial, and customer service staff members.

We know that clients who have quick access to employment, a paycheck, and an environment in which they can develop critical soft skills and learn from their leadership and peers are more likely to move on to outside employment. Of the 1,623 clients who secured work with an employer outside of our organization in 2020, over 70% retained employment for six months or longer.

VIRTUAL VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT: BILLY

Moved by a need to do more and make a difference, Billy came to Chrysalis Orange County ready to support clients navigating barriers to the workforce as a volunteer. Despite having a busy academic schedule, he doubled down on his volunteer hours once the pandemic hit and began volunteering Monday through Friday, doing what he could to help clients on their pathway to self-sufficiency during an unprecedented time.

While conducting practice interviews or assisting clients with their resumes, he makes it his goal to get to know clients outside of who they are on paper. “There are so many brilliant people out there and we are missing out on so many brilliant ideas and amazing contributions by having people trapped in the criminal justice system,” he shares. As a volunteer, he strives to remind clients of the assets they offer to a future employer, despite the background that they often fear will hold them back.

For Billy, volunteering is one aspect of a lifelong commitment he has made to supporting the reentry population and folks with barriers to the workforce. He awaits the day he can celebrate clients in person as they ring the Success Bell and shares, “It is important not only to help clients who come into Chrysalis but to also do whatever we can to build a more equitable society.”

COCKTAILS & CONVERSATIONS

On August 28, 2021, the Chrysalis Orange County Advisory Council (OCAC) hosted the first Cocktails & Conversation, sponsored by Disneyland Resort, The Anaheim Hotel, SoCalGas, and Pizza Press.

Chrysalis supporters, local leaders, and influencers from across the county gathered outside in the garden of the newly renovated Anaheim Hotel to dine, drink, and make new friends. Chrysalis President & CEO Mark Loranger, OCAC Chair and Board member Heather Falcone, and a former Chrysalis client helped kick off the inaugural event with welcomes and speeches

WHERE WE ARE HEADED

A LOOK AT KEY 2021 OUTCOMES

Achieved () and in Progress ():

Supported more than 130 Orange County clients find employment.

Raised $80,000 toward our COVID Response & Recovery campaign, including over $30,000 raised on our annual online day of giving, The Future is Working.

Launched another Roads crew bringing the total number of crews to three in Orange County.

Safely and intentionally increase in-person services at our centers and locations across Southern California.

Train and transition 170 staff members from our Chrysalis Enterprises, Client Services, and Strategy & External Relations teams over to a new Salesforce database.

Help 220 Orange County clients secure employment by the end of 2021.

Conclude our current five-year strategic plan.

DEI & SYSTEMS CHANGE

UPCOMING EVENTS

Live Community Broadcast

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 19, 2021

Join Chrysalis President & CEO Mark Loranger and guest speakers for a 30-minute, interactive discussion on policies that affect the workforce landscape and those we serve.

Turkey Trot

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 24 – SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2021

Gather with family and friends in-person or virtually when you walk, jog, or run from wherever you are in support of our programs and services.

Poker Night

THURSDAY, APRIL 21, 2022

Our annual poker tournament – featuring cocktails, dinner, silent auction, and exclusive prizes for top players and raffle winners.

Butterfly Ball

FALL 2022

Attendees from every sector of entertainment, business, and philanthropy will come together again for our annual gala – details to come!

Virtual & In-Person Tours

ONGOING EACH MONTH

Experience a behind-the-scenes look at our locations and services.

CHANGE LIVES WITH US

Join us today in our commitment to helping individuals get on a pathway to self-sufficiency in one of the following ways:

Donate

Caring, motivated people are needed to provide virtual one-on-one services to Chrysalis clients. Read some of our volunteer spotlights and consider giving your time to someone today!

Volunteer

Hire

Download our Fall 2021 eNewsletter

The post Orange County Fall 2021 Newsletter first appeared on Chrysalis.

Chrysalis Raises $1.2m to Support Employment Solutions for People Experiencing Homelessness at Second Chrysalis Night in Virtual Gala

Tiffany (Hogan) Alvarez — Fri, 14 May 2021 17:57:05 +0000

Event Honored Bob Hart, Demi Weitz and Richard Weitz; Featured guest appearances from Max Greenfield, Marc Cohn, Curtis Stone, Rachel Zoe and More

Los Angeles, Calif. (May 14, 2021) – Chrysalis, a Southern California-based nonprofit dedicated to creating a pathway to self-sufficiency for people experiencing homelessness and economic barriers to the workforce, celebrated its second Chrysalis Night In on Thursday, May 13. The organization is thrilled to announce that as a result of generous donations, sponsorships, and ticket sales it raised $1.2M in funding, more than doubling the funds raised from last year’s inaugural event. Funds raised for Chrysalis Night In will go towards proven solutions that support the unprecedented increased number of people experiencing job loss and economic instability amid the pandemic by providing the resources needed to prepare for, find, and retain employment.

This year, over 1,400 tickets were sold for an unforgettable event that featured inspiring stories from Chrysalis clients and appearances from Curtis Stone, Dave Bautista, Eric Dane, Katheryn Winnick, Kit Harington, LL Cool J, Luke Evans, Macy Gray, Marc Cohn, Max Greenfield, Nick Jonas, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Rachel Zoe, Robert De Niro, Zendaya, and more!

The 2021 Chrysalis Night In virtual gala honored Bob Hart, President & CEO, TruAmerica Multifamily, Demi Weitz, Co-Creator, RWQuarantunes, and Richard Weitz, Partner, WME & Co-Creator, RWQuarantunes.

Event sponsors included Benedict Canyon Equities, Blackstone, CBRE, Greystar, Johnny Carson Foundation, Kennedy Wilson, NBCUniversal, Netflix, TruAmerica Multifamily, and U.S. Bank, and event co-chairs were Kerry Brown, Rebecca Gayheart Dane, Rick Hess, Josh Lieberman, Stacey Sher, and Richard Weitz.

“The health crisis of COVID-19 has created a parallel unemployment crisis and Chrysalis is uniquely positioned to help our community recover,” said Chrysalis President & CEO Mark Loranger. “Over the past year, we have welcomed more than 3,000 new clients virtually. And in the same way that we had to transition to a virtual service model, we are also incredibly proud to have the support of our donors and community members who celebrated with us online at Chrysalis Night In instead of meeting in person at the Butterfly Ball.”

To learn more about Chrysalis, visit ChangeLives.org.

###

Media Contacts:

Murphy O’Brien Public Relations
chrysalis@murphyobrien.com

*INFORMATION UPDATED: On Monday, May 17, 2021, Chrysalis confirmed that the 2021 Chrysalis Night In virtual gala hit a fundraising record of $1.2 million. This press release, published on Chrysalis’ website has been updated to include this new total. The previously reported total was $1.15 million.

The post Chrysalis Raises $1.2m to Support Employment Solutions for People Experiencing Homelessness at Second Chrysalis Night in Virtual Gala first appeared on Chrysalis.

The Hollywood Reporter: Chrysalis to Honor “RWQuarantunes” Duo Richard and Demi Weitz at Virtual Gala

Tiffany (Hogan) Alvarez — Mon, 26 Apr 2021 23:13:17 +0000

The father-daughter team will be honored alongside Bob Hart, President & CEO of TruAmerica Multifamily, at the May 13 “Chrysalis Night In.”

Chrysalis, the Southern California-based nonprofit dedicated to helping those experiencing homelessness find a path out through job readiness programs and placement, is readying its second annual virtual gala amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Chrysalis Night In” will stream live May 13 from 7-8:30 p.m. PST and honor a pair that has rocketed to media-darling status thanks to their massive philanthropic efforts during the pandemic. WME partner Richard Weitz and daughter Demi Weitz will be honored for co-founding and steering their “RWQuarantunes” concert series that has raised more than $23 million for more than 40 organizations. Also on the program as an honoree is Bob Hart, President & CEO of TruAmerica Multifamily.

This virtual gala will feature musical and comedy performances, celebrity appearances and exclusive auction items available to ticket holders and sponsors.

>>>Continue reading on The Hollywood Reporter

Donate to Chrysalis Night In

The post The Hollywood Reporter: Chrysalis to Honor “RWQuarantunes” Duo Richard and Demi Weitz at Virtual Gala first appeared on Chrysalis.

2021 Chrysalis Night In Virtual Fundraising Gala to Honor Bob Hart, Demi Weitz and Richard Weitz on Thursday, May 13

Tiffany (Hogan) Alvarez — Mon, 19 Apr 2021 13:31:39 +0000

Proceeds From Event to Provide the Resources and Support Necessary for Individuals in Need to Prepare For, Find, and Retain Employment

Los Angeles, Calif. (April 19, 2021) – This year, the 2021 Chrysalis Night In virtual gala will bring together individuals from coast to coast to raise funds and awareness for a proven solution that helps people experiencing homelessness and economic barriers to the workforce by providing the resources and support needed to prepare for, find, and retain employment. Celebrity attendees have already begun to confirm their attendance to this private, virtual gala which will be streamed live from 7 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. PST on Thursday, May 13.

During this time when many must continue to celebrate virtually, Chrysalis was able to transform the iconic Butterfly Ball by launching its first virtual fundraiser, Chrysalis Night In. Last year alone, over 800 guests joined together virtually for an unforgettable event benefitting Chrysalis’ vision of a community where everyone has the right to work and thrive.

The 2021 Chrysalis Night In virtual gala will honor Bob Hart, President & CEO, TruAmerica Multifamily, Demi Weitz, Co-Creator, RWQuarantunes, and Richard Weitz, Partner, WME & Co-Creator, RWQuarantunes.

This year’s virtual gala is set be a star-studded affair complete with musical and comedy performances, celebrity appearances and exclusive auction items available to ticket holders and sponsors. The gala’s sponsors are Benedict Canyon Equities, Blackstone, CBRE, Greystar, Johnny Carson Foundation, Kennedy Wilson, NBCUniversal, Netflix, TruAmerica Multifamily and U.S. Bank, and event co-chairs include Kerry Brown, Rebecca Gayheart Dane, Rick Hess, Josh Lieberman, Stacey Sher and Richard Weitz.

Participants in last year’s event included Anne Hathaway, Robert De Niro, Jamie Foxx, Zach Braff, Natasha Bedingfield, Gavin Rossdale, Linda Perry, and Seth MacFarlane, among others.

“The health crisis of COVID-19 has created a parallel unemployment crisis and Chrysalis is uniquely positioned to help our community recover,” said Chrysalis President & CEO Mark Loranger. “Over the past year, we have welcomed more than 5,000 new clients virtually. And in the same way that we had to transition to a virtual service model, we are also incredibly proud to have the support of our donors and community members who are celebrating with us online at Chrysalis Night In instead of meeting in person at the Butterfly Ball.”

Tickets to this year’s event begin at $50.00 per household, making this exclusive event accessible to all individuals across the globe who believe in the organization’s powerful mission.

Donate to Chrysalis Night In

About Chrysalis

Chrysalis is a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating a pathway to self-sufficiency for people experiencing homelessness and economic barriers to the workforce by providing the resources and support needed to prepare for, find, and retain employment. Since 1984, Chrysalis has served more than 74,000 individuals at its five centers and locations throughout Southern California. In 2020, more than 1,600 Chrysalis clients secured employment while participating in Chrysalis’ programs and more than 1,600 participants worked a transitional job with the organization’s social enterprise.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Chrysalis decided to postpone the organization’s iconic Butterfly Ball and hosted the first Chrysalis Night In on May 14, 2020. The virtual event kept the spirit of the traditional in-person gala and gathered supporters for an evening of entertainment online. Chrysalis Night In and the Butterfly Ball have raised more than $18 million. These funds directly support Chrysalis’ programs and services including one-on-one case management, resume-writing services, practice interviews, online job application assistance, and transitional job opportunities with the organization’s employment social enterprise. Chrysalis centers and locations are in Downtown Los Angeles, Orange County (Anaheim), the San Fernando Valley (Pacoima), Santa Monica, and South Los Angeles (DOORS).

Learn more at ChangeLives.org.

Media Contacts

Anna Hubbard
Murphy O’Brien
ahubbard@murphyobrien.com

The post 2021 Chrysalis Night In Virtual Fundraising Gala to Honor Bob Hart, Demi Weitz and Richard Weitz on Thursday, May 13 first appeared on Chrysalis.

Spring 2021 Newsletter

Tiffany (Hogan) Alvarez — Fri, 12 Feb 2021 00:54:07 +0000

LOOKING BACK AND CHARTING STEPS FORWARD

2020 YEAR IN REVIEW & 2021 GOALS

Last February, our spring newsletter highlighted a study noting that homelessness and jobs were projected to be a top concern for Californians during the 2020 election. Less than a month later, the world’s collective attention shifted to the pandemic and the subsequent wide-spread safety measures that changed every aspect of our personal and professional lives.

The effects of this crisis also had a swift impact on employment levels. As a result of sweeping closures, millions of Californians were faced with job loss last year, with Los Angeles and Orange County reflecting the sharpest increases in unemployment rates.

Eddie
LA Family Housing

For new Chrysalis clients like Eddie, who was suddenly let go by his employer of over two decades and faced with navigating the unfamiliar territory of looking for employment online, our remote services were critical to getting him back to work with minimal delay. Individualized support from his Employment Specialist, access to resume writing and practice interview services offered by volunteers, a gift card to purchase professional attire, and a referral to a temporary job in line with his interests and experience with our local hiring partner LA Family Housing, ultimately led to Eddie securing permanent work.

For those who were able to safely seek employment in 2020, Chrysalis was there to help. Last year, over 6,500 people accessed our programs and services, including over 2,000 new clients since we shifted to a virtual program model in mid-March.

Despite the increased hurdles our clients faced to the workforce, virtual success bells rang every day. Over 1,500 individuals – and counting – secured employment and another 1,600 worked a transitional job through our employment social enterprise last year. Our virtual volunteers and staff helped conduct a combined 3,800 resume writing and practice interview sessions, while a select number of on-site staff across our centers in Southern California ensured that over 650 clients working temporary jobs with us received paychecks each week.

Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, we also distributed over $925,000 in direct financial aid to clients, helping them cover essentials like rent, utility bills, groceries, transportation, and more.

In the words of a Chrysalis Employment Specialist, “Being able to access these funds has allowed me to feel agency in advocating for my clients and helping them receive real support in an immediate way. I have been able to help my clients when there is no other help available during this pandemic. That is the best result any direct service provider can hope for during such a difficult time.”

A lot has changed in the last 12 months, but the issues of homelessness and unemployment must remain top priorities if our community is to truly recover from the effects of COVID-19. At Chrysalis, we believe that a job is a key step in someone’s transition out of poverty and onto a pathway to self-sufficiency. At the same time, it is just as important that we continue to support folks in remaining employed or – as was the case with Eddie – in securing new employment as quickly as possible after they experience job loss to prevent them from experiencing additional hardship.

The Los Angeles Homeless Services Agency’s 2019 Homeless Count confirmed the steeply rising rate of people falling into homelessness, with 59% of the unsheltered adults experiencing homelessness for the first time citing economic hardship as the cause. As we anticipate an increased need for our services in the near and distant future, this is another confirmation of why our employment-focused services are crucial.

THE YEAR AHEAD

Despite a tumultuous year, our dedication to our clients is unwavering. As we look forward to 2021, we have committed to helping 1,900 clients secure employment and anticipate welcoming at least 3,400 new clients to our program. We are also prepared to grow hiring partnerships throughout Southern California and get new programs off the ground that will ensure more clients are able to prepare for, find, and retain employment. Read on to learn about two programs that are allowing us to equip more clients with the resources and support they need to realize their employment goals.

SECTOR

MORE PATHWAYS TO EMPLOYMENT FOR INDIVIDUALS IMPACTED BY THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM

Kelli Michaeau
Director of SECTOR

Chrysalis is excited to be part of Skills and Experience for the Careers of Tomorrow (SECTOR), a new three-year program in partnership with LA County’s Office of Diversion and Reentry aimed at connecting 1,500 individuals who have been impacted by the criminal justice system to training and employment opportunities in growing job industries. We will be serving 250 participants this year and a total of 750 individuals over the next three years.

Launching in February 2021, Chrysalis will be actively enrolling clients into this exciting new program.

Led by our Director of SECTOR, Kelli Micheau, our team of Career Coaches will work with clients to achieve the program’s key goals, including decreasing unemployment rates and increasing wages, reducing recidivism, and improving participant wellbeing by preparing them to realize their employment goals with the support of vocational training. Meanwhile, our Chrysalis Enterprises Business Development team will be working closely with our employer partners to meet their hiring needs while targeting job opportunities in growing industries, including public sector, healthcare, social service, IT, construction and green jobs, and more.

Learn more about how your company can find dedicated employees through Chrysalis: ChangeLives.org/Hire

PROJECT ROOMKEY

PROGRAM UPDATE & OUTCOMES

Last fall, we announced Chrysalis’ participation in Project Roomkey, a State-wide program made possible by the efforts of the State of California, its Counties, and other municipalities aimed at creating temporary housing solutions for our most vulnerable community members during the pandemic. Throughout Southern California, the County and City of Los Angeles and the Los Angeles Services Authority worked together to connect over 6,000 at-risk individuals experiencing homelessness with a safe place to stay in the form of vacant hotel or motel rooms to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. A similar program, Project Toolbelt, operates in Orange County.

Paul
Guest Services Associate
National Health Foundation
Photo credit: Genesis Productions

In addition to access to shelter, these locations offer residents three meals a day and wrap-around supportive services. Two of these sites are run by Chrysalis hiring partner National Health Foundation, which has worked with our Staffing team to hire over 275 Chrysalis clients each week in transitional jobs at these locations throughout the pandemic. 13 clients have since transitioned into permanent roles at the organization, including Paul and Dwona.

“Through our partnership with Chrysalis, individuals are gaining valuable personal and professional skills, opening up the door to roles in the healthcare field that may not have been otherwise accessible to them,” shares National Health Foundation President & CEO, Kelly Bruno.

We introduced you to Dwona last September, who has since accepted a permanent Guest Services Associate position with the foundation. “Chrysalis is truly a blessing to me because without them I would have never been connected to National Health Foundation (NHF). Thanks to NHF, I have found my passion in helping others and am currently pursuing a degree in social work. I want to help others the same way Chrysalis and NHF helped me,” she shares.

Building on the success of Project Roomkey, Project Homekey is the next phase in the state’s response to protecting Californians experiencing homelessness who are at high risk for serious illness and are impacted by COVID-19.

Administered by the California Department of Housing and Community Development, $600 million in grant funding has been made available to purchase and rehabilitate housing, including hotels, motels, vacant apartment buildings, and other buildings and convert them into interim or permanent, long-term housing. Chrysalis looks forward to answering the call when staffing of these locations picks up in the coming months.

THANK YOU, TIM DUBOIS

PRESIDENT/CEO, EDWARD THOMAS COMPANIES

After 27 impactful years on Chrysalis’ Board of Directors, Tim Dubois retired from the Board at the end of 2020. In this spotlight, he reflects on his time at Chrysalis. We thank Tim for his years of service and support and celebrate him as a lifelong member of the Chrysalis family.

Back in 1992, I was concerned about homelessness and was asking a friend if he had any suggestions for what could be done to mitigate the situation. He told me about this young organization, Chrysalis, which had a very smart model for helping people out of homelessness permanently and breaking the cycle of poverty by finding them jobs. A few months later, I was fortunate to be asked to join the Board of Directors…

CHANGE LIVES WITH US

Join us today in our commitment to helping individuals get on a pathway to self-sufficiency in one of the following ways:

Donate

Hire

Chrysalis has focused on employment for more than three decades, and we can tell you that employers have the opportunity to be great catalysts of change in our communities.

Attend an Event

Last year, we hosted a record-breaking number of virtual events, including our first-ever Chrysalis Night In. The star-studded event featured live music and entertainment, raising over $425,000!
Visit ChangeLives.org/CNI to watch the show! We invite you to check out our upcoming and past events – visit our YouTube channel for recordings of our monthly Community Broadcasts and exclusive behind-the-scenes interviews with Chrysalis staff and clients.

Download our Spring 2021 eNewsletter

The post Spring 2021 Newsletter first appeared on Chrysalis.