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 in the lobby and often facilitates client curriculum. Nesta is a Senior Employment Specialist at DOORS, supporting justice-impacted clients with resources. As former clients themselves, they each bring their lived expertise to the work they do every day.

In this conversation, Kendra, Anthony, and Nesta spoke—plainly and personally—about what are known as collateral consequences of incarceration.

Put simply, collateral consequences are the legal and regulatory restrictions that can follow a criminal conviction—often long after a sentence has been served. These restrictions can limit access to jobs, professional licenses, housing, education, and other basic opportunities that many people rely on to rebuild their lives. The National Inventory of Collateral Consequences of Conviction reports 42,763 specific consequences.

Some collateral consequences serve a clear public purpose. For example, laws that restrict access to firearms after violent offenses, prohibit people convicted of abuse from working with children or seniors, or bar individuals convicted of fraud from positions of financial trust are designed to protect public safety.

But many other consequences are far broader—and harder to justify. Some apply regardless of the nature of the offense, the time that has passed, or the person’s rehabilitation. Others have little connection to public safety at all and make it difficult for people to work, secure housing, or fully participate in their communities.

What our team members describe below is how those consequences show up in real life—not just on paper, but in people’s well-being, sense of belonging, and access to opportunity.

The Moment of Reentry

When people come home from incarceration, they must immediately learn a new system, as well as meet society’s expectation of immediately getting on their feet. Our team members shared some of the challenges they faced when they first came home.

“I had been homeless for several years, and all I had was the clothes on my back. I didn’t know what to expect,” shared Kendra. She faced a five-year prison sentence but was given the option to reduce her sentence if she participated in a treatment program. As part of the program, she re-learned simple life tasks, chores, and a stable routine in a home with 16 other women. About this experience, she reflected, “It was a big adjustment for me—from having had so much freedom before, in a sense, being homeless. For me, that was a challenge: just to learn how to live again, honestly.”

Nesta faced a similar challenge, learning how to live as an adult for the first time.

“I was incarcerated from the age of 17 until last year. I never had a real job, so coming home, I really didn’t have a sense of direction. I didn’t know what I was going to do,” says Nesta. The transitional program Nesta enrolled in offered temporary housing and documentation assistance, but support was limited when it came to employment.

“I was just lost,” Nesta reflected on his early days back home. “When it came down to getting into employment or a work setting, I never had training or I was unaware of the skills that I actually had or equipped [myself with] over the years of incarceration, which can now apply in a job.”

For Anthony, he found himself lost in a more literal sense, starting over in an unfamiliar place without a clear sense of how to get the resources he needed.

“I’m not from L.A. and had been here a limited amount of time. I was 15 when I was incarcerated. I knew people in L.A., but I didn’t know how to get to them, I didn’t know where they were at. I had no idea where I was when I landed at Union Station.”

Hidden Barriers

These immediate challenges don’t just linger—they compound. Our team members highlighted the barriers they faced navigating new social environments, a completely changed technology landscape, and structural limitations for formerly incarcerated jobseekers.

Anthony’s immediate sense of feeling lost morphed into mental shock. For the first few months back home, Anthony highlighted some of the mental and social challenges he faced, such as “not being able to be in really crowded places or loud places or not feeling comfortable with people standing in lines.”

Beyond adapting to a new social environment, Anthony also had to navigate a completely new technology landscape with limited digital literacy: “When I was initially arrested, the Internet existed, but it was not commonplace. Most households didn’t have it. I was fortunate while I was incarcerated to become a clerk, so I had some experience behind non-network computers on older Windows platforms… But navigating the Internet to do anything like finding resources or filing my taxes or doing job applications, it becomes a nightmare.”

For Nesta, he was eager to work upon release but felt that restrictions set by his transitional program limited his opportunities. Transitional reentry programs commonly have blackout periods during the first 30 to 90 days, during which residents are not allowed to leave the facility as they get adjusted to their environment.

“Not being able to leave the program for a certain amount of time to actually conduct work, that job opportunity went away. So now I had to scramble,” Nesta recalls.

Kendra, on the other hand, did have the opportunity to apply to and get hired at jobs; however, her record seriously limited her chances at a long-term role.

“When I went to go get jobs, I would get hired and I’d work for two weeks. Then they’d call me the next day and say they couldn’t keep me anymore because of my record. I had so many missed opportunities [because of] my record that I had picked up in the past decade.”

Opportunities to Succeed

There are a host of obstacles that individuals face as they navigate the long-term consequences of incarceration. But there are also resources and opportunities that make the reentry journey more equitable and dignified.

For Kendra, more doors are now open to her after recently getting her record expunged—a process whereby courts dismiss arrests and convictions based on a variety of factors.

“It just gives me so much more opportunity. For example, when I was applying for apartments two months ago, I had to mark the box that said I’m a felon. Today, I can confidently mark that I’m no longer a felon, and it will help increase my chances of getting approval for not only that but also maybe renew my real estate license.”

Expungement may not be an option for everyone, but many organizations like Chrysalis offer comprehensive resources that help individuals succeed despite their record. As a Sr. Employment Specialist, Nesta connects his clients to transportation assistance (such as gas cards or TAP cards) as well as education and employment support (helping them complete their GED or high school diploma). These are resources that helped Nesta along his journey, and today he continues to pay it forward.

Beyond structural processes and supportive services, what truly helps individuals succeed is the goodwill of others who believe in them and believe in fair chances.

 “There’s a lot of people who…just don’t believe in fair chances. They don’t believe in second chances. They don’t believe in restorative justice. And they’ll get in your way,” Anthony shared of his experience. “But Chrysalis was the first environment that I was in regularly where I felt like I wasn’t on parole anymore. It built the consistency and the lane [that helped me go from] getting by to seeing me off parole in a successful career.”

Want to make a difference and support fair chances? Volunteering with Chrysalis will help individuals who are determined to get on their pathway to success. With 65 percent of Chrysalis clients reporting being justice-impacted, you could be a part of what’s needed to rebuild a life. Learn more at ChangeLives.org/Volunteer or sign up here to have an informational video sent to your inbox.

The post More Than a Sentence: The Real Impact of Incarceration first appeared on Chrysalis.

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 in—the crisp air, hard-earned stability, and a sense of purpose. This is his life now. 

Not long ago, Alexander’s world looked very different. For over two decades, his path was marked by substance use, periods of incarceration, and short-lived, unfulfilling jobs that never led anywhere. He worked in various industries—always searching for something that stuck, but the cycle of instability pulled him astray, time and time again.  

With many bridges burned in his personal life, he decided to leave behind the life he knew in Ohio for a new start in California. But with no support network, no job prospects, and no income, he immediately found himself without a roof over his head.  

“I became instantly homeless when I arrived in California, and that was the first time I’ve been truly homeless…with no friends, nowhere to stay, like actually on the street.” 

After a four-year prison sentence, Alexander decided it was time to forge a new path. He walked through the doors at Chrysalis, uncertain but determined, and was met with something he hadn’t felt in years: hope. 

At Chrysalis, Alexander was quickly referred to a transitional job with the freeway maintenance division of our employment social enterprise, Chrysalis Roads, working 40 hours a week. It was tough, but so was he. And he quickly discovered that he enjoyed the challenging nature of the job and the unique day-to-day responsibilities. 

“You just reach a point where you turn a corner and you’re just done with the backsliding and the starting over.”

Alexander’s work ethic didn’t go unnoticed. He was given more responsibility, took on a leadership role, and eventually became a Chrysalis Roads supervisor, leading one of the most successful crews. But Alexander didn’t stop there. 

As a participant in the SECTOR program, he earned his Class A commercial driver’s license at no cost, opening doors to career paths he never thought possible. Building on his three-year career at Chrysalis, he applied to Caltrans and went on to accept his current role as an Equipment Operator II. 

“I have a solid career path. If I want, I can take all different kinds of directions. I’m making enough money to provide for the family pay rent, put food on the table, gas in the vehicle, and even set money aside for my daughter’s future. That’s truly a blessing.” 

Now, Alexander doesn’t just clear the roads—he paves the way forward, for himself and for others. His work keeps communities safe, from snow-covered highways to roadways littered with debris. He is an essential worker, a leader, a man who has reclaimed his future. 

Today, Alexander celebrates having a fulfilling, stable career. His family, once distant and disapproving, now celebrate the man he has become. And now, building a family of his own, he and his wife recently secured their own place just in time for the birth of their daughter.  

For Alexander, it started with a choice to change. And that choice led him to a place where he has built a career, a family, and a life worth waking up for. 

“Don’t give up hope because it’s a difficult journey… If Chrysalis hadn’t held on and stuck with me, I wouldn’t have made it.” 

The post Success Bells: Alexander first appeared on Chrysalis.

“Now I feel totally empowered when I come in. I get to see all the great people I’ve worked with throughout different times and classes.”

Elyse’s journey with Chrysalis began with frustration and uncertainty. On her first visit, she arrived late and couldn’t get inside. “I was so mad at myself. I took a few buses, and I didn’t make it. I was sweaty, tired, and just frustrated that it didn’t work out.” Even in that moment, Richard Ferrari, her future employment specialist, offered reassurance and guidance, a small gesture that sparked her persistence and set the stage for her journey ahead.

“The next day, I was better prepared. I didn’t know what else to do. I had never done anything positive with my life, so I figured, what do I have to lose?”

Through determination and the support of her employment specialist, Elyse completed multiple classes, transitional jobs, and peer specialist training, sometimes traveling across the city just to attend. She credits the relationships she built at Chrysalis for helping her stay on track.

“That relationship I built with my employment specialist… the trust I gained in him-is really what ultimately led me to finish what I was supposed to do. He would tell me, ‘Just do this one little class.’ I didn’t realize I needed it until after it was over. That class changed a lot for me.”

Elyse reflects on the challenges she overcame. “I started experiencing homelessness when I was 14. Living on the streets felt normal. Being around ‘normal’ people was difficult. I wasn’t treating my mental health and I started using drugs. It became harder to live in the real world than to stay on the streets.”

Through Chrysalis, Elyse gained stability and a renewed sense of purpose. She now has her own home, her children living with her, and full-time employment. She also mentors youth, sharing her story to inspire them.

“Being able to give back instead of just take means a lot to me. Today, I’m able to show up for people… and I do it for a living now, thanks to Chrysalis.”

Elyse’s story of persistence, trust, and transformation has earned her recognition as the 2025 John Dillion Recipient at this year’s Butterfly Ball. Chrysalis is proud to honor her dedication to change and her commitment to supporting others facing similar barriers.

“Whatever you’re going through, always remember there’s something better in life that’s coming your way.”

Elyse is among thousands of individuals who turn to Chrysalis for guidance and resources each year. Your support helps create opportunities for people like Elyse to thrive, build confidence, and make a lasting impact in their communities.

The post Success Bells: Elyse first appeared on Chrysalis.

“Chrysalis is a great place,” Oscar says. “It helps the community. It gives people a second chance and hope that they can do better. Their doors are always open for all.”

In his current role as a Works Supervisor, Oscar helps his team of sweepers maintain districts across the community. He prepares supplies, uniforms, and equipment, responds to service calls, and provides guidance to his team. Beyond operations, he connects with clients one-on-one, listens to their challenges, and reminds them of their strengths. “I try to hype them up and make them believe in themselves,” he says. “Eventually, they believe in themselves too.”

Oscar’s leadership extends to larger projects as well. He helped supervise crews during the launch of the Office of Community Beautification Clean Streets program in Los Angeles and supported a crew launch in Orange County through a partnership with the City of Anaheim and Anaheim Public Works. These projects show what is possible when individuals are given the opportunity to work, grow, and contribute to their communities.

The journey has transformed Oscar as much as those he leads. “When I first started, I didn’t care much about working,” he reflects. “Being here opened my eyes. It made me realize that anybody can make it. All I needed was an attitude adjustment and guidance. Working with managers and supervisors who have imperfect pasts shows me that I can change too.”

Since joining the team, Oscar has grown skills in painting, pressure washing, leadership, teamwork, and communication. The biggest change, he says, is how much more confident and capable he feels today.

“Chrysalis is a helping hand that picks you up when you fall, giving everyone another chance,” Oscar says.

His advice to others is simple: “The bad days do not last forever. There is a brighter day around the corner. Be patient and remind yourself, especially in your darkest times, why you are doing it.”

Thanks to your support, Chrysalis can continue opening doors and walking alongside people like Oscar, who are not only building their own futures but also lifting up their teams, their communities, and the next generation of clients.

Like Oscar, you, too, can make a difference in the lives of individuals navigating barriers to employment by joining our team of dedicated and passionate professionals.

We’re Hiring!

The post Staff Spotlight: Oscar first appeared on Chrysalis.

In 2019, everything came crashing down. One night, an intruder forced their way into Victor’s apartment and threatened him at gunpoint. Before he could fully recover from the trauma, COVID-19 struck, leaving him bedridden for three months. When Victor finally returned to work, he found himself in a hostile environment, enduring ongoing workplace harassment.

“I went through a really difficult time, but I never gave up. It never crossed my mind to say I don’t want to live anymore, I don’t want to fight anymore; on the contrary, it gave me more strength.”

“Pasé por un momento muy difícil y realmente, pero nunca me rendí. Nunca pasó por mi mente decir ya no quiero vivir, ya no quiero luchar; al contrario, me dio más fuerza.” 

Depression had begun to follow Victor like a shadow, so he bravely sought professional mental health support and ultimately made the decision to leave his job in order to protect his peace and wellbeing. Shortly after securing another factory position, the unthinkable happened. Just a block from home, Victor was violently attacked and robbed. He took the time he needed to heal, but he later found out that his job was no longer available. 

Though these hardships could have broken him, Victor pressed on. With the guidance of his psychologist, he focused on healing while trying to navigate searching for work in a market that felt foreign. He lacked confidence in his English, had never created a formal resume, and had no experience with professional interviews. That’s when his mental health provider recommended Chrysalis. 

“Chrysalis gives you the tools to keep going forward, because there comes a time when you become desperate. They give you this confidence.”

“Chrysalis te da la herramienta para seguir tu adelante, porque llega un momento que uno se desespera. Te dan esa confianza.”

At Chrysalis, Victor found more than job search support—he found a community. Working closely with his employment specialist, he built a resume, practiced for interviews, and gained the confidence to pursue customer-facing roles. Chrysalis also provided rental assistance and transportation support, ensuring he had the resources he needed to take productive steps forward. 

While interviewing for a job in the food industry service against ten other candidates with restaurant experience, Victor held his head high, assuring his future employer that although he did not have direct experience in the field, he would prove his ability to do the job if given the chance. Victor got the job. 

“I told them, ‘If you give me the opportunity, I am not going to prove myself with words, I am going to prove myself through my actions.”

“Les dije—Si ustedes me dan la oportunidad, yo no se los voy a demostrar con palabras, se los voy a demostrar con hechos.” 

Today, Victor wakes up each day with gratitude and purpose. He balances two jobs—one at a bustling restaurant and another at a grocery store—where he finds fulfillment in his work and pride in earning his way. He’s not just rebuilding his own life; he’s giving back. When job openings arise at his workplaces, he reaches out to Chrysalis to help others find opportunities, just as he once needed. 

For Victor, employment means more than a paycheck. It’s security, self-worth, and the ability to support his family—especially his mother, who visits from Mexico when she can. His story is one of resilience, proving that no matter how many times life knocks him down, he will rise again. With the right support, no one has to face their struggles alone. Today, Victor stands on the other side of hardship, ready to uplift others and build a future filled with dignity and hope. 

The post Success Bells: Victor first appeared on Chrysalis.

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 hospital specializing in cancer research. She went on to work in public relations with physicists in scientific research, which gave her the opportunity to travel across Europe.

Innately curious and a lifelong learner, she pursued higher education, going on to establish careers in administration, movie production, high-end retail management, and early childhood education. These opportunities allowed her to cross industries and continents, eventually making California home nearly 40 years ago.

“I left the medical field and worked for the French government, traveling all over Europe. I studied law, then moved to the U.S. and spent years in high-end retail and worked in movie production. Before the pandemic, I taught early childhood education, but when COVID hit, I wasn’t making enough, and I had to let it go.”

In her early 60s, despite her drive to continue growing and learning, Noëlle found herself facing a challenge she had never encountered before: employers were seeing her age, not her experience.

Noëlle first turned to Chrysalis 14 years ago and found a welcoming environment where staff recognized her strongest professional assets and unwavering work ethic. In her own words, “Communication, organization, and public relations are my forte.” Over the years, she has returned to our program—not because she lacked determination, but because the workforce doesn’t always make space for those who still have so much to offer.

“Chrysalis makes people feel at home. They don’t say, ‘We’re going to find a job for you.’ They say, ‘We’re going to help you find a job. We’re going to work together.’”​

During her time with us, Noëlle has utilized one-on-one job search support, resume-writing services, practice interviews, online application assistance, and accessed professional attire. But perhaps most importantly, she found empowerment through the dedicated support of her employment specialist—gaining the confidence to navigate the modern job market.

Thanks to a referral from Chrysalis, Noëlle can now be found five days a week at The Salvation Army, where she is part of the team responsible for displaying received donations on the sales floor. In addition to general inventory organization, she curates a section dedicated to early childhood learning, highlighting interactive experiences for children from infancy through preschool and beyond. She also specializes in presenting accessories by arranging them according to a specific color chart. Her role is a perfect match for her passion for structure, organization, and meaningful human connection.

Her current role is far from the first time Noëlle has embraced something new—and with the goal of working until she’s at least 80, it likely won’t be her last. From jobs in the medical field to the entertainment industry—including a recent role with Cirque du Soleil in Santa Monica—she has learned that success isn’t always about holding onto one job, but about the ability to remain nimble and adapt to an ever-changing world.

“Thank you, Chrysalis, for all your support over the years.”

The post Success Bells: Noëlle first appeared on Chrysalis.

Amanda became part of the organization in 2023 after earning her degree in Public Affairs from UCLA. Prior to Chrysalis, she served as a Care Coordinator for a medical nonprofit and held research roles with the UCLA Labor Center, UCLA Center for Health Policy, and LADOT.

Now serving as a Business Development and Community Engagement Coordinator, Amanda supports clients applying for jobs with employer partners and shares Chrysalis’ mission with community-based organizations and job seekers. “I’m so grateful that I get to help people,” Amanda shares. “Watching clients choose a new path for themselves even when it feels hard is incredibly moving.”

One of her favorite parts of the job is seeing former clients thriving at community events. “It touches my heart when I see clients years into their careers who still advocate for Chrysalis. It reminds me why this work matters.”

Amanda describes Chrysalis as a place where values are lived out every day. “I feel part of a team that is grounded in purpose and committed to real change.” Working here has helped her grow in patience, empathy, and confidence. “I’ve learned how powerful it can be to simply listen and hold space for someone.”

To Amanda, Chrysalis’ mission represents hope and the belief that everyone deserves the opportunity to build a better future. Looking ahead, she sees herself continuing in work that supports healing, growth, and opportunity.

Her advice? “To anyone thinking of joining Chrysalis whether as a team member or client take the step. You’ll be welcomed into a community that believes in you and the power of transformation.”

Like Amanda, you, too, can make a difference in the lives of individuals navigating barriers to employment by joining our team of dedicated and passionate professionals.

We’re Hiring!

The post Staff Spotlight: Amanda first appeared on Chrysalis.

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 without looking over his shoulder.

Larry’s life took a hard turn at a young age and, by adulthood, there was no family left to turn to as he cycled in and out of prison. Decades of heroin addiction had kept him trapped—until a breakthrough in medical treatment options finally offered Larry a path to sobriety, allowing him to see clearly for the first time in forty years.

But reentering the world after so long inside required more than sobriety—it demanded reflection, change, and a new way of thinking. Work had never been the problem. Whether behind prison walls or out in the world, Larry had always worked. But each time he was released, he had no one to turn to and nothing to his name but his past.

“Coming from a prison setting into the community… everything is different. I had no clue how to write a resume. How am I gonna put down this big gap in my life?”

Six months ago, Larry came across a Chrysalis flyer at his halfway house. Intrigued, he decided to give the program a chance.

With no idea how to put together a resume—let alone how to explain years of incarceration without being immediately disqualified—Larry worked closely with his employment specialist to navigate every step of the process. He secured his forklift certification, practiced for interviews, and accessed professional attire and hygiene items from Chrysalis’ resource room.

When he landed a warehouse job, it felt like a fresh start. But it didn’t take long for Larry to realize it wasn’t the right fit. He turned to his employment specialist once again and, through Chrysalis Staffing, he was connected to a role that would bring real meaning to his days.

“Illumination Foundation is a site that provides for the homeless. I do janitorial, we feed them, socialize with them, we do everything.”

Today, Larry finds purpose as a site attendant at a recuperative care center at Illumination Foundation, where he provides janitorial services and support to individuals experiencing homelessness recently discharged from hospitals. The job makes him reflect on what it feels like to be forgotten by the world. Now, he is the one making sure others feel seen.

Recently, he rang the Success Bell in our lobby bustling with clients preparing for a job-readiness class. Larry stood before them—living proof that change is possible. “Stay strong,” he encouraged, ringing the bell with pride. His testimony was brief, but the hope it inspired is lasting.

“I’m a success story! I have a steady job. I made it.”

Back at the lake, Larry reels in his first catch of the day. But his mind isn’t just on the fish—it’s on what’s ahead. Soon, he’ll be moving out of the halfway house, getting his own place, and building a life of true independence. He’s taking things one day at a time, but this time, he’s looking forward.

Because for the first time, Larry isn’t just surviving. He’s living.

The post Success Bells: Larry first appeared on Chrysalis.

“After becoming justice impacted, I faced barriers that hadn’t existed before,” Jazelle shares. “Chrysalis gave me the opportunity to turn my lived experience into a strength. I was drawn to the chance to help others facing similar challenges and show that one bad decision doesn’t define a person.”

She joined the team 10 months ago as an Employment Specialist, where she worked directly with clients. One of her favorite moments was on her final day in that role, which coincided with the first day of the 2025 Ladder Up Training & Internship Cohort. “Seeing clients I had worked with take that next step, nervous but hopeful, was a powerful reminder of why this work matters”. In her current role, Jazelle has been immersed in learning the ins and outs of Chrysalis Enterprises, from understanding contracts and business lines to collaborating with the dedicated individuals behind them. “Chrysalis accepts me as I am,” she says. “It’s a place where I can show up fully, contribute meaningfully, and grow both professionally and personally.”

Jazelle has also experienced profound personal growth during her time at Chrysalis. “This job has helped me forgive myself and embrace my past as a source of strength. I’ve learned how to use my story to support others and transform something that once felt shameful into a powerful tool for change.”

One of the most valuable lessons she’s learned is the power of presence. “Clients don’t always need solutions right away. Sometimes, they just need to be seen and heard. Learning to hold space without judgment has transformed how I connect with others.”

Looking ahead, Jazelle envisions a future filled with purpose, service, and meaningful impact. “I see myself continuing to do purposeful work surrounded by people who are just as passionate. Chrysalis has shown me what it feels like to belong to a mission driven team.”

To anyone thinking about joining Chrysalis, whether as a client or a team member, Jazelle offers this advice: “Do it. Chrysalis is more than a job or a program. It’s a place to grow, to be accepted, and to be part of something meaningful. It’s a community that believes in second chances and transformation.”

Like Jazelle, you, too, can make a difference in the lives of individuals navigating barriers to employment by joining our team of dedicated and passionate professionals.

We’re Hiring!

The post Staff Spotlight: Jazelle first appeared on Chrysalis.

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. His parole officer told him about Chrysalis and our Roads program, and he showed up.

“I always thought I’d do some kind of road work or warehouse job for the rest of my life,” Dylan says. “That’s just what I assumed was my future.”

But possibility has a way of growing when someone gives you a chance. Dylan excelled in our transitional employment, eventually becoming a lead, then a supervisor. Along the way, he built a reputation as someone who got the job done and asked how he could do more. When we created a new position to coordinate client trainings for a new program, Dylan was ready to apply. His story is a powerful reminder that personal drive, when paired with the right support and resources, can lead to incredible growth. Now, as Internal Operations Training Manager, he’s helping lay the foundation for C-CREW, a new Chrysalis program designed to prepare clients for environmental response, construction, and beyond. He’s excited to develop broader training pathways—including certifications in safety, HAZWOPER, trauma-informed care, and de-escalation techniques—so that clients aren’t just qualified for the next job, but for a new chapter.

“Some of our clients don’t realize how much they already bring to the table,” he says. “They just need someone to show them the next step and to believe in them.

Dylan brings that uplifting energy with him everyday. “I want people to know they’re capable of more,” he says. “I’ve been there. I know what it’s like to feel stuck. And I also know what it’s like to break through that.” Today, Dylan is helping to build something that didn’t exist before. With every client he meets and every pathway he helps shape, he’s not just leading—he’s lighting the way. Thanks to your support, Chrysalis can continue opening doors, developing programs like C-CREW, and walking alongside people like Dylan—who are not only rebuilding their own lives, but reaching back to help the next person forward.

The post Success Bells: Dylan first appeared on Chrysalis.