“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!

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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.

“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.

“What excites me about working at Chrysalis is that I get the opportunity every day to be part of a team that treats what they do as their passion and not just a job,” Shemel shares.

Shemel’s journey with Chrysalis has been transformative. Reflecting on his experience as both a client and staff member, he says, “I learned as a client that if I do the work and apply myself, with the support Chrysalis offers, I can make anything happen.” Now, as a staff member, he’s stepping out of his comfort zone and embracing his potential. “I’m challenging myself more within my work—Chrysalis has helped me with that.”

Shemel’s approach to client interactions reflects the compassion and dedication that define Chrysalis. “To always be present. Never give the clients a discouraging tone, as we never know what barriers or adversities a client has or may be facing before walking through those doors,” His dedication to listening and creating a positive space reflects the heart of Chrysalis’ mission.

Looking ahead, Shemel envisions continuing to serve others. “In the future, I see myself continuing acts of service! I’ve been able to experience a whole other aspect and meaning to ‘having a job.’ I want to continue to help change lives, regardless of how big or small!” Chrysalis has played a pivotal role in shaping this vision, as Shemel reflects on his journey with the organization. “Chrysalis helped shape that vision by accepting me into this incredible team of people who have been changing lives for years before I came along. Seeing the same passion, dedication, and love put into the mission—it’s powerful, and I’m honored to be a part of it!”

Like Shemel, 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: Shemel first appeared on Chrysalis.

In many ways, a Chrysalis Roads van embodies the essence of a chrysalis. It serves as a space for growth, change, and transformation for the transitional workers inside, most of whom have recently been released from jail or prison. As they embark on their daily task of beautifying California’s roadways, they also begin a journey of professional and personal development.

Each client is guided and encouraged by a supervisor who is invested in their safety, professional development, and wellbeing. One such supervisor is Robert, who knows what it means to find community and purpose as a member of one of our crews.

Robert’s path to success wasn’t easy. After 18 years of incarceration, he faced a number of barriers to employment and reintegrating into his community. Apparent gaps in his work history due to time spent in prison made it difficult for him to secure job leads. “When I came out, I was looking for jobs, but I didn’t have much experience to show,” he shares. 

“From the moment I walked into Chrysalis, I felt welcomed. I realized I had come to the right place.”

Robert found his way to Chrysalis through a transitional home, where he learned about our job-readiness services and employment social enterprise program.

Initially starting as a client, Robert excelled in a transitional job with the Chrysalis Roads program. Driven by his tenacious spirit, faith, and unwavering work ethic, he transitioned into a leadership role in just three months time. Now, he encourages his clients to see their potential. “I tell them, ‘I started from the back, and now I’m in the front. You can do this too.’”

 “I started in the back of the van, watching my supervisor and thinking, ‘I can do this!'”

Beyond ensuring that his crew members safely and efficiently complete their duties, Robert prioritizes understanding the struggles they might face in realizing their professional goals or in their personal lives. He recognizes that his crew members are whole individuals, not just employees. “I give every one of my clients a card, letting them know they can reach out to me anytime,” he says. “It’s important for them to know that someone cares.”

He also shares that a steady job is both a blessing and essential for his stability. “It means the world to me. It gives me purpose,” he shares. Now living in his own apartment and driving his own car, he celebrates the opportunity to build a safe and loving home and the independence he has gained.

As a supervisor, we are grateful that Robert is fostering an environment of positivity and growth for Chrysalis clients and creating ripples of change – both inside the van and beyond. His journey exemplifies the transformation that can happen when individuals are given a second chance and a path to meaningful, gainful employment. “All you have to do is take the first step,” he encourages. “Chrysalis is here with open arms, ready to help you.”

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

Chrysalis is an equal opportunity employer and strongly encourages applications from all qualified individuals who share lived experience with the communities we serve. In particular, Chrysalis welcomes applicants who are formerly incarcerated and/or justice-involved; people who have experienced housing insecurity and/or economic inequity; Black, Indigenous, and people of color; persons with disabilities; ethnic and religious minorities; and members of the LGBTQ+ community.

Our Careers

“Chrysalis supports us 100% and that’s big for people like me that come from where I come from. That’s big for a lot of our clients. There are people that really, genuinely care. Chrysalis cares.”

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“I have a reason to wake up every morning so I could help and assist these clients who are in need.”

After years of incarceration, Rudy faced significant barriers to employment, including fears of discrimination stemming from his past. The pandemic further complicated his job search. Yet he recalls feeling hopeful when he came across Chrysalis while searching for employment services online. 

At Chrysalis, Rudy received vital support from his dedicated employment specialist, who initially guided him through our program and services virtually during the pandemic. Together, they established his professional goals, made improvements to his resume, prepared for interviews, and completed online job applications.

“Chrysalis is always going to open their doors to anybody, regardless of background or situation.”

Rudy was also referred to a transitional job within our organization’s employment social enterprise. The opportunity to work as a street sweeper provided him with a steady paycheck while paving a pathway to his current role. 

Rudy’s professionalism, work ethic, and charisma consistently stood out to his employment specialist and others in the organization. There was no doubt he was the perfect candidate to be one of the first points of contact for current and new clients. 

He smiles with pride as he reflects on the day he rang the success bell – a historical celebration marking a client’s transition to permanent employment. In his current role, he gets a front-row seat to the occasions – bell ringings, he describes, remind him of the transformation a caterpillar undergoes within a chrysalis to become a butterfly.

“One of my favorite things is when the client gets a job. I see a smile on the client’s face because they are off on their new journey. It’s beautiful.”

Today, Rudy skillfully deescalates challenging situations and encourages clients daily with words of encouragement. He enthusiastically shares his personal alignment with Chrysalis’ vision and values and demonstrates it in his actions each day. 

“I feel extremely supported here,” he shares, explaining that in addition to being his employer, his Chrysalis coworkers have become like family to him. He encourages others with words of wisdom: “No matter how hard life gets, no matter how many doors you get slammed in your face, keep on trying and don’t give up. Because, eventually, a butterfly is going to land right on your shoulder when you least expect it.”

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

Chrysalis is an equal opportunity employer and strongly encourages applications from all qualified individuals who share lived experience with the communities we serve. In particular, Chrysalis welcomes applicants who are formerly incarcerated and/or justice-involved; people who have experienced housing insecurity and/or economic inequity; Black, Indigenous, and people of color; persons with disabilities; ethnic and religious minorities; and members of the LGBTQ+ community.

Our Careers

The post Staff Spotlight: Rudy first appeared on Chrysalis.

Every moment spent with her kids is cherished by Shantelle, who knows the value of laying a foundation of love, stability, and safety for her family of three.

“I was a child of abuse, so my grandmother took me and tried to move me as far as possible… but it was still a hard upbringing.”

Growing up, Shantelle moved from place to place, from California to Texas, and beyond. Her childhood was marred by abuse, and she struggled with the trauma that came with it. 

It was the tough love of a high school attendance officer that made her realize she could change the direction of her life. “I’ll never forget her… she sat me down and she let me know, like, ‘Hey, is this the direction you want your life to go?’ It hurt my feelings then, and it made me angry. But I was like, you know what, let me start seeing what she sees in me.”

With that, she dove into her studies, graduated on time (despite the option of receiving her diploma two years early), and began working from a young age. She later became a mother.

As a single, working mom, Shantelle held jobs in a variety of industries, including customer service, hospitality, music, construction, project management, and truck driving. After being laid off and unable to work due to an injury, she experienced two confrontations that led to legal consequences. As a single parent with no money to hire an attorney, her options were limited, leading her to accept a plea deal rather than contest the charges.

She describes her time in prison as a turning point in her life. “I always tell people that prison is an ugly place… but without prison, I don’t think that I would be the person that I am today,” she reflects. 

“I was already alone, and now I’m in prison. My kids don’t have anybody because I don’t have anybody.”

Upon her release, Shantelle was determined to establish a new cadence for her life. She began the process of regaining custody of her children and picked up the phone to learn more about Chrysalis’ job-readiness program. One of our Roads Operations Supervisors answered – setting the stage for Shantelle’s transformation and career trajectory at our organization.

In addition to the one-on-one support she received from her employment specialist and access to professional attire in our resource room, Shantelle was quickly referred to a transitional job within our employment social enterprise.

“When I walked out of prison, I walked into a new life.”

Initially providing freeway maintenance with the Roads program, Shantelle quickly rose through the ranks. Within weeks, she challenged the status quo – moving from being the only female crew member to accepting a promotion to Lead. Shortly after, she was offered a permanent internal operations position with Chrysalis and later became Senior Operations Manager, supporting the very teams she once worked alongside.

As a Senior Operations Manager, her role is multifaceted – she supports our freeway maintenance crews, ensures safety and training standards are met, and is a bridge between supervisors and clients.

“Without Chrysalis, I wouldn’t have got my kids back… I wouldn’t have been able to get that power back.”

Shantelle’s career progression is not her only achievement. She also celebrates regaining custody of her children after a grueling two-year battle. Amid the hurried excitement of moving in, Shantelle’s son slowed the tempo when he shared how happy he was to be home. Looking around at what she perceived to be a modest one-bedroom apartment, Shantelle’s perspective shifted and her heart swelled as he said, “You’re where it’s at, because home is wherever you’re at, Mommy.”

Shantelle’s story is a testament to the power of resilience and the importance of support systems and fellowship. Now, as she helps others on their paths to success, her journey stands as an inspiration – a reminder that with humility, determination, support, and faith, change is always possible. “Don’t give up,” she encourages. “You can always find help somewhere if you really need it, and your story can change.”

“If you need to feel weak – to feel vulnerable – do that, because that’s when you’ll find your true strength.”

Thank you for helping us transform the lives of thousands of individuals like Shantelle who turn to Chrysalis’ job-readiness services each year!

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The post Staff Spotlight: Shantelle first appeared on Chrysalis.

As she steps into the Chrysalis center each day, Nicole’s motivation is for the betterment of both her team and our clients. A proud Los Angeles native, she feels deeply rooted and connected to a mission that is aimed at nurturing her community.

Nicole considers it a tremendous privilege to do work that fosters growth both holistically and at an individual level.

Nicole reminisces about the first time in her role when she felt like she belonged to something bigger. Fairly new to the organization, Nicole stepped out for lunch and ran into a Chrysalis Enterprise client who needed critical documentation to secure housing, with a deadline that same day. With urgency, Nicole and several staff members sprang into action and supported the client by obtaining her paystubs and work history papers.

“I saw the relief in her face and the tears in her eyes. It seemed like the first time in a while she could breathe — that her life was going to be different after today. She had done so much work and that was the last thing she needed to step into a home,” Nicole recalls. “It was powerful to be a part of that.”

Reflecting on that experience, she shares her joy in seeing fellow staff members unite in support of Chrysalis clients. “We are an organization that is filled with amazing humans who are committed to the mission and to meet clients where they are at. It’s rare and unique to Chrysalis.”

Nicole finds the mutable nature of her job exhilarating. While she knows that no two days will be the same and that each day will bring its own set of challenges, she is always ready to support her staff and Chrysalis clients.

“I love seeing the lobby filled with clients, the energy of people going in and out, and our clients working to clean the streets right outside.”

In her free time, Nicole enjoys traveling, reading, and hosting guests in her home.

Our Services

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In her role as a Client Service Coordinator, Symphony handles the flow of people who enter the center, getting them to where they need to go.

One of Symphony’s greatest strengths is her ability to cultivate trust with every individual who comes through Chrysalis’ doors – despite what they are personally and professionally navigating. She understands the responsibility of being the first person from the organization with whom current and potential clients interact, and greets everybody with respect. Her relationship and rapport with those we serve set a valuable foundation of confidence between our clients and Chrysalis as an organization. When the need arises, she also adeptly handles escalated situations, a skill she honed from many years in customer service.

“Clients like to be heard. They have a situation they’re going through, and it’s traumatic. They need to express themselves because no one is listening. I always give them a few minutes – to listen to them – and I don’t take it personally. There’s trust that I will take care of them.”

Symphony typically drives through Skid Row on the way to work. One day, she recognized someone from her daily commute at Chrysalis. After greeting the individual multiple times, she later observed him providing street sweeping, trash removal, and beautification services as a transitional employee with Chrysalis Works within our Employment Social Enterprise.

For Symphony, the most gratifying part of her job is the heartwarming moments when clients secure employment or find stable housing.

In 2021, Symphony was referred to her current position by a former Chrysalis staff member. In April of this year, she went on a six-month maternity leave. Returning in mid-September, she hit the ground running, seamlessly picking up where she had left off. She feels immensely grateful for the opportunities she was given and wants to return the favor to her peers and her community.

As Symphony reflects on her experience living and working in Los Angeles, she shares, “I’m always grateful when someone points me in the right direction. I don’t gatekeep. I love sharing opportunities and there are a lot of opportunities to share. I’m always thankful, so I like doing it for other people.”

Outside of work, Symphony likes to bake, where she has perfected the cupcake. This year, Symphony and her husband welcomed two additional members of the family, their puppy and their daughter Lenise.

The post Staff Spotlight: Symphony first appeared on Chrysalis.

For Jessica, the most gratifying part of her job is being able to level the playing field for community members who do not have access to job-search resources and training. As a first-generation Mexican American, she feels a sense of responsibility to help those who are underrepresented and underserved by spreading knowledge to her community.

One way Jessica does this is by facilitating job readiness classes in which clients learn the differences between soft and hard skills, how to prepare for interviews, how to keep a job, and how to receive feedback on the job.

A natural people person, Jessica always takes great care to create a safe and welcoming environment in her classes, ensuring that clients feel comfortable. “A lot of the time, we’re the only people that clients see in a day, especially those who are unstably housed. There’s not always quality customer service out in the community. I want to make sure we’re giving tools, but also treating clients with the utmost respect.”

In a recent job readiness class, a client with limited professional work history approached her feeling unsure about how to showcase their experience. She offered guidance by encouraging the individual to focus on highlighting their soft skills, including their ability to learn quickly and be punctual for a job. She believes all experience is valuable and that a good resume just depends on how it is framed. Watching clients have that “Aha!” moment makes it all worth it for Jessica.

A typical workday for Jessica varies wildly because she and her team have their hands on a multitude of different projects. Throughout the week, you can find her actively engaged in cross-departmental collaboration. She regularly liaises with our Client Service team members, partners on projects to support our employment social enterprise, and closely mentors student volunteers.

Outside of work, Jessica can be found learning French on the Duolingo app, where she has a 400-plus-day streak.

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