That’s how Michael felt when he came home from long-term incarceration.

He had fallen into the gang lifestyle in his teenage years and spent his youth in juvenile hall and probation camps. After returning in his early twenties, he continued the same path—coming in and out of prison until 2024.

While Michael was in prison, he made the decision to turn a new leaf. He earned his GED and began seeking out resources that would be available when he came home. One day in the prison yard, he found a Chrysalis flyer. It read like a message directed to him, and he decided to respond.

“I wrote a letter to the Chrysalis Pacoima office, and Mrs. Rose [Client Services Coordinator] actually wrote back,” remembers Michael. “She told me to come to the office when I come home—that she would be able to help with job readiness, career exploration, and other services that Chrysalis provides.”

From that point forward, Michael trusted the process. He was determined to have a better life when he got out, and he took every step necessary to make that happen.

“I happened to be in a situation where I was ready, and I wasn’t going to take no for an answer. Chrysalis saw that in me.”

Because Michael had been in and out of the justice system since he was a teenager, he had limited professional experience. Chrysalis supported him with fundamental job-readiness knowledge as a client, offered him transitional employment to develop on-the-job skills, and eventually hired him as a full-time supervisor.

His time working with Chrysalis’ Roads crew doing freeway maintenance was formative in his experience with team-building, leadership, and self-improvement.

“I just developed personally and professionally in ways I would not have been able to in any other job. Chrysalis was able to put me in a position to be a leader,” Michael reflected. “They provided me with the tools that I needed. They helped cultivate a culture of hard-working men and women who all wanted the same thing—who came to work and were striving to do better.”

With a supportive team in his corner, Michael found more than just resources—he found a community that wholly embraced him. This much is clear when he thinks about his face tattoos, many of which have now been removed but still serve as reminders of his past life.

Thinking of the barriers that his tattoos created elsewhere, Michael shared: “Any other job—nine times out of 10, I wouldn’t have gotten hired. Chrysalis took the opportunity to help me grow. They provided me with the tools that were necessary. They surrounded me with managers who took time to pour the love and the good work ethic into me. At Chrysalis, they sincerely want to see the best in you.”

This experience was foundational as Michael continued to develop his skillset and step into his life’s calling. After leaving Chrysalis, he started a career role at Alliance for Community Empowerment (ACE), an organization empowering San Fernando Valley residents with education, job training, housing, behavioral health, violence intervention, and advocacy. There, Michael serves as an Assistant Housing Manager and Reentry Specialist, supporting men who are coming home from long-term incarceration. Michael says his own journey made him realize he wanted to do more to support his community: “I didn’t just want to change myself, I wanted to change everything around me. When you come to the conclusion of I want to change my life, it’s contagious. I started to pick up on everybody around me who needed help. How can I help you? What is it you’re struggling with? What is it that I can do to help? Ultimately, that’s what turned into the job.” In his role, Michael helps participants with housing navigation and career exploration—paying forward the services he received at Chrysalis. For Michael, this work is personal and urgent. He knows firsthand the stigma that formerly incarcerated people face, and he wants to help them carve out paths of dignity, stability and success.

“Some of the biggest challenges are the stigmas about people who served long-term incarceration—that they’re violent, that they’re uneducated, that they don’t care, that they’re destructive, that they’re hateful and hurtful. That was the furthest thing from the truth because I knew that that wasn’t me. Those weren’t words that described who I was. I felt like I could advocate for this community better than anybody else because I lived it.”

As Michael supports others who’ve walked similar paths, he leads with vulnerability. He chooses to be transparent about how challenging, and sometimes defeating, the reentry journey was for him. By being honest about his struggles, Michael was able to get the support he needed at Chrysalis, and it continues to be freeing for him today.

“I’m purposely vulnerable about my failures and rejections because I feel like that sets me free. I don’t just do it for the people I serve, but I do it for me. It sets me free. It allows me not to get paralyzed with that fear or that hurt or that pain.”

Today, Michael is fulfilled and thriving. He has a career that he’s passionate about and one that provides him the financial stability to build the life of his dreams. He has dedicated his life to creating opportunities for formerly incarcerated people, the same way Chrysalis and ACE have done for him.

To folks coming home from incarceration, Michael wants them to know: “Be prepared for the setbacks, the mishaps, the failures, and the rejection. But be 10 times more prepared to recover from those things because it’s possible.”

The post Success Bells: Michael first appeared on Chrysalis.

She focused on regaining solid ground for herself and her children, one small step at a time. She put one foot forward: seeking mental health support from a nonprofit agency. And then another: following a referral to Chrysalis’ job-readiness program.

During that season, Vanessa leaned deeply on her faith as she found her way back to stability: “Even though my future felt unclear, I trusted that Christ was steadying my steps. Looking back on that period of my life, I wasn’t walking alone. I see the people He placed in my path: family and friends, alongside counselors, mentors, and advocates from organizations like Chrysalis.”

Vanessa was nervous about reentering the workforce, but she felt at ease when she arrived for her first job preparation class. Seeing people from all walks of life also navigating challenging pasts and choosing to forge ahead was both humbling and encouraging.

The structure of Chrysalis’ program put Vanessa on what she calls a “path of routine,” giving her the cadence she needed to rebuild. Transitioning out of a volatile period in her life, Vanessa found relief in the otherwise ordinary: “It gave me a place to be at. Okay, I have an appointment at this time, so I’ll get up, get dressed, go there. Okay, next time, I have to do this class—get up, get dressed, and go there.”

One day at a time. One foot after another.

At first, these steps felt small. But looking back, Vanessa sees that this is when the fog began to lift. Chrysalis’ staff listened without pressuring her to map out years into her future. Instead, they helped her focus on rebuilding the present. Eventually, her consistency turned into momentum. She started feeling like herself again, and she started feeling excited about the chapter ahead.

Thinking back to this period of newfound stability, Vanessa shared: “I began to sense that Christ was restoring more than my employment. He was restoring my confidence and sense of identity.”

As she prepared for a job interview with her employment specialist, her confidence returned. The position was in UCLA’s Nuclear Medicine and Theranostics Department, and Vanessa had neither medical experience nor a college degree. She worried these might be limitations, but Chrysalis worked with Vanessa to identify her transferable skills. Vanessa saw that her experience as a successful entrepreneur had equipped her with a skillset well-suited for the role. Chrysalis staff helped her articulate those strengths clearly, and she aced the interview.

Landing the job by highlighting her unique lived expertise affirmed something deeper: authenticity matters.

“You can build something meaningful out of your experiences. Not by pretending to be someone you’re not, but by recognizing that what you’ve walked through builds perseverance,” Vanessa reflected. “For me, that perseverance is not self-made. I believe it was formed through my relationship with Christ, strengthened through adversity, and reinforced by the community of people He placed in my life.”

Now working full-time, Vanessa has found a new rhythm propelling her forward. A year after completing Chrysalis’ program, she has maintained that momentum and found the breathing room to dream again, plan intentionally, and take meaningful steps toward the future.

In addition to her work at UCLA, Vanessa serves as a caregiver. While she did not intentionally seek roles centered on care and connection, she began to recognize how both positions were shaping her in unexpected ways. Through listening to patients, supporting families, and showing up consistently for others, she discovered that these roles were surfacing a deeper calling within her.

“Being able to connect with patients and really hear them out—unknowingly, that is helping me train toward my dream,” Vanessa shared, referring to her hopes of starting a nonprofit that supports women navigating trauma and rebuilding their lives. “These jobs have built up a muscle in me to listen, empathize, understand people’s stories, and simply be present.”

She continues to exercise that muscle daily at work, at home, and in her community. She has also taken tangible steps toward her vision by starting a women’s ministry called Along the Way. The name reflects the belief that growth unfolds step by step. It also honors the people and organizations (like Chrysalis) who walked alongside her during one of the most formative seasons of her life.

That journey was one that Vanessa navigated with presence and intention, and it’s how she continues to move through life. What she’s building next is still taking shape, but it’s rooted in something steady: trust in her faith, gratitude for the support that helped her stand again, empathy for others healing from hardship, and the resilience to move forward—one day at a time.

The post Success Bells: Vanessa first appeared on Chrysalis.

Six years ago, Eddie was on the receiving end of that flyer. While standing in line at his local corner store, Eddie overheard someone recommending Chrysalis to another customer. Looking for a new job at the time, Eddie joined the conversation and was surprised to learn the organization was just down the street from his house.

“I didn’t even know that [my neighborhood] had a program like that. I called and came in, and that’s what started everything,” remembers Eddie.

This was during the COVID-19 pandemic and, consequently, a precarious job market. Eddie had maintained steady employment since high school; he took pride in being a reliable and diligent worker. But things took a turn when business declined at the automotive recycling lot he had worked at for years—forcing the owner to sell the company. On the search for more stable options, Eddie reached out to Chrysalis and soon found full-time work in home repair and maintenance.

Last year, Eddie found himself navigating another challenging season. He had gotten laid off from his job of five years and was seeking a new opportunity. He was discouraged but determined, and he knew exactly where to go to rebuild his way back to stability, confidence, and a meaningful career.

“When I got let go from the job, I was devastated,” Eddie reflected. “But then Chrysalis welcomed me with open arms. Everybody’s very helpful, and if you need anything, they’re there for you. It makes you feel good. It makes you feel like somebody cares about you.”

Returning to Chrysalis a second time was almost a completely different experience for Eddie. This time, he was able to physically visit the center, connect with fellow jobseekers, and see the computer lab, classrooms, and clothing and food resources—all that Chrysalis had to offer. It felt brand new, but he did recognize one familiar face: his former Employment Specialist, David.

“He told me he wasn’t a coach anymore—he was a director. That was awesome because he deserved it. I advanced, and he advanced,” Eddie smiled, inspired by their parallel journeys. “That gave me motivation. And even though he was a director now, he helped me out again.”

Learning about David’s own career development and being able to access Chrysalis’ services in person, Eddie knew he had come to the right place. Without pandemic era limitations, he was able to get the full Chrysalis experience. He took additional steps to make sure he felt equipped for a new role—learning from both staff and his peers and ultimately feeling a deeper sense of accomplishment and pride.

“It was more satisfying because I had to really work for it: take the [job preparation] classes, take the time to get here, and focus. So the second time around, I appreciated it more.”

That focus and determination quickly led him to a new job and, soon after, a promotion. He started out as a freight stocker at Home Depot, but hoped to progress to a role where he could better leverage his people skills and expertise in home maintenance. Within two months, he was promoted to work in the paint department, where he enjoys interacting with customers and helping out with home projects.

Today, Eddie feels like his future is bright, and he wants the same for others. His story is a reminder that when people are given the tools to help themselves, they not only rebuild their own lives but also pass that opportunity forward—sometimes with a flyer in their back pocket.

The post Success Bells: Eddie first appeared on Chrysalis.

Ernest came home in the summer of 2024 after being incarcerated for 30 years. The path that led him there was rife with gang involvement and heavy substance use. Recalling his younger years, Ernest says he didn’t know what he wanted out of life and or have the guidance to change direction. 

“I didn’t seek the help that I should’ve received, and I’ve got no one to blame but myself. Now I tell others: ‘Don’t be ashamed to ask for help because the help’s there—you’ve just got to ask.’ I just never did, but when I got out of prison, I was asking.” 

His asking led him straight to Chrysalis’ doors. 

While living in a transitional home after his release, Ernest was curious about where his roommate had found work. His roommate shared about Chrysalis’ programs and services. In no time, Ernest enrolled in Chrysalis’ job preparation courses and began developing a career plan with his employment specialist. 

Eager to rebuild his life, Ernest made the most of the array of learning experiences, on-the-job training, and resources available at Chrysalis. He was hired onto two social enterprise crews, Roads and Works, where he excelled in freeway and street maintenance. Both his supervisors and his community noticed how much heart he put into his work—earning professional recommendations from bosses and gratitude from unhoused neighbors for keeping the streets clean and safe. 

“I’ve always taken pride in whatever type of work that I do. Not only that, you’ve got to take pride that you’re helping out the community,” Ernest said of his street maintenance work in Skid Row and the thanks he received from locals. 

Committed to pursuing a long-term career beyond transitional jobs at Chrysalis, Ernest jumped at the opportunity to enroll in OSHA and HAZWOPER training. Newly offered by Chrysalis in 2025, these trainings upskill individuals like Ernest as they seek jobs in environmental work, construction, and disaster recovery. 

Soon after getting certified, Ernest secured a full-time job—just one year after coming home from prison. He now works as a Channel Maintenance Technician for 24HRC, where he leverages his training to manage debris removal and maintenance in the Los Angeles River. 

“What helped me get this job is my experience with Roads and Works,” Ernest said of both the technical and people skills he gained at Chrysalis. “When you’re in the LA River, you have to know how to communicate with [people experiencing homelessness] because there are a lot of encampments in the river. You also have to do landscaping: cutting the trees, weeding out the embankment. All of that, we had to do at Chrysalis. When 24HRC interviewed me, I was the first one they hired, and I give thanks to Chrysalis for that.” 

Once Ernest found a job, he thought Chrysalis’ support would also end. He was grateful it didn’t. Dedicated to making sure Ernest had not only the resources to get but also keep the job, his support team continued to check in—securing a laptop for company trainings, cash cards for gas and food, and appropriate clothing for work. 

Today, Ernest feels like he has a new lease on life. He relishes in the peace of mind afforded by his new job. With the security of a full-time schedule and a five-year contract, Ernest now has the breathing room to focus on what’s most important: his family. 

Having left for prison when his daughter was just 12 years old, Ernest now spends his weekends catching up on lost time: “I’m having fun meeting and knowing [my daughter and her children]. I just gotta know them better. I just gotta let them know who their granddad is, who their dad is. That’s something I have to do for the rest of my life.” 

Ernest’s journey is a testament to the truly transformative power of a job. It’s not just about a paycheck; it’s about the life someone is able to confidently build. For Ernest, that’s a life marked by a strong sense of self-worth, deep relational repair with his family, and the courage to turn a helping hand into a meaningful path forward. 

The post Success Bells: Ernest 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.

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.

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.

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.