Nancy first learned about Chrysalis through OneOC’s Retired & Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP). She was intrigued by the organization’s volunteer listing: teaching job preparation classes to individuals navigating barriers to the workforce. Although nonprofit board service was a path she considered, she ultimately knew she wanted to participate more on “ground level” with an organization. This opportunity—getting to interact with and support clients directly—was exactly the type of work that excited her.

Soon enough, Nancy was teaching five to six classes a month at Chrysalis’ Orange County center. During Chrysalis’ four-part Job Preparation series, clients reflect on their existing skills and learn job readiness strategies. Nancy teaches three classes in the series focused on 1) the job search, 2) the interview, and 3) job retention, as well as one comprehensive class designed for young adults.

Nancy brings a wealth of professional knowledge and experience to her volunteer role, having last served as Chief Operations Officer at SCAN Health Plan. There, she supported older adults in accessing dignified healthcare and solutions for aging well. Her career and academic focus emphasized public health, giving her an awareness and appreciation for the unique health disparities and life circumstances that different populations face. At Chrysalis, we see that expertise show up in her deep empathy for the communities that our organization serves.

“I have professional experience that I can share through the classes… What I don’t have is a lot of the lived experience that many of the clients have: having had to wrestle with substance use disorders, having a justice system interaction, being homeless, being from a broken home. The way they approach the class—those experiences are part of them, they’re part of the fabric of their lives,” Nancy shared. “What I try to do is make my experience available in a way that makes sense, but also to really learn from the clients in the classroom, from their perspectives.”

Because Nancy approaches her role with such humility, clients can feel more confident in not only the program curriculum but also their own skills and expertise. One example that illustrates this is when Nancy’s classroom became a space where clients with lived expertise were able to take the lead. A client who shared that they were diagnosed with ADHD expressed that they occasionally have trouble with continuous listening at work and asked Nancy for advice. Nancy acknowledged that she didn’t have personal experience with ADHD, but still offered her perspective in a respectful and helpful way. Two other clients chimed in, sharing that they also have ADHD, and Nancy opened the floor to their expertise. She recalls, “They started supporting each other, and then we had a conversation about tactical approaches to manage that on the job. That was a great discussion that they all benefited from, but I certainly benefited from it, too.”

Part of what makes Nancy’s classes so engaging to clients is her willingness to put herself out there. She has expressed that she admires the bravery of Chrysalis clients re-entering the workforce, and they challenge her to be brave, too. One of her favorite Chrysalis moments is during a practice interview, where clients chose an interview question for her to answer on the spot: “I’m so glad I didn’t practice the answer. It was such a better conversation for everyone to give that feedback and also to see what it looks like to receive it.”

Nancy’s warm demeanor, collaborative approach, and skillful facilitation add color to the curriculum and clients’ experience. Completing the class series is the very first step in Chrysalis’ job-readiness program. When they are engaged and their lived experience is honored in the class series, they have a more positive outlook on the path ahead. The Chrysalis team is grateful for Nancy and the critical role she plays in changing lives through jobs.

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“At Chrysalis, we provide that hope,” she says. “We support our clients on their journey to self sufficiency, and that’s incredibly powerful.”

In her early years of volunteering at Chrysalis, her first class was leading a Stress Management class, helping clients navigate the emotional toll of the job search process. And to this day, she still incorporates what she taught more than a decade ago. She emphasizes the importance of perseverance: “Do not give up. You are not alone here. We are in this together.”

Celine says one of her favorite moments at Chrysalis is when clients ring the Success Bell to celebrate getting a job. “That bell is a symbol of hope, not just for the person ringing it, but for everyone who hears it. It’s a reminder that progress is possible.” Another meaningful moment came when a client shared a moving poem about their journey, a reflection, she says, of the deep impact the Chrysalis community has on people’s lives. Beyond her weekly volunteer role, Celine finds joy in horseback riding, traveling, and caring for her three dogs alongside her husband. Her family firmly believes that everyone deserves a second chance and that employment leads to a more fulfilled, productive life. Her advice to others considering volunteering?

“Do it. You will not regret it. There has never been a day I have thought I have to be here. It is always I get to be here. And that makes all the difference.”

Celine continues to inspire clients and fellow volunteers with her empathy, expertise, and unwavering belief in the power of opportunity.

Thank you to Celine and our many volunteers across Southern California helping Chrysalis clients find, prepare for, and retain jobs!

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A lifelong resident of the Van Nuys/Sherman Oaks area, Tony’s story is deeply rooted in the community. After earning a degree in mechanical engineering and building a decades-long career in public affairs, he chose to give back in a meaningful way-supporting individuals on their pathway to stability, security, and fulfillment through employment.

Since joining Chrysalis in late 2023, Tony has become a thoughtful and consistent presence at our Pacoima site. Whether guiding clients through job-readiness classes, reviewing resumes, or leading mock interviews, he creates a welcoming environment where clients feel heard, supported, and empowered to take their next steps.

“I like to create a safe environment where clients feel comfortable and confident,” Tony shares. “When they walk into a real interview, they’ll be ready.”

Tony’s belief in the potential of every client is unwavering. “The first thing I tell clients is, ‘You matter.’ Walking through our doors is already a win-they’ve taken the first step. He recalls a powerful moment when a client, after ringing the Success Bell to celebrate a new job, paused to express her gratitude:

“When I walked through the door, I felt very depressed. Now I feel positive and I got the job.” For Tony, moments like this reflect the impact of showing up with empathy and intention.

Outside of Chrysalis, Tony is a committed family member and an avid hiker who enjoys exploring the outdoors each week. His approach to volunteering is simple and powerful: “If you show up excited, your energy will transfer to the client. And that’s how we help people change their lives.”

We’re grateful for Tony’s dedication to our community. His presence reminds us that when we meet people where they are, lead with compassion, and focus on their strengths, we create pathways to lasting change.

Thank you to Tony and our many volunteers across Southern California helping Chrysalis clients find, prepare for, and retain jobs!

Become a Volunteer

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Deborah says, “Volunteering always helps. When you help others, you’re helping yourself.”

Thank you to Deborah and our many volunteers across Southern California helping Chrysalis clients find, prepare for, and retain jobs!

Become a Volunteer

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Over the past several years, Sue has supported Chrysalis clients by refining their resumes and bolstering their interviewing skills. Her teaching background and her expertise as a tutor makes Sue an invaluable volunteer for our clients. When she meets a client, she takes the time to understand their journey and asks about their employment goals. 

Sue provides clients with insights into skills they didn’t even know they had. By the end of a resume-writing session, for instance, her goal is to make a client feel more accomplished and confident. “Look at all that you’ve done!”, she tells them.

She also excels in providing encouragement during practice interviews. Sue notes that people often underestimate their own experiences, so she urges clients to brag about themselves and to confidently speak about their achievements and capabilities.

“I’ve met so many wonderful people. I have always been pleasantly surprised by people. I love how happy the clients are.”

Sue reflects on a time when she supported a client who had been incarcerated for nearly forty years. He expressed to her how he had felt uncertain about the changes in the world, especially how technology had developed during the majority of his adult life. Sue encouraged him not to feel overwhelmed and referred him to free resources that are available on the internet, like video tutorials and phone applications.

“He was such a nice man. He wanted to do something to give back to society after being let out. I worked really hard to help him create a nice resume.”

Sue’s home is in Orange County where she has lived for most of her life. Shortly after moving away from California, she became a single mother.

“I told myself if I could get to a point where I can make people’s lives easier – compared to what I had – that’s what I wanted to do,” Sue explains. “I wanted to do anything I could do to help people become successful.”

Thank you to Sue and our many volunteers across Southern California helping Chrysalis clients find, prepare for, and retain jobs!

Become a Volunteer

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“I was interested in the long-term, in people who want to make a life-change. I wanted to support clients not just getting through the day but wanting to change the larger course of their life, like supporting a client reentering the workforce.”

Kristin describes her volunteer experience at Chrysalis as uniquely fulfilling because of the ripples of change she can make. “Resume work is going to go beyond that day. It feels different because it’s more permanent or lasting. I feel like I’m making an impact.”

Two times a week, Kristin helps Orange County clients over the phone, each call ranging anywhere from 20 to 40 minutes. During these sessions, Kristin explains to clients that their resumes are not set in stone and that they should feel encouraged to customize them based on their experience. Leveraging her public relations and communications background, she adeptly wordsmiths a resume to the client’s strengths. By keeping her sessions conversational and asking thoughtful questions, she gets a sense of what the client wants to do for work and tailors their resume around their skills and goals.

A practice interview session with Kristin is always a safe space. She reassures clients that messing up or feeling shy at times is normal and acceptable. Her favorite moments in these sessions with clients are when she meets with someone who is more reserved at the beginning but opens up and is confident presenting themselves and describing their skills by the end of her time with them.

“It’s important to get the client talking,” Kristin explains. She emphasizes that all clients, including those who are justice-involved, have valuable experience they can contribute to the workforce. And she enjoys finding the nuances of their stories.

“They can be great communicators. Maybe they like helping people or making things better,” Kristin says, “I show clients what they have done and how powerful their experience has been.”

Thank you to Kristin and our many volunteers across Southern California helping Chrysalis clients find, prepare for, and retain jobs!

Become a Volunteer

Kristin is originally from Orange County and now lives a few blocks away from the Chrysalis Downtown center. She loves spending her free time serving Chrysalis clients across Southern California, volunteering with the Echo Park Trash Club, spending time with her boyfriend and pets, and discussing literature with her book club.

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Beyond this crucial weekly role as a Chrysalis volunteer, Robin stepped in as a valuable stagehand during our annual Butterfly Ball – helping to ensure the seamless flow of the event behind the scenes. She, alongside numerous other event volunteers, contributed to the event raising $1.6 million toward our efforts to change lives through jobs.

In Robin’s classes, clients receive support in improving verbal and nonverbal communication, enhancing their presentation skills, and boosting their self-confidence. As an advocate and believer in positive affirmations, she hands out “Accept Your Greatness” pins, which clients can be seen sporting around the center, showcasing their spirit and self-assurance.

“Robin is absolutely one of a kind. She and I began our journey in Chrysalis at roughly the same time, and I have seen her dive into our culture. She does everything from teaching our classes, attending our sponsored events, and even being my go-to person at the Butterfly Ball! I’m grateful to have her as a volunteer.” 

Dwayne Johnson, Chrysalis Volunteer & Program Coordinator

Robin was first drawn to Chrysalis by her eagerness to make a meaningful impact on an individual level. She shares that after volunteering with other organizations, she was dedicated to going beyond sticking a bandaid on the chronic wound of homelessness. Robin was interested in a real solution.

At Chrysalis, Robin believes she is working toward transforming lives and addressing the root cause of the homelessness crisis. She carries a sense of responsibility for every client she meets.

Robin recalls the first time she helped a client with an online job application. The client, who only spoke Spanish, needed a cover letter to apply for a housekeeping role at a hotel. Robin, who speaks fluent Spanish, stepped in and was able to help her with the cover letter and the application. Through Robin’s assistance, the client secured the job.

“I feel like when I volunteer – when I help someone in the class, I’m actually making a difference. I’m changing the trajectory of lives and the lives of their families. I want to break the cycle of poverty. It changes everything.”

Robin currently lives in Alhambra with her family. She enjoys landscaping and working in her garden where she’s growing succulents, meyer lemons, and plants that attract monarch butterflies.

Thank you to Robin and our many volunteers across Southern California helping Chrysalis clients find, prepare for, and retain jobs!

Become a Volunteer

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Over the past four months, Karen has supported Chrysalis clients during their job search journey both virtually and in person. As our centers have transitioned back to prioritizing face-to-face services, we reached out to our volunteers for support – and Karen stepped up to conduct in-person interview workshops at our Santa Monica center.

“The interview workshop has been a great opportunity to interact. People are more open to sharing. It’s a different dynamic [than being online].”

One of Karen’s favorite parts about facilitating the workshops is receiving feedback from our clients on the curriculum she can share with Chrysalis staff. For example, SB731, the bill that seals felony records after a certain number of years, needed to be added to the training as the bill finally took effect on July 1, 2023. Together with staff, clients, and volunteers, we are able to make our workshops more informative and beneficial for all.

“I really enjoy the experience of facilitating something and connecting people who wouldn’t have otherwise met.”

Karen recalls a memory when a client shared his experience of going into an interview. He arrived on time and greeted the receptionist, who told him to wait. As a surprise to him, it turned out that the receptionist was his interviewer! From this story, Karen shares that it’s always important to treat everyone with kindness and respect.

Outside of volunteering, Karen enjoys reading and is a full-time data scientist, helping shape education policies. 

Thank you to Karen and our many volunteers across Southern California helping Chrysalis clients find, prepare for, and retain jobs!

Become a Volunteer

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Last month, Monte was nominated for the Spirit of Volunteerism Award for his extraordinary work in helping conduct mock interviews for clients, resulting in multiple successful hires. Additionally, Monte was handpicked to spearhead a pilot program with our Volunteer & Program team, aimed at fostering greater communication between Chrysalis Staffing clients and volunteers. Monte was chosen because of his history of providing valuable feedback, and he will soon introduce the program to other volunteers.

“I love seeing clients grow as individuals. Watching them face their employment challenges is a joy to witness.”

When Monte isn’t chasing after his six grandkids or traveling with his wife of 49 years, he finds solace in nature. He feels energized by standing in rivers and casting his fly line to catch rising trout.

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Chrysalis’ core commitment is to help people secure employment and get on a pathway to stability, security, and fulfillment in their work and lives. Woven into the fabric of our supportive services and resources are tools and trainings that enhance financial literacy.

Financial literacy

noun

the ability to understand and effectively use various financial skills, including personal financial management, budgeting, and investing

Each quarter, Chrysalis’ Volunteer & Program team hosts a Financial Empowerment Series – financial literacy workshops that are a key thread in someone’s journey to self-sufficiency. Workshops allow our clients to access valuable tools and financial education and are hosted in partnership with volunteers who work at banks that provide grant support for Chrysalis’ programs.

Everyone deserves to be empowered financially, but it can be hard to know where to start. 

Financial empowerment workshops are offered virtually and in person at Chrysalis’ centers in English and Spanish and cover a range of topics, including:

• Banking basics
• Online banking
• Establishing credit/understanding credit scores  

The variety of subject matter and ways of access mean more clients can attend sessions, based on what is most relevant to their needs.

Each series of our financial literacy workshops are made possible by local banks that dedicate their time and talent to Chrysalis and our clients, including Bank of America, Capital One, CTBC Bank (USA), First Citizens Bank (formerly CIT/One West Bank), Pacific Western Bank, Pacific Premier Bank, and Union Bank.

In honor of Financial Literacy Month, we are offering three workshops at the end of April on the following topics:

• Healthy Credit
• Saving Success
• Borrowing Basics

 Special thank you to our hosts, Bank of America, Capital One, and Pacific Western Bank.

Thank you to our partners

Chrysalis’ bank partnerships, and the people behind them, help us change lives. Not only are these partners supporting Chrysalis through their grant programs, they are providing essential services to our clients. They provide care and support to those we serve with the same attitude and compassion as our staff and volunteers. They become inspired by participating in our program delivery and may even return as program volunteers.

Building sustainable financial literacy habits and money management goals is just one part of the larger picture of individual growth and dignity. Our 2022 client engagement survey results show that our clients cite financial literacy as an ongoing need. We are grateful to the community that helps make this part of our program possible.

Get involved

Become a Volunteer!

About the author

Eliza Sanchez Manager of Institutional Giving, Chrysalis

Drawn to Chrysalis by her passion for serving her community through mission-driven work that has a tangible impact, Eliza is dedicated to helping our clients navigate barriers to employment with agency, dignity, and respect. As Manager of Institutional Giving, she helps secure key funding from corporate donors and foundations.  Eliza has a degree in Marketing Communications from Emerson College. In her personal time, she volunteers with community-based groups to care for our neighborhoods and enjoys reading, writing, listening to history podcasts, and photography. Contact Eliza

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