The Chrysalis Center

Chrysalis Workforce Development (Orange County Only)

Core Employment Program Chrysalis offers a host of job-readiness services to individuals experiencing barriers to the workforce through our job preparation program and paid transitional employment which strengthen our client's employability and ability to secure and retain work. Each individual who comes through the doors of a Chrysalis center is assigned a personal advocate – an Employment Specialist, who uses our series of assessment tools and one-on-one meetings to measure job readiness, develop an individualized service plan, and guide clients through the three stages of the Chrysalis program – getting ready for a job, finding a job, and retaining that job. Our curriculum of job-readiness classes provides information and resources to empower clients to conduct their own job search and includes topics such as where to look for a job, how to create a resume, interviewing skills, addressing felony convictions on the job, and professionalism. Volunteers work with clients to help them create resumes, prepare for interviews, and use technology to find and apply for jobs. We offer clients in-depth customer service training, case management, and supplemental supports such as interview clothing, transportation assistance, food, computers, a phone message center, and a mailing address. Through partnerships, Chrysalis clients also have access to on-site mental health support, housing referrals, and legal assistance. In addition, Chrysalis provides scholarships to help clients access external trainings, certifications, and tools that will help them in their job search. In addition, ongoing support groups and outreach efforts help clients in their employment retention. This tested and tried method works, as over 70% of clients who find jobs through our program are still employed after six months. Chrysalis Enterprises For clients facing significant barriers to employment, Chrysalis offers paid, transitional employment with our in-house Chrysalis Enterprises businesses to get them started on the road to permanent, outside employment. Transitional jobs deliver marketable experience and occupational skills while providing a closely supervised, supportive working environment that allows clients to demonstrate and practice their hard and soft skills. CE workers participate in the program for three to twelve months, while simultaneously continuing their job search, with the support of their Employment Specialist, to ensure a successful transition to outside employment. There are currently four businesses within Chrysalis Enterprises: Chrysalis Works: a professional street maintenance company, providing work experience in trash and recycling pick-up, landscaping, graffiti removal, hauling, and street sweeping. Customers include the City of Santa Monica, Lowe’s Santa Monica Beach Hotel, and nearly 20 Business Improvement Districts throughout Los Angeles. We are currently in talks with business districts in Orange County to expand the benefits of Chrysalis Works across the Southland. Chrysalis Roads: a litter abatement and freeway maintenance business offering transitional employment to individuals re-entering from the criminal justice system. Contracts with Caltrans in Los Angeles and Orange County are currently in effect. Chrysalis Staffing: a temporary staffing agency that allows clients to re-enter the job market through short-term, full-time, and part-time work assignments in administrative office support, property management, and janitorial services, among others. The ultimate goal for staffing assignments is that they will lead to long-term and permanent employment with the partner's company. Chrysalis Safekeeping: encompasses our contracted housekeeping and safe storage (BIN) services, which we have been providing for many years as a division of Chrysalis Works. This line provides clients with housekeeping work in various settings as well as janitorial and customer service jobs at three free, safe storage facilities, where housed and unhoused patrons can store and access their personal property.