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Chrysalis is dedicated to helping homeless and economically disadvantaged individuals become self-sufficient through employment opportunities.

Chrysalis is the only independent nonprofit organization in Los Angeles County exclusively dedicated to helping economically disadvantaged and homeless individuals become self-sufficient through employment opportunities. In 2004-2005, 93% of our clients (1730 homeless and economically disadvantaged individuals) were able to secure employment through Chrysalis programming.

Each client in this program will undergo an initial assessment to determine eligibility, social history, employment and educational background. Eligible clients enroll in on-site job training classes and receive job readiness services including search strategies, resume writing, interview preparation and basic computer training. Clients receive on-site support services such as telephone and facsimile access, voicemail, a message center, clothing and transportation for interviews, and a temporary address for contact information by prospective employers. Clients work closely with an employment specialist to construct an individualized employment plan to pursue short and long term goals, and receive referrals for housing, child-care and/or health services. Through our Job Readiness Services, clients have access to a wide range of classes, support groups and services designed to improve job search skills, self-confidence, and employability. Intensive classes include anger management, stress management, relapse prevention, “Putting the Bars behind You” for clients criminal histories and Retention Groups.

Our “hardest to employ” clients, generally clients with felonies, drug and/or alcohol problems, disabilities and/or little or no job skills, generally participate in our 6-month transitional employment opportunities: Labor Connection, which offers temporary and temp-to-hire work assignments, or StreetWorks, a professional street maintenance company that serves Business Improvement Districts throughout the County. These transitional employment opportunities serve as a springboard into long-term employment with outside jobs, by teaching clients basic job skills and building their resumes. StreetWorks and Labor Connection give our clients an opportunity to develop their job skills in a supportive environment that recognizes their barriers to work. Throughout the time that clients are working in these transitional jobs, they continue to meet with their Employment Specialist and pursue their job search in order to secure longer-term unsubsidized employment and access to a career path.