The Chrysalis Center

Cause Area

  • Community

Location

522 S Main StSanta Monica, CA 90404 United States

Organization Information

Mission Statement

To create a pathway to self-sufficiency for homeless and low-income individuals by providing the resources and support needed to prepare for, find, and retain employment.

Description

Our Volunteers are essential to this mission, and work directly with clients to help them gain employment. You can:

Facilitate classes (job search, money management, stress management, goal planning, computers, recovery, incarceration etc.)

Perform One-on-one resume building, interview practice and computer help

Provide Job search assistance

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We seek volunteers with excellent communication skills who want to make an impact in their local community. You will be directly involved in helping people enter the working world and regain their confidence, pride and stability.

Volunteer opportunities are available Monday-Thursday 8am-4pm and Friday 8am -12pm. Training is provided, and we ask for a 4 month commitment. Opportunities are available in the San Fernando Valley, Downtown LA, Santa Monica, and Anaheim.

Reviews

Would you recommend The Chrysalis Center?
6 reviews Write a review
by Liliane W. from Los Angeles, CA (July 8, 2016)
I volunteered for Chrysalis for two years. I helped to conduct mock interviews, write resumes, assist with general computer issues and facilitated two of the classes that they offer. From the beginning, I found this organization to be one of the most organized and welcoming places where I have volunteered. They offer each volunteer comprehensive training prior to starting. There is always someone there who you can turn to for support and assistance. The program itself is amazing. I found it to be highly effective in preparing its clients to find work. In addition, the staff always made me feel appreciated for the work that I did for them. I definitely recommend this organization for anyone who wants to help those in need.
by Anne H. (June 28, 2016)
Chrysalis is one of the most organized NPOs I've ever worked with. They make it easy for volunteers to assist with the variety of services offered to clients, especially for volunteers who don't have prior experience in job skill development. Chrysalis provides thorough curricula for volunteers to follow and regularly requests and accepts feedback for edits, adjustments or improvements when/if volunteers have it, which makes it feel like a collaborative effort toward a common goal. Regular communication and check-ins also help make the volunteer process run smooth, and people can choose from several different ways to volunteer their time in case one-on-one facilitation or group workshops aren't their cup of tea. The best part, however, is knowing that your time and effort is making a real difference; you can see it on clients' faces instantly and there's tangible evidence of Chrysalis's effectiveness each time the bell rings to celebrate a client's new job.
by Nicholas D. (June 13, 2016)
Chrysalis is incredibly impactful organization that offers a very well-organized suite of services to its job-seeking clientele. Volunteering at Chrysalis has been very rewarding. The staff and fellow volunteers do a great job and are all super friendly and supportive. This attitude is also reflected by the vast majority of clients that I teach in my class. They are all there because they are serious about learning valuable skills and securing employment, and therefore tend to be extremely respectful and attentive. Volunteering with Chrysalis has been a great endeavor and I would recommend it to anyone interested in having a real impact on their community :)
by Natasha L. (June 8, 2016)
Chrysalis is one the most wonderful organizations I've ever volunteered at! I began facilitating classes over a year ago at the DTLA office and words cannot describe how rewarding of an experience it is!! To help men and women become self-sufficient and learn new skills under the Chrysalis umbrella is extremely rewarding and enriching. To watch students transform themselves into driven, energetic members of the modern day workforce is something that just can't be fully explained, only felt. I am now a Chrysalis Women's Empowerment Mentor as well as events volunteer. I could not be more honored to spend my time with those in need of a hand up. I found Chrysalis through Volunteer Match myself, so if you're looking—stop right here and reach out! You won't ever regret it.
by Janice K. (June 8, 2016)
Volunteering at Chrysalis is an experience I'll never forget. From the beginning, the staff has provided great support and has made sure that I received all the information and training before beginning one-on-one sessions - very professional! These sessions were with homeless and/or low-income individuals looking to change their lives. I was part of a team that helped create resumes and provide mock interviews to help these individuals get back into the workforce. No session was ever the same. Each session provided an eye-opening experience. I was constantly reminded how, at the end of the day, we're all human. We all make mistakes, but some people get that extra chance, while others may not have that chance come by so easy. Chrysalis is a place of hope. All individuals who come through their doors are treated like how they should be treated, as humans. I recommend anyone to consider volunteering here, especially if you're looking for both professional AND personal growth.
by k k. (October 13, 2014)
This is an incredible opportunity to work 1-1 with economically disadvantaged individuals and help them get closer to landing a job. I felt the positive impact of my work everyday, and that is an amazing feeling. I crafted resumes, cover letters, and helped hone interview skills -- the basics that are so incredibly important for personal narrative and confidence. I have never felt more fulfilled in any role. I highly recommend getting involved. Chrysalis has great leadership, a great vibe, and has an exciting, fast-paced feel; it's a smart nonprofit that is truly making a difference in LA.

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