Chrysalis Unveils A $2 Million Expansion And Renovation Of Its Downtown Center

LOS ANGELES, Oct.25, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --Chrysalis, a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating a pathway to self-sufficiency for homeless and low-income individuals, recently completed a multi-million dollar renovation and expansion of its downtown center – a facility that has seen an 80 percent jump in demand since the economic downturn began in 2008.

"With unemployment issues still plaguing Los Angeles County, Chrysalis plays a vital role in providing the skills and resources needed for people to get back into the workforce," said President and CEO Mark Loranger. "We are thrilled this renovation and expansion has increased services to a much-needed area of Los Angeles, ultimately changing lives, which is exactly what Chrysalis stands for."

The downtown center, located at 522 South Main Street, previously provided services to an average of 225 clients each day with peaks to 400 people. The expansion increased Chrysalis' space by more than 60 percent, growing from 7,100 square feet to 11,500 square feet and adding two additional classrooms, a dedicated computer lab, more phone stations, a larger lobby to accommodate clients and more offices for program staff and volunteers.

In order to make the dream of expanding the center a reality from the initial concept in 2010, Chrysalis worked tirelessly to raise the funds for the expansion. The organization appreciates the generosity from the following donors to help create the next generation of Chrysalis: Abby Sher, The Ahmanson Foundation, John W. Carson Foundation, Martin & Anne Early, The Fred L. Hartley Family Foundation, George Hoag Family Foundation, W.M. Keck Foundation, Seth McFarlane, REDF, The Rose Hills Foundation, Marcie & Howard Zelikow and several anonymous donors.

About Chrysalis

Chrysalis is a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating a pathway to self-sufficiency for homeless and low-income individuals by providing the resources and support needed to find and retain employment. Since 1984, Chrysalis has helped over 42,000 individuals change their lives through jobs. Annually, Chrysalis provides critical employment services to more than 3,500 homeless and low-income individuals through its service centers in downtown Los Angeles (Skid Row), Santa Monica and the San Fernando Valley (Pacoima) where poverty is the most pervasive.  www.ChangeLives.org

SOURCE Chrysalis