Mission StatementWe cultivate self-love and acceptance, instill purpose, and support the well-being of black women, girls, and families through wellness, life skills, and creative arts programming. The Chrysalis Program empowers black girls and young women to transform their lives through social-emotional learning, leadership development, and community engagement. We nurture resilience, self-awareness, and a deep sense of belonging, equipping our participants with the skills and confidence to thrive in all aspects of life. Vision StatementWe envision a world where all women and girls are empowered to show up as their authentic selves.
We envision a world where Black girls and young women are celebrated for their brilliance, strength, and uniqueness. Through transformative experiences and supportive networks, they emerge as empowered leaders who shape a more just, compassionate, and equitable society. ValuesAdvocacy and Empowerment
We are dedicated to empowering individuals to advocate for themselves. We recognize that some voices have been historically silenced, and we work to create platforms for these voices to be heard. Holistic Health and Well-being We prioritize comprehensive care that nurtures the mind, body, and spirit, ensuring the well-being of individuals within our community. Community connections We firmly believe in the power of community building and the importance of nurturing relationships to unite us in our shared mission of uplifting, empowering, and motivating one another. Inclusiveness and acceptance Inclusiveness and acceptance are fundamental values that shape our company's culture. We firmly believe that every individual is valuable and brings something unique to the table. At the heart of our organization lies a commitment to timeless values that inspire compassion, empathy, and personal growth. We draw upon universal principles of kindness, resilience, and community building, inspired by a shared understanding of the inherent worth and potential within each individual. Our approach is guided by the belief in fostering a nurturing environment where participants can find strength, purpose, and support. These values, rooted in timeless wisdom, guide us as we empower individuals to navigate life's challenges, build meaningful connections, and contribute positively to the broader community.
OverviewThe Chrysalis Program is dedicated to addressing the impact of childhood trauma within African American communities on Chicago's South Side and beyond.
Our program provides a nurturing environment where African American girls and their families can find support and resources to heal, learn, and thrive. Through a comprehensive array of services, including Wellness Workshops, Counseling, Life Skills Classes, Creative Arts Lessons, Parent Classes, Enrichment Field Trips, Mentorship, and Community Events, we aim to empower girls to overcome challenges and achieve their full potential. What sets The Chrysalis Program apart is our holistic approach to empowerment. We focus on teaching both life skills and coping mechanisms, gradually improving the quality of life for participants and their families. Through various initiatives such as saturday sessions and summer programming, as well as youth leadership development initiatives, we are shaping the next generation of leaders who will positively impact our communities. Our multifaceted approach has a proven track record of raising students' expectations and capacities for future success while reducing the likelihood of engaging in risky behaviors. Chrysalis Program students learn and grow under three core pillars:
At The Chrysalis Program, we are committed to providing a supportive and empowering environment where every girl has the opportunity to spread her wings and soar.
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HistoryThe roots of The Chrysalis Program trace back to the inception of The DARK Brown Girl book series, which was designed to empower African American girls and women by instilling confidence. However, as heartfelt messages and letters poured in, detailing the struggles of girls grappling with issues such as self-love, bullying, and even attempts at suicide, it became evident that there was a pressing need for a safe and supportive space. Thus, The Chrysalis Program was born, emerging as an interactive sanctuary where girls could cultivate self-confidence in a joyful and secure environment.
As we immersed ourselves in the community, it became increasingly apparent that addressing complex issues such as pediatric asthma, diabetes, domestic and community violence, and childhood trauma necessitated a multifaceted approach. Our vision expanded to encompass not only the cultivation of confidence, improved behavior, and academic excellence but also the promotion of healthier minds and enduring positive lifestyles among our participants. Since our inception in August 2016, The Chrysalis Program has made a significant impact. We have reached 618 students through Saturday Sessions, engaged with 2,837 students in school workshops (both in person and virtually), and supported 1,253 parents through various classes and workshops. Notably, our efforts have yielded encouraging results, with 94% of workshop participants reporting a significant boost in self-confidence, 91% noting a decrease in depression symptoms, and 89% observing improved academic performance since joining our organization. Our Why?The Chrysalis Program was founded in the heart of Chicago's South Side, where 76.6% of the population identifies as African American/Black. In this community, there is a significant youth presence, with 22% falling within the ages of 5 and 19, making it the largest age cohort in the region. However, the median household income on the South Side is $34,174, notably lower than the national average of $62,843. Furthermore, educational attainment levels are a concern, with 17% of residents not completing high school, 35% earning a high school diploma, 8% holding an Associate's Degree, and only 11.7% obtaining a Bachelor's Degree.
Our mission is rooted in bridging the education and wealth gap by equipping students with essential life skills for successful adulthood. The Chrysalis Program is dedicated to leveling the playing field by providing exposure and access to opportunities. We expose students to experiences and role models who inspire them to set higher expectations for themselves. Through access to training that prepares them to meet these expectations, we aim to empower and uplift our students. Our program enables students to:
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OfferingsThe Chrysalis Program offers Saturday Sessions, Tea Talk with Teens, Summer Camp, Afterschool Programming, Counseling, Service Opportunities, and International Travel. These interactive offerings in conjunction with community events and field trips keep our families engaged and foster growth and transformation to inspire the success of our students. Each of these initiatives have a unique model, that has a proven track record of success among those who participate.
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Solutions
The Chrysalis Program serves as a solution to several pressing challenges faced by our community, including:
Through our comprehensive approach to empowerment and support, The Chrysalis Program strives to mitigate these issues and create a nurturing environment where all participants can flourish and thrive. We are committed to fostering resilience, promoting positive self-image, and empowering our students to overcome obstacles and achieve their full potential.
- Racial and gender wealth disparities
- Violence in Chicago
- Bullying among youth
- Alcohol and drug abuse among young individuals
- Issues related to self-esteem and self-worth
- Colorism and discrimination based on skin color
- Childhood depression and mental health concerns
- Instances of hair and body shaming
- Addressing suicidal thoughts and behaviors among young individuals.
Through our comprehensive approach to empowerment and support, The Chrysalis Program strives to mitigate these issues and create a nurturing environment where all participants can flourish and thrive. We are committed to fostering resilience, promoting positive self-image, and empowering our students to overcome obstacles and achieve their full potential.
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The inception of the Chrysalis Program took place at the intersection between wanting to reach the world with a message of love & wholeness and needing to make an immediate change in our own community right here on Chicago's Southside.
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Nondiscrimination Statement/PolicyThe Chrysalis Program does not and shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of its activities or operations. These activities include, but are not limited to, hiring and firing of staff, selection of volunteers and vendors, and provision of services. We are committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all members of our staff, clients, volunteers, subcontractors, vendors, and clients.
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