Chrysalis Program's 2025 Initiatives
Second Saturday Sessions
The Chrysalis Program is dedicated to establishing secure environments that foster learning, healing, and spiritual growth for African American girls by imparting practical mental wellness coping skills, biblical principles through life skills, and emotional healing through creative arts. Our structured Saturday Sessions are designed in thematic 6-session increments, commencing with a nurturing experience that includes a complimentary continental breakfast, a STEAM project, prayer, affirmations, and icebreakers. Following the initial session, participants engage in age-appropriate workshops featuring hands-on projects or interactive lessons aligned with themed discussions. The day concludes with a shared lunch, fostering fellowship among attendees.
Simultaneously, as students participate in workshops, our licensed therapist and Parent Engagement Director, Celestine Clark, leads a workshop for parents, providing valuable parenting skills and support.
Integral to our programming are annual events within Saturday Sessions, such as The Chrysalis Program Annual Tea Party in April, where students practice etiquette learned throughout the month. Additionally, Gratitude Day sees the culmination of fall semester collections transformed into care packages for those experiencing homelessness. Parents and students collaborate to distribute these care packages across the city, promoting community engagement and empathy.
Second Saturday Sessions
Age Groups:
6-16 years old
Dates:
Held monthly: Second Saturdays, September - June
Timeframe:
10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Activities:
STEAM projects, SEL workshops, affirmations, and more
Simultaneously, as students participate in workshops, our licensed therapist and Parent Engagement Director, Celestine Clark, leads a workshop for parents, providing valuable parenting skills and support.
Integral to our programming are annual events within Saturday Sessions, such as The Chrysalis Program Annual Tea Party in April, where students practice etiquette learned throughout the month. Additionally, Gratitude Day sees the culmination of fall semester collections transformed into care packages for those experiencing homelessness. Parents and students collaborate to distribute these care packages across the city, promoting community engagement and empathy.
Second Saturday Sessions
Age Groups:
6-16 years old
Dates:
Held monthly: Second Saturdays, September - June
Timeframe:
10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Activities:
STEAM projects, SEL workshops, affirmations, and more
Empowered Futures (Career Training Program)
The Empowered Futures Program is designed to cultivate a pipeline of qualified and passionate individuals who will form the backbone of the Chrysalis Program and its partners, ensuring a lasting legacy of future leaders. This initiative holistically prepares participants to excel by focusing on mental health, emotional well-being, and the development of robust social-emotional learning (SEL) and soft skills. Participants will be equipped with the highest standards of professionalism, enabling them to thrive in any career or entrepreneurial endeavor. By fostering resilience, effective communication, conflict resolution, and executive functioning skills, the program not only prepares participants for personal and professional success but also ensures they are empowered to contribute meaningfully to their communities and carry forward the mission of the Chrysalis Program.
Empowered Futures Training Program
Age Groups:
15-18 years old
19-22 years old
Dates:
Program Start:
January 2025
Duration: 12 week cohorts
Sessions held: Saturdays, 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Focus Areas:
Mental Health & Social-Emotional Skills
Emotional intelligence, communication, and conflict resolution
Career Readiness Skills
Resume building, interview prep, and professional networking
Executive Functioning Skills
Time management, organization, and stress management
Age Groups:
15-18 years old
19-22 years old
Dates:
Program Start:
January 2025
Duration: 12 week cohorts
Sessions held: Saturdays, 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Focus Areas:
Mental Health & Social-Emotional Skills
Emotional intelligence, communication, and conflict resolution
Career Readiness Skills
Resume building, interview prep, and professional networking
Executive Functioning Skills
Time management, organization, and stress management
Power Her Conference
The Power Her Conference stands as an impactful annual celebration dedicated to nurturing black womanhood, encompassing a holistic approach to empowerment. This comprehensive event addresses a spectrum of essential aspects, including mental health, Christian journey, emotional healing, entrepreneurship skills, dating and relationships, parenting and financial literacy, and physical health.
Our conference is designed to provide attendees with a transformative experience through a diverse range of activities. This includes engaging entertainment, healing workshops, educational sessions, and recreational workshops for personal enjoyment. The pinnacle of the event is marked by a gala featuring live performances, recognition awards for minority women community leaders who have made significant impacts, and a concluding comedy show.
In addition to the annual conference, we host quarterly events strategically designed to generate income for The Chrysalis Program while maintaining a connected network of women engaged with both the program and the conference. These events serve as integral components in sustaining our mission to empower black women and foster a supportive community through continuous education, celebration, and networking opportunities.
Power Her Conference Age Groups:
Adult women (18+ years old)
Dates:
March 21-23, 2025
Location:
Hampton Inn McCormick Place, Chicago
Timeframe:
Weekend-long conference
Focus:
A celebration of Black womanhood featuring workshops, entertainment, and opportunities for personal growth.
Workshops:
Sex, Love & Relationships: We Listen. We Don’t Judge.
A light-hearted, fun, and interactive panel discussion with expert insight.
Securing the Bag: Entrepreneurship, Career Development & Financial Literacy
Covers entrepreneurship, resume building, and financial tips for long-term success.
Healing and Self-Care
Focuses on mental health, childhood healing, and supporting personal growth.
Additional Features:
Formal Gala (Friday, March 21, 2025 7pm)
"A Love Letter to the Black Woman", A Dinner Show (Saturday, March 22, 2025 5pm-7pm)
Pajama-themed comedy show (Saturday, March 22, 2025 8pm-10pm)
Sip and paint wind-down sessions (Saturday, March 22, 202510pm-until)
Networking opportunities
Keepsakes from workshops
Cost:
$175/person (All Inclusive)
Chrysalis Summer Camp
The Chrysalis Program proudly collaborates with Port Ministries to provide an enriching summer camp experience for our students in the Back of the Yards neighborhood in Chicago. Our summer camp is meticulously designed to nurture holistic well-being—physically, spiritually, mentally, and emotionally. This immersive program offers a more concentrated engagement, gathering participants daily on weekdays, allowing for a deeper impact.
Aligned with our mission, we leverage both our dedicated staff and One Summer Chicago interns to facilitate various aspects of our summer camp curriculum.
Each day of the week brings a unique focus:
-Mondays center around the exploration of various creative arts forms, featuring expert-led workshops supported by provided materials.
-Tuesdays emphasize essential Life Skills, encompassing career readiness, social-emotional skills, and character building.
-Wednesdays prioritize Wellness, incorporating fitness and nutrition classes that often include wholesome meals provided by our program. Collaborating with a local healthy dessert bar, Piece of Mine, we offer students the opportunity to explore nutritional elements such as seamoss and chlorophyll. Mindful meditation, prayer and exercise further contribute to the holistic wellness experience.
-Thursdays are dedicated to reconnecting with nature through activities like hikes in the Bird Sanctuary, visits to local farms and community gardens, mental wellness days at the beach, and hands-on planting of herbs, fruits, and vegetables.
-Fridays bring an exploration of the city's cultural and educational treasures with field trips to iconic locations like Lincoln Park Zoo, the Museum of Science and Industry, and Maggie Daley Park/Chicago Cultural Center.
Our structured Summer Camp Schedule integrates activities such as affirmations, STEAM projects, workshops, crafting, and recess, creating a balanced and enriching experience for our participants in alignment with our shared values and mission.
Summer Day Camp
Age Groups:
K-8 students
Dates:
June 30, 2025- August 1, 2025
Timeframe:
Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 3:00 PM
Aligned with our mission, we leverage both our dedicated staff and One Summer Chicago interns to facilitate various aspects of our summer camp curriculum.
Each day of the week brings a unique focus:
-Mondays center around the exploration of various creative arts forms, featuring expert-led workshops supported by provided materials.
-Tuesdays emphasize essential Life Skills, encompassing career readiness, social-emotional skills, and character building.
-Wednesdays prioritize Wellness, incorporating fitness and nutrition classes that often include wholesome meals provided by our program. Collaborating with a local healthy dessert bar, Piece of Mine, we offer students the opportunity to explore nutritional elements such as seamoss and chlorophyll. Mindful meditation, prayer and exercise further contribute to the holistic wellness experience.
-Thursdays are dedicated to reconnecting with nature through activities like hikes in the Bird Sanctuary, visits to local farms and community gardens, mental wellness days at the beach, and hands-on planting of herbs, fruits, and vegetables.
-Fridays bring an exploration of the city's cultural and educational treasures with field trips to iconic locations like Lincoln Park Zoo, the Museum of Science and Industry, and Maggie Daley Park/Chicago Cultural Center.
Our structured Summer Camp Schedule integrates activities such as affirmations, STEAM projects, workshops, crafting, and recess, creating a balanced and enriching experience for our participants in alignment with our shared values and mission.
Summer Day Camp
Age Groups:
K-8 students
Dates:
June 30, 2025- August 1, 2025
Timeframe:
Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 3:00 PM
Chrysalis Creative Skills Collective
The Chrysalis Creative Skills Collective (CCSC) is where innovation meets creativity, and skills become pathways to entrepreneurship! Our program is a dynamic learning hub designed to empower individuals with a diverse range of practical skills, fostering both artistic expression and the foundations of entrepreneurship.
Program Highlights:
1. Artisan Workshops: Immerses participants in a world of creativity with hands-on artisan workshops. From sewing and braiding to T-shirt printing, drumming, and beyond, our diverse range of skills will unlock participants creative potential.
2. Entrepreneurial Training: Teaches how to turn participants passion into profit! Our program goes beyond the craft, providing valuable insights into the entrepreneurial aspects of each skill. Develop business acumen, marketing strategies, and financial literacy tailored to your creative endeavors.
3. Creative Art Classes: Allows participants to delve into the world of artistic expression that unleashes the imagination through painting, sculpture, and other artistic mediums, guided by experienced instructors.
4. Collaborative Projects: Participants join forces with fellow participants on collaborative projects that encourage teamwork and the exchange of ideas. Gain real-world experience working on creative ventures that may extend beyond the program.
5. Mentorship: Participants connect with seasoned entrepreneurs and artists who have successfully navigated the intersection of creativity and business. They benefit from personalized mentorship to guide them on their unique journey.
Additional Offerings
Enrichment Field Trips
Embark on enriching journeys with our Field Trips at the Chrysalis Program. These trips are designed to complement our programming efforts while simultaneously fostering a sense of community. Join us for enjoyable experiences that bring families together and create lasting memories.
Community Events
The Chrysalis Program proudly hosts a diverse array of community events dedicated to empowering girls, women, and families. Each event is a blend of fun and information, promoting healing, a sense of togetherness, cultural enrichment, and positivity. Join us for engaging gatherings that leave a lasting impact on individuals and the community as a whole.
Embark on enriching journeys with our Field Trips at the Chrysalis Program. These trips are designed to complement our programming efforts while simultaneously fostering a sense of community. Join us for enjoyable experiences that bring families together and create lasting memories.
Community Events
The Chrysalis Program proudly hosts a diverse array of community events dedicated to empowering girls, women, and families. Each event is a blend of fun and information, promoting healing, a sense of togetherness, cultural enrichment, and positivity. Join us for engaging gatherings that leave a lasting impact on individuals and the community as a whole.
Custom Chrysalis Workshops
BRING THE CHRYSALIS PROGRAM TO YOUR ORGANIZATION.
Life Skill Workshops
At the Chrysalis Program, we specialize in imparting crucial life skills that encompass etiquette, communication, conflict resolution, empathy, gratitude, entrepreneurship, financial literacy, horticulture, culinary skills, accountability, and diverse perspectives. Our workshops are designed to provide participants with a robust comprehension of these intricate subjects through a hands-on, interactive, and enjoyable approach.
Wellness Workshops & Services
At the heart of the Chrysalis Program is our commitment to holistic empowerment for women, girls, and their families. We provide a range of wellness services, including access to mental health professionals, nutrition workshops, yoga and mindfulness sessions, and other resources aimed at fostering overall well-being.
Creative Arts Classes
Dive into the world of Creative Arts with the Chrysalis Program! Our classes encompass a diverse range of mediums, including painting, mosaics, collage, sculpture, dance, hair braiding, culinary arts, African drumming, and more. We firmly believe in the transformative power of creativity, viewing it as a pathway to positive mental health outcomes. Explore these classes during our Saturday sessions, Summer camp, or independently.
Parent Engagement Activities and Classes
Join our Parent Engagement Activities and Classes at the Chrysalis Program, where mental health professionals lead interactive sessions, delving deep into the challenges and triumphs of parenthood. These classes foster transformative emotional conversations, providing valuable insights into effective parenting. Additionally, our enrichment meet-ups offer parents opportunities to build a supportive community through the Chrysalis Program.
Single Session (90 Minutes to 2 Hours):
$750–$1,200/session
This range covers program delivery, facilitation, and materials.
Half-Day Program (3–4 Hours):
$1,200–$2,000/session
This accounts for a more immersive experience and potentially more facilitators or breakout activities.
Full-Day Program (5–8 Hours):
$2,500–$5,000/session
For comprehensive delivery with multiple facilitators, meals, or custom content.
Life Skill Workshops
At the Chrysalis Program, we specialize in imparting crucial life skills that encompass etiquette, communication, conflict resolution, empathy, gratitude, entrepreneurship, financial literacy, horticulture, culinary skills, accountability, and diverse perspectives. Our workshops are designed to provide participants with a robust comprehension of these intricate subjects through a hands-on, interactive, and enjoyable approach.
Wellness Workshops & Services
At the heart of the Chrysalis Program is our commitment to holistic empowerment for women, girls, and their families. We provide a range of wellness services, including access to mental health professionals, nutrition workshops, yoga and mindfulness sessions, and other resources aimed at fostering overall well-being.
Creative Arts Classes
Dive into the world of Creative Arts with the Chrysalis Program! Our classes encompass a diverse range of mediums, including painting, mosaics, collage, sculpture, dance, hair braiding, culinary arts, African drumming, and more. We firmly believe in the transformative power of creativity, viewing it as a pathway to positive mental health outcomes. Explore these classes during our Saturday sessions, Summer camp, or independently.
Parent Engagement Activities and Classes
Join our Parent Engagement Activities and Classes at the Chrysalis Program, where mental health professionals lead interactive sessions, delving deep into the challenges and triumphs of parenthood. These classes foster transformative emotional conversations, providing valuable insights into effective parenting. Additionally, our enrichment meet-ups offer parents opportunities to build a supportive community through the Chrysalis Program.
Single Session (90 Minutes to 2 Hours):
$750–$1,200/session
This range covers program delivery, facilitation, and materials.
Half-Day Program (3–4 Hours):
$1,200–$2,000/session
This accounts for a more immersive experience and potentially more facilitators or breakout activities.
Full-Day Program (5–8 Hours):
$2,500–$5,000/session
For comprehensive delivery with multiple facilitators, meals, or custom content.
Products
Curriculum
Workbooks
Books
Apparel
Workbooks
Books
Apparel
