What is a Chrysalis?A Chrysalis is a place of protection, preparation and transformation where an insect grows its wings.
As such our mentoring program is a place of protection, preparation and transformation for not only girls & teens, but also their parents (and our volunteers). We encourage self love, financial literacy, healthy communication and accountability. Our goal is to offer students a safe outlet to discuss and share their lives & issues, to develop talents & gifts and be a part of our village and a sisterhood. |
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Our MissionThe Chrysalis Program fosters growth and transformation through encouraging self love, integrity and compassion to inspire success.
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What's New?
Registration for Spring 2023 School Year is Now Open
We are so excited about resuming in person Saturday Sessions this Spring. We will continue to offer our fun interactive wellness, life skill, and creative arts curriculum, but in a new innovative way! We are exposing our students and their families to resources, experiences and individuals that will challenge the way they view the world, and their places in it.
Spring semester will focus on empowerment, self reflection and goal setting with some life skills lessons sprinkled in throughout. Students will gain access to the blueprints to success from subject matter experts in the fields of their interests. The will build relationships, and grow their village. Register now, as space is limited.
Spring semester will focus on empowerment, self reflection and goal setting with some life skills lessons sprinkled in throughout. Students will gain access to the blueprints to success from subject matter experts in the fields of their interests. The will build relationships, and grow their village. Register now, as space is limited.
Giving Tuesday
GivingTuesday is a global generosity movement unleashing the power of radical generosity. GivingTuesday was created in 2012 as a simple idea: a day that encourages people to do good. Since then, it has grown into a year-round global movement that inspires hundreds of millions of people to give, collaborate, and celebrate generosity.
Join the movement and give – each Tuesday and every day – whether it’s some of your time, a donation, or the power of your voice in your local community.
It’s a simple idea: whether it’s making someone smile, helping a neighbor or stranger out, showing up for an issue or people we care about, or giving some of what we have to those who need our help, every act of generosity counts and everyone has something to contribute toward building the better world we all want to live in.
Please consider donating to the Chrysalis Program for GivingTuesday, November 29, 2022 or anytime before then! We are able to continue this work and offer free and affordable programming because of the generous donations from people just like you.
Join the movement and give – each Tuesday and every day – whether it’s some of your time, a donation, or the power of your voice in your local community.
It’s a simple idea: whether it’s making someone smile, helping a neighbor or stranger out, showing up for an issue or people we care about, or giving some of what we have to those who need our help, every act of generosity counts and everyone has something to contribute toward building the better world we all want to live in.
Please consider donating to the Chrysalis Program for GivingTuesday, November 29, 2022 or anytime before then! We are able to continue this work and offer free and affordable programming because of the generous donations from people just like you.
The Chrysalis Annual holiday party is now a brunch! Join the Chrysalis Program December 10, 2022 for brunch, holiday gifts for children, live performances, some black owned holiday shopping, and some photos with Santa (Dreezy Claus)!
Reserve your spot today!
Reserve your spot today!
Donate Toys and Food
Every year for the past 6 years we have given free toys to children during our holiday party. Even during the pandemic, we were blessed to deliver and send Christmas presents to our students!
We would like to give free Christmas gifts to not only our students this year, but all community children who attend the brunch. Our goal is to give out 150 toys.
PLEASE CLICK HERE TO VIEW OUR WISH LIST
You can send the gifts directly to us, or you can bring them 9am-10am the morning of the brunch.
We need your help. If you are interested in donating unwrapped toys, please contact us via email: info@thechrysalisprogram.org.
We will send you the shipping and drop off locations.
If you are interested contributing groceries toward our brunch, please contact us to coordinate pickup/drop off, shipping info, or where to send grocery gift cards. Please email us if you are interested and able to make a donation toward the brunch.
We would like to give free Christmas gifts to not only our students this year, but all community children who attend the brunch. Our goal is to give out 150 toys.
PLEASE CLICK HERE TO VIEW OUR WISH LIST
You can send the gifts directly to us, or you can bring them 9am-10am the morning of the brunch.
We need your help. If you are interested in donating unwrapped toys, please contact us via email: info@thechrysalisprogram.org.
We will send you the shipping and drop off locations.
If you are interested contributing groceries toward our brunch, please contact us to coordinate pickup/drop off, shipping info, or where to send grocery gift cards. Please email us if you are interested and able to make a donation toward the brunch.
CHRYSALIS ABROAD PROGRAM
One of the goals, when Chrysalis began, was take groups of African American girls to countries where the native people resemble what they see in the mirror.
Our dream will be realized during CPS Spring Break 2024. We will raise the funds to take 10 students to West Africa to participate in a service project, connect with West African girls to learn similarities and differences in the culture, experience culture and history, and to be emersed in the experience of making a pilgrimage back home.
The new Chrysalis Abroad program will:
Our dream will be realized during CPS Spring Break 2024. We will raise the funds to take 10 students to West Africa to participate in a service project, connect with West African girls to learn similarities and differences in the culture, experience culture and history, and to be emersed in the experience of making a pilgrimage back home.
The new Chrysalis Abroad program will:
- Choose a different country to explore each year.
- Exposes participants to the culture of the places we will travel to prepare them for the trip. (Food, fashion, music, language, and cultural norms.
- Connect African American girls to girls who live in the places where we will travel through letters, photos, and video calls. They will spend time with these girls when we arrive.
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GROUP COUNSELING
Our Social Work and Counseling team now hosts monthly group counseling sessions. Sessions are virtual and interactive. Creating a safe space for girls to heal, grow and develop together with a licensed therapist. The objective of group therapy is to increase self awareness and social comfort, allow exploration of new behaviors, provide support, develop skills, promote more genuine interactions with others, and decrease symptoms of depression and anxiety. |
TEA TALK WITH TEENS
The Chrysalis Program's Tea Talk with Teens workshop creates a space for conversations that are specifically relevant to teens. Discussions that may be difficult to discuss with parents, teachers or coaches may surface during these workshops. We discuss popularity, puberty, finances, relationships, adulthood, and anything that the students are interested in discussing during this time. This concentrated mentoring time offers guidance, support, and empowerment for each participant. Tea Talk with Teens is 1st Mondays at 4pm CST.
The Chrysalis Program's Tea Talk with Teens workshop creates a space for conversations that are specifically relevant to teens. Discussions that may be difficult to discuss with parents, teachers or coaches may surface during these workshops. We discuss popularity, puberty, finances, relationships, adulthood, and anything that the students are interested in discussing during this time. This concentrated mentoring time offers guidance, support, and empowerment for each participant. Tea Talk with Teens is 1st Mondays at 4pm CST.
CHRYSALIS 2022 COMMUNITY EVENTS AND PROGRAMS
TO DATE
Gratitude Day 2022
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Our Annual Gratitude Day allows participants to take the time to be intentional about experiencing gratitude. There was a workshop on Gratitude and Empathy that includes participants making care packages for people experiencing homelessness. We wrapped up the session with a soul food lunch/dinner and went to various destinations around the city to have participants deliver care packages and food to those experiencing homeless.
We would like to extend a special thank you to the Morgan Park National Honors Society who helped us collect the following items: travel size toothbrushes, travel size toothpaste, mouthwash, deodorant, soap, hats, hand warmers, and scarfs. We are grateful for every contribution. |
Chrysalis Program Fall Spectacular
At The Chrysalis Program, October 22, 2022 from noon to 3pm....we let the parents learn in their class led by licensed therapist and retired police officer, Celestine Clark, while we all played!
We played some fall games, made fall themed bracelets and a craft, wrote affirmations for ourselves and compliments for others (that could be traded for prizes)
We made our own taffy apples and some new friends too.
We enjoyed the delicious chili bar with all the fixings.
Volunteers sat with students and allowed them to openly and freely share what's going on in their lives. We talked about the importance of communication and empathy in our friendships. Understanding that its not always about us. Maybe the "friend" could be going through something challenging and that's why they are acting "different." We can give space, time and grace to preserve the friendship...IF we value it.
We played some fall games, made fall themed bracelets and a craft, wrote affirmations for ourselves and compliments for others (that could be traded for prizes)
We made our own taffy apples and some new friends too.
We enjoyed the delicious chili bar with all the fixings.
Volunteers sat with students and allowed them to openly and freely share what's going on in their lives. We talked about the importance of communication and empathy in our friendships. Understanding that its not always about us. Maybe the "friend" could be going through something challenging and that's why they are acting "different." We can give space, time and grace to preserve the friendship...IF we value it.
Saturday Session Sponsored by CF Industries
Saturday, October 8, 2022, we had an amazing time of learning with volunteers from one of sponsors, CF Industries. They led our STEM Activity and even joined us for our ice breaker and affirmations. They served lunch.
In addition, CF Industries provided STEM gift bags, t-shirts for all participants, and donated $1,000 to the Chrysalis Program. We are grateful. We hope you will come again and volunteer!
In addition, CF Industries provided STEM gift bags, t-shirts for all participants, and donated $1,000 to the Chrysalis Program. We are grateful. We hope you will come again and volunteer!
CAREER EXPLORATION FAIR
The Chrysalis Program seeks to make change in our community by building the confidence of our girls. We do this in a myriad of ways but at the core, EXPOSURE and ACCESS are the ways we choose move the mission forward. Representation matters. Exposing our girls to black women in all kinds of careers allows them to see themselves in these roles. Connecting them to these women gives them access to the blueprint to reach new levels. Save the date: Saturday, September 10, 2022, 10am-2pm. If you would like to volunteer to share information about your profession, email us at info@thechrysalisprogram.org with the subject Career Exploration Fair. GET TICKETS NOW!
SUMMER 2022 RECAP
CHRYSALIS SUMMER CAMP
The Chrysalis Program is offers a safe, impactful and fun summer of adventures to the next generation of leaders in the Chicagoland area. Summer camp will feature creative arts projects, interactive life skill workshops, wellness Wednesdays, and plenty of sun shine, nature, and adventures in hidden gems in the Chicagoland area. For more information click here.
Chrysalis Annual Retreat
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Forty plus students attended our annual retreat this year.
Our Annual Retreat has always been the highlight of the Chrysalis Program schedule and this year did not disappoint! The glamping retreat begins with manicures, pedicures and facials for our girls. Next, they enjoy dinner and campfire fun. Saturday morning participants enjoyed yoga, breakfast, and a nature hike. After the hike, our participants took a mental wellness workshop with, therapist, Celestine Clark. Afterward, there was plenty of out door play. We made calming jars. Then, there was an art workshop and snow cones with amazing artist, Meosha Thomas of Local Color Art Studio. Next there was a drum circle, jump rope, musical chairs, and outdoor fun to be enjoyed by all. We had a guided night hike, a barbecue, and camp fire to close out the night. The next morning we enjoyed breakfast and participants received gift bags to take home. The annual retreat combines nature, pampering, excellent culinary choices, camp fire treats and stories, rock climbing, hiking, crafts, and wellness workshops. It is an all inclusive experience participants never forget. |
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Juneteenth by Asha Ntim
Juneteenth Friends and Family Picnic
Juneteenth Eve (June 18, 2022 11am-5pm in the Dan Ryan Woods on 91st and Prospect) The Chrysalis Program and Community Partners
celebrated the beauty and versatility of black creativity.
Shop black owned businesses. Eat from black owned restaurants. Listen to a variety of music for us by us.
Enjoy interactive activities deeply rooted in black culture.
For information about sponsorship or partnership for 2023 email us:
info@thechrysalisporgram.org
celebrated the beauty and versatility of black creativity.
Shop black owned businesses. Eat from black owned restaurants. Listen to a variety of music for us by us.
Enjoy interactive activities deeply rooted in black culture.
For information about sponsorship or partnership for 2023 email us:
info@thechrysalisporgram.org
Unpacking Dear Black Girl
Saturday, March 26, 2022 we hosted our first in person workshop since the pandemic began. Joined by Dr. Carolyn Strong and best selling author, Tamara Winfrey Harris, we had a candid conversation about the experiences of black women and the variety of paths to healing.
The 12 and under students talked about trust, friendship, respectful conversations, combatting bullying and painted canvases that depicted black girl magic. Their lesson was adapted from "Dear Black Girl" by Tamara Winfrey Harris.
Students and adults received breakfast and lunch, goodies, books and experienced impactful conversation. A Chase Bank representative for the Southside offered racial equity in financial literacy information. We were so happy to see so many new faces join us. We are excited about more in-person events and workshops to come!
The 12 and under students talked about trust, friendship, respectful conversations, combatting bullying and painted canvases that depicted black girl magic. Their lesson was adapted from "Dear Black Girl" by Tamara Winfrey Harris.
Students and adults received breakfast and lunch, goodies, books and experienced impactful conversation. A Chase Bank representative for the Southside offered racial equity in financial literacy information. We were so happy to see so many new faces join us. We are excited about more in-person events and workshops to come!
Chrysalis Annual Tea Party
Join the Chrysalis Program for it's annual tea for a beautiful opportunity to dress in your tea party best and learn a lesson on etiquette. Bringing girls of all ages to enjoy small bites, tea, and mentorship, this is not an event for your girls of all ages to miss.
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Pre-Mother's Day Brunch Fundraiser
Where can you find healing, entertainment, and great eats? The Chrysalis Program Pre-Mother's Day Brunch. This brunch for mature audiences to explore and help heal the complicated relationship between mothers and daughters. This complex topic will be addressed by a panelist of licensed therapist, followed by questions. Next, guests will enjoy live entertainment, a wonderful assortment of delicious eats, and amazing giveaways.
All that and you are supporting the Chrysalis Program in offering students in offering a safe space for girls and their families to learn, grow and heal together through:
All that and you are supporting the Chrysalis Program in offering students in offering a safe space for girls and their families to learn, grow and heal together through:
- Saturday Workshops
- Field Trips
- Group Counseling Sessions
- Summer Camp
- After School Programming
- Community Events
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2022 Goals
The Chrysalis Program is working to build our brick and mortar location to host our program. Our goals for 2022 include:
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Thank you Thrive Global and Goodera for naming The Chrysalis Program as one of the top nonprofits that support racial equality. We are grateful to have our work be highlighted, especially on MLK Day.
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The chrysalis Program by Asha Ntim
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To learn more about our purpose and history, please click here.
Register for the next Chrysalis Program Session! |
