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. They 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. They will build relationships, and grow their village. Register now, as space is limited.
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Have You Registered?We are so excited to announce our next in person workshop of 2023! We are focused this semester on experiencing joy intentionally.
Our next workshop will take place April 8, 2023 from 11 am -2 pm at Vodak East Side Library, 3710 E 106th St, Chicago, IL 60617. Have you registered your daughter, niece, cousin, neighbor, friend, granddaughter, or god-daughter? If not, email us the names and ages of those attending: info@thechrysalisprogram.org |
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Power Her Conference 2023You asked for a Chrysalis Program sponsored event for adults. We created this conference in 2019 in response to that request....and it was EPIC!!! It's time to do it again!!!
The Power Her Conference is a celebration of Black Womanhood complete with healing, inspiration, empowerment and entertainment! General Event Overview Date: March 10-12, 2023 Location: Hampton Inn by Hilton McCormick Place Chicago, 123 East Cermak Rd, Chicago, IL 60616 Discounted all-inclusive tickets can be purchased in full or in installments using the link in the comments. Tickets include: -Friday, Paint and Sip with Meosha Thomas of Local Color Art Studio - Saturday from 10am-4pm, there 5 rounds of workshops featuring expert speakers and panelist -Saturday at 5pm, Black Excellence Experience Gala with live performances by K Love the POET, M'Reld Green, Queen Drie, and Eros Bowie -Saturday at 8pm, Black Fire Comedy Showcase featuring Essence Comedy, Comedian Erica Nicole Clark and Lyssa Laird! -Saturday at 10pm, School Pajama Jam with DJ I Cool Power Her Conference is the weekend you've been craving! Get your tickets now! Book your room using this link: MAKE HOTEL RESERVATION |
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.
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Envisioning JoyEnvisioning joy is what we did at The Chrysalis Program Saturday Session today. We had a drum lesson with Victoria DJembe. We made Joy boards by adding images and words to canvas that spatl joy for us. We made joy jars to collect our daily joyful moments, experiences, and items.
We discussed what joy is and how to manifest it. We discussed ways to change our mood when we are in a low place. Lunch was sponsored by Ari Kendrick .We were able give every parent free tickets to Brookfield Zoo Chicago, IL thanks to Ama Johnson . This session, we envisioned joy. Praying that the lesson is sealed and participants hold on to it and apply it daily. |
CHRYSALIS 2022 COMMUNITY EVENTS AND PROGRAMS
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The Chrysalis Program Holiday BrunchDuring the Chrysalis Program Holiday Brunch sponsored by Cricket Wireless, we opened the doors to the community for free brunch and photos with Santa (Dreezy Claus).
Victoria DJembe held an amazing African drum workshop for both children and adults. Cricket Wireless donated gift bags to all guests. In addition to crafts and games for the children, we gave away over 150 toys. Toys were donated by Toy Box Connection and 100 Black Men as well as donors a myriad of community supporters of the Chrysalis Program. Volunteers from various organization were gracious enough to help set up and serve. We are grateful to be able to be a blessing to 150 children this holiday season! |
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Gratitude Day 2022Our 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
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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. |
Saturday Session Sponsored by CF IndustriesSaturday, 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! |
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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
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Juneteenth Friends and Family PicnicJuneteenth 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 |
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Unpacking Dear Black Girl |
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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! |
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
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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:
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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! |
