Our History

Protecting Chrysalis, The Origin of Our Organization’s Name: 

"Chrysalis" is the cocoon stage in the life cycle of a butterfly, where it undergoes a transformative process and emerges as a beautiful butterfly. Similarly, Protecting Chrysalis aims to support and guide Youth from historically marginalized communities through their own transformative process, helping them to break free from the cycle of incarceration and transform into productive and thriving members of their communities. The name represents the idea that with proper support and guidance, even those who have been through difficult circumstances can undergo a positive transformation, much like a butterfly emerging from its chrysalis.

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Our story:

In 2018 when three women met in a conference room, and despite coming from different professional, educational, and personal backgrounds, they shared a passion for change. Over the next two years, these women worked together, using data-driven decision-making to streamline the agency's procedures and help improve performance.

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Then 2020 hit. The global pandemic shined a light on systemic racism, social injustice, economic inequality, and educational failings, all contributing factors which create seemingly insurmountable roadblocks for those with lower socioeconomic status. As we watched the world change we knew we could leverage our skills and talent to support high-need communities.

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Dedicating off hours (late nights and weekends) to pursue their mission included much research and data analysis. What was identified was no secret—poor people are incarcerated at high rates, leaving children without parents and providers. It was also identified that only a handful of nonprofits were offering support and resources to the families and children of the incarcerated. Soon after, Protecting Chrysalis was born with a vision of helping children and families who have been impacted the greatest by these socioeconomic inequities.

 

The Protecting Chrysalis founders worked diligently to build a nonprofit model with a holistic approach to helping families and children regain stability and economic independence. Through the provision of direct services and implementing systems Protecting Chrysalis will bridge the gap of inequities that hinder young people from low-economic communities from living out their fullest potential.