[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 74 (Thursday, May 14, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1156]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 A TRIBUTE TO CHRYSALIS AND THE 8TH ANNUAL CHRYSALIS BUTTERFLY BALL ON 
          THE OCCASION OF THE ORGANIZATION'S 25TH ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. LUCILLE ROYBAL-ALLARD

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 14, 2009

  Ms. ROYBAL-ALLARD. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize 
Chrysalis, a nonprofit organization based in Los Angeles County that is 
dedicated to helping economically disadvantaged and homeless 
individuals find jobs and become self-sufficient through employment 
opportunities.
  The organization derives its name from the term used to describe the 
growth stage during which a caterpillar is transformed into a beautiful 
butterfly. Chrysalis, the organization, seeks to lead its clients on a 
similar path--transforming lives by helping people who have fallen on 
hard times work their way out of poverty and obtain economic stability.
  When Chrysalis was founded by 22-year-old John Dillon 25 years ago, 
the organization was a food and shelter agency located on Skid Row in 
Downtown Los Angeles. John soon realized that he wanted to change the 
agency's focus. He then transformed the organization into what it is 
today: an agency dedicated to helping people find jobs and become self-
sufficient through employment opportunities.
  To date, Chrysalis has assisted more than 30,000 people on the path 
toward self-sufficiency at three centers located throughout areas in 
Los Angeles County where poverty is most pervasive: Downtown Los 
Angeles on Skid Row, Santa Monica, and Pacoima in the San Fernando 
Valley. Through its employment programs and services, Chrysalis helps 
more than 2,500 people each year. Chrysalis clients not only find 
employment, but they change their lives through their new jobs, 
reuniting with their families, decreasing their reliance on government 
support, renting their own apartments, and regaining self-esteem.
  To support their work, Chrysalis will hold its 8th Annual Chrysalis 
Butterfly Ball on June 6 at the Mandeville Canyon home of Susan Harris 
and Hayward Kaiser. This incredible evening is supported by friends of 
Chrysalis, including executives and artists in film, television, and 
music who will come together to help raise funds to keep Chrysalis' 
doors open to people in need throughout the year.
  In recognition of the important role of Chrysalis' supporters, this 
year's celebration will honor several individuals critical to the 
organization's success, including Bruce Cohen and Dan Jinks, Academy 
Award Winning producers most prominently known for their work on the 
movies MILK and AMERICAN BEAUTY, as well as Doug Ellin, the creator and 
executive producer of the HBO television series, ``Entourage.'' In 
addition, Chrysalis client Terry Moore will also be honored as this 
year's recipient of the John Dillon Butterfly Award. With the help of 
Chrysalis' services, Terry Moore overcame multiple barriers to find and 
keep a job, build a successful career, and regain dignity and self-
esteem.
  Madam Speaker, on the occasion of Chrysalis' 25th anniversary, I join 
today with my congressional colleagues in recognizing all of the many 
dedicated people who make this fine organization the beacon of hope 
that it is today. I extend my thanks to this year's honorees, 
incredible donors and supporters, invaluable volunteer force, the 
Chrysalis staff, and, most of all, the agency's clients. Chrysalis 
provides the resources that enable those seeking a brighter future to 
truly ``transform'' themselves and their lives, and I wish everyone 
involved with this fine organization many more years of continued 
success.

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