“Joyce”* has a high school education, but has never held a job. For more than ten years, she wandered from one abusive situation and addiction to another until she came to Chrysalis House. “I am now learning how to use the computer and how to interview for a job. I feel a lot more confident and I’m looking forward to getting a job and being able to support myself.”

“Susan”* tells of her years in the workplace and her inability to progress or retain a job. Because of alcohol abuse, she consistently undermined herself with hostile and aggressive behavior. She is now learning to take responsibility and to understand and deal with personalities and issues she may face in the workplace.

“Alice”* has a college degree and years of experience in a health care profession. Because of her addiction, she lost her job and can probably never again be employed in that field. She also lost her marriage, her children, and her home. She is now learning and enjoying working on the computer. “The staff of Chrysalis House saved my life. They are always there for us. I am so grateful for what they are doing for me.”

Participants in the Women’s Bureau’s Working Women in Transition (WWIT) program at Chrysalis House in Lexington, Kentucky, told Women’s Bureau Director Shinae Chun these and other stories when she visited Chrysalis House in July 2007.

Pictured from left to right: Paulette Lewis, Women’s Bureau (WB) Regional Administrator (Atlanta); Jennifer Stamper, Chrysalis House (CH) Treatment Director; Dr. Carmella Yates, CH Clinical Director; WB Director Shinae Chun; Lisa Minton, CH Executive Director; Beverly Lyle, WB Regional Administrator (Dallas); and Sheila Taluskie, CH Job Readiness Coordinator. (Women’s Bureau photo)

Chrysalis House in Lexington, Kentucky, named for the “chrysalis” phase in the development of a butterfly, opened its doors 30 years ago to support women and their families in recovery from alcohol and other drug abuse by providing a safe and nurturing environment. The chrysalis phase of protection, growth, and transformation is an accurate metaphor for what happens daily at Chrysalis House in the Women’s Bureau’s Working Women in Transition (WWIT) program.

The Women’s Bureau contracted with Chrysalis House to provide the women in recovery with

• computer and Internet access and training,
  
  
• career development tools on the WWIT Web site, and
  
  
• evaluation of Job Readiness Program results (job placement and increased earnings).

After talking with the WWIT participants about their lives and experiences in the program, Women’s Bureau Director Chun noted:

“I am so impressed with the resourcefulness of the Chrysalis House staff and board. They bring the entire community together to support the women in rebuilding their lives. Women are blossoming as they progress through the program.”

When an addict arrives at Chrysalis House, she enters the “First Step” program and begins to address her personal medical, dental, legal, child custody, relationship, grief, or other issues. She participates in Twelve Step Program meetings, relapse prevention groups, computer and GED tutoring, job readiness classes, life and soft skills classes, and domestic violence counseling for an average of three months. Over a period of two years, she progresses to facilities that offer increasing levels of independence and responsibility, including employment and reunion and residence with her children. During this period, day care and other services are provided.

*Names have been changed to protect the confidentiality of the women.

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For more information about the Women's Bureau, contact:
U.S. Department of Labor
Women's Bureau
200 Constitution Avenue, NW - Room S-3002
Washington, DC 20210
Telephone 1-800-827-5335 or (202) 693-6710
Fax (202) 693-6725