CHRYSALIS HISTORY
Over twenty years ago, a woman opened up her home as a safe house for both women and children who had been victimized by domestic violence. Within three years, funding was received to expand these services into a 24-hour crisis shelter. The shelter was appropriately named Chrysalis – defined as the growth that creates an independent being. During the first year more than 450 women and children received assistance and the comfort of a safe haven to develop their self-esteem and independence.
Since that time, Chrysalis has been servicing the needs of women, children and men throughout the Valley, who are trying to break the cycle of violence and abuse. The number of lives affected by Chrysalis has grown four fold since its inception, with more than 1,200 individuals now being helped each year through the efforts of Chrysalis staff and volunteers.
In addition to two crisis shelters, Chrysalis offers transitional housing for up to 24 months, outpatient counseling, and community education and prevention programs. Women, children and men are taught to identify unhealthy relationships in their lives and seek proper help and assistance. With the services provided through Chrysalis, they are able to initiate positive changes in their lives and break away from verbal, physical, emotional, financial, and sexual abuse. It is with the continued help of a concerned public that Chrysalis is able to sustain these critical services.