An Interview with Dani Rischall, Executive Director of Chrysalis
by Dean Kallas, Grocery Category Manager
How did Chrysalis get started?
Chrysalis, Inc., a private 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, has served the Madison community since 1980. The founders wanted to avoid following a trend at the time, which was to provide mental health support in sheltered workshops. These founders believed real-life experiences were more powerful and lasting than isolated and confined interactions. To this day, Chrysalis focuses on providing community-based and on-site services, emphasizing meaningful relationships and meaningful work.
What is the mission of the organization?
Chrysalis promotes mental health and substance use recovery in our community by supporting work opportunities that encourage hope, healing, and wellness.
In what ways do you help the people you work with?
Chrysalis helps people find meaning and purpose in their lives and within their communities. Our support services emphasize peer-to-peer support, community connections,
skill development, independent and supported employment, and education.
Can you tell us a little about the programs you run?
Chrysalis provides person-centered services focusing on the integral role of purpose and connection in recovery. Services range from competitive (IPS) to supported (Chrysalis Pops) work opportunities and focus on shared experiences (Vocational Peer Support) and shared decision-making (Chrysalis Clubhouse).
In addition to direct services, Chrysalis participates in local and state-wide coalitions. It facilitates peer learning communities to promote the Chrysalis mission and support the role of people with lived experience with mental health and substance use challenges as providers and systems change makers.
Are there specific parts of these programs you find more helpful for your clients?
Finding meaning and purpose and having access to opportunities that build confidence, teach new skills, and foster relationships are core to the Chrysalis program’s success and impact.
Chrysalis meets people where they are and offers a caring, supportive community of belonging and connection. At Chrysalis, people don’t have to feel alone in their recovery.
How many clients do you work with?
250.
What kinds of hurdles do your clients face?
Members of Chrysalis each have their own strengths and challenges. Some of the individual-level hurdles might include low confidence, a need for skill development, and isolation. At the community level, hurdles often stem from the stigma surrounding mental health and substance use as well as a lack of resources (e.g., housing, food security, education, health care, etc.).
What was the impetus behind starting the Chrysalis Clubhouse?
In the past, Chrysalis had a program called The Work Center that provided people with a place to connect with others while participating in volunteer work for our community. This program ended so that people could have more opportunities to better connect within their communities outside of Chrysalis. It soon became very clear that members of Chrysalis were still interested in having an on-site space to build relationships and work skills. The Clubhouse is an evidence-based model that offers people a community approach to recovery and meaningful work.
How has the organization changed over time?
Chrysalis has grown significantly over time. There is a big need in our community to support people with mental health and substance use challenges with connection and purpose. There is also a great movement to provide services from a lens of “nothing about us without us” and truly see people as leaders and partners in their care.
What is the best part of your job?
Chrysalis embodies workplace wellness and mutuality. Staff, members, and peers are welcome to show up as their authentic selves and co-create a community of care. In addition to the focus on wellness, it is incredible to see people thrive and reach goals that they never thought possible.
What was the inspiration behind the Chrysalis Pops you created?
Chrysalis has a long history of providing innovative, effective, and empowering vocational mental health services. Our services embody the belief that every individual has the right to be an active community member.
The seeds of Chrysalis Pops were planted in 2016 to support our mission and better connect with our community. The Social Enterprise is run by the Chrysalis Clubhouse, supporting meaningful relationships and work while producing and selling local, organic fruit pops.
How can people help support the important work you all do?
There are many ways to support the work of Chrysalis:
- Consider joining our employer network.
- Learn more about Chrysalis services.
- Make a donation.
- Reach out to support our work as a volunteer or Board Member.
- Take care of yourself; know you are not alone. Our community is stronger and healthier together.
Which part of the work are you most proud of?
We are proud to create a space and community where people have opportunities to dream, succeed, grow, and belong.