Our Mission

2023 – Bridging Services 

In our role as an ally for Indigenous women, Chrysalis has taken a significant step by appointing a Cultural Program Coordinator to enhance our services by establishing meaningful connections and fostering cultural bridges.

2022 – Recovery

Chrysalis was awared funding from Canadian Mental Health Association for a 2nd Stage program at New Day tailored for Indigenous women to connect with their cultural identity in a safe environment. In 2022 Chrysalis received Reaching Home funds to complete the renovation and winterization of New Day and New Way garages allowing for additional space for women to exercise, and hold their meetings.

2021 – The Pandemic Carries On 

With help from Reaching Home Foundation and Vancouver Foundation, Chrysalis purchased a new passenger van and upgraded computer technology in each of the homes to facilitate virtual learning and social connections. Chrysalis remains steadfast in its commitment to the safety and well-being of all residents and staff within its recovery homes. In response to the evolving situation,  we diligently updated our policies and procedures to ensure a secure environment for everyone associated with Chrysalis.

2020 – Emergency Response Policies

The ongoing challenges posed by Covid 19, prompted Chrysalis to enhance its policies and procedures across its homes.  Chrysalis implemented emergency response policies to address the pandemic and safeguard the well-being of its residence and staff.

2019 – Housing Upgrades

Chrysalis continued to upgrade each home to include beautiful landscaped yards and healing gardens for the women to enjoy. The alumnae network continued to expand on Facebook and women are able to connect and support each other after leaving our programs.

2013 – 2018 – 30th Anniversary

In 2018, Chrysalis celebrated its 30th anniversary with a luncheon that featured speakers such as Gabor Mate, a world-renowned addictions expert, and Don Davies, Member of Parliament for Vancouver Kingsway.

As homeowners, Chrysalis completed extensive interior and exterior renovations to New Dawn after successful fundraising. With BC Housing’s support, we purchased New Way and upgraded the home’s interior with significant remediation and renovations. With support from Central City Foundation, Chrysalis renovated the kitchen and interior of New Day.

2010 – 2012 – New Day

With Homelessness Partnering Strategy funding, Chrysalis purchased New Dawn. Two years later, Chrysalis successfully secured funding from Pacifica Family Addiction Foundation and purchased New Day.

2008 – 2009 – New Digital Presence

With the support of Social Venture Partners, Chrysalis redesigned its administrative infrastructure and launched a new website and social media platforms.

2007 – Welcome Shannon

Sheila Nyman resigned and her successor, Shannon Skilton, stepped in as the Society’s new Executive Director. Chrysalis Society’s continuum of care was streamlined to increase accessibility for women. Intake, screening and admission processes/guidelines for all three programs were honed to meet women’s needs efficiently.

2005 – 2006 – New Way

In 2005, New Way became fully operational as a separate third-stage transitional program for women who had moved through New Dawn & New Day. To meet the organization’s increasing administrative demands, in 2006 the Society secured a stand-alone location for a head office.

2001 – 2004 – A Third Stage

Envisioning a three-stage program for women that would fully encompass and support all stages of recovery, the Society developed a third-stage program that would augment New Dawn and New Day.

2001 – BC Housing

The Society partnered with BC Housing to provide mobile housing subsidies for private, market housing to women who completed New Day and who demonstrated readiness for inter-dependent living.

1997 – A New Dawn is Upon Us

New Dawn earned community respect as a credible and effective support recovery program for marginalized women after fostering a decade of positive outcomes. The Society pursued licensing and government funding.

1994 – Welcome Sheila

Sheila Nyman began to volunteer at New Dawn – the beginning of what became the fourteen years of her dedicated involvement with the organization.

1991 – New Day is Growing

New Day became fully operational as a separate second stage home for women who completed the first-stage program at New Dawn.

 1990 – A Second Stage Program is Born

New Dawn housed many women who were able to achieve lengthy abstinence with ongoing support. Recognizing the gap in services for women exiting New Dawn, the Society developed a second-stage program to provide continued supports for women.

 1988 – We’re Incorporated!

Chrysalis Society was incorporated and the first recovery home, New Dawn, was founded by Jane, Joanne & many passionate, dedicated volunteers. New Dawn functioned as a safe, sober, peer-led, women-only home for women in early recovery.

 1987 – It Started as an Idea…

Envisioning safe, clean & sober and gender-specific support to recovery outside the DTES for women needing help to heal and recover from addiction, violence, poverty and exploitation, Jane Davis & Joanne Leroux volunteer immeasurable time and energy to form a non-profit Society. Jane and Joanne’s tireless efforts formed our first Board of Directors, secured a home thanks to Wendy Stanyon and recruited a dedicated group of volunteers and elicited donations for furniture and supplies.