Deborah Larson-Chrysalis

For over a year, Deborah has been a dedicated volunteer at Chrysalis, offering her time, experience, and compassionate support to individuals navigating barriers to employment. As a ministry leader at Celebrate Recovery and a seasoned volunteer with more than two decades of experience, Deborah plays a pivotal role in empowering others, providing hope, and helping people overcome personal challenges.

Deborah’s passion for helping others is rooted in her own journey of resilience. Drawing on her experience as a single parent and navigating other life changes, she feels a heightened sense of empathy and understanding which help her guide others toward healing and self-empowerment. Through sharing her story, she instills hope in those she supports, demonstrating that it is possible to overcome obstacles and thrive despite life’s hardships. Deborah discovered her passion for volunteering over 20 years ago at her church, where, as a volunteer, she provided in-person support to women facing crises such as divorce, abuse, or loss.

Although she was not a licensed therapist, she offered emotional support, a compassionate listening ear, and guidance. This dedication to helping others grew as she became involved in Celebrate Recovery, a Christian-based 12-step program aimed at helping individuals experiencing substance dependance, mental health barriers, and other challenges. As a Chrysalis program volunteer, Deborah teaches job readiness skills by facilitating Job Prep 2 – our class focused on job applications.

This class helps clients build confidence in their job search by teaching them how to navigate different application processes, complete forms, and answer common job application questions. Deborah’s ability to meet people where they are, offering both practical advice and emotional encouragement, has made a profound impact on many of Chrysalis’ clients. Her work with individuals who have been impacted by the justice system, as well as those experiencing housing instability or navigating barriers to employment, shows her dedication to helping others move forward and find sustainable employment.

Deborah's commitment to volunteering is fueled by her belief that serving others leads to personal growth and transformation. She has seen firsthand how volunteering fosters both the development of those being helped and the volunteers themselves. At Chrysalis, Deborah contributes to creating a supportive and positive environment where both volunteers and clients can experience meaningful change. The Chrysalis team is deeply grateful for Deborah's unwavering dedication. Her volunteer work continues to inspire others, exemplifying the powerful impact that volunteering can have on both the lives of individuals and the broader community.