Prior to joining LA:RISE, Harlow spent most of his adult and adolescent life in the criminal justice system. When he was released from incarceration, Harlow was eager to join the workforce but struggled during job interviews.

After being referred to LA:RISE social enterprise partner Chrysalis, Harlow completed job-readiness classes and received coaching on how to share his background with potential employers. At Chrysalis, Harlow felt valued and respected. He connected with staff committed to helping him find employment.


Encouraged by the support he received in the job-readiness classes, Harlow began working at social enterprise Chrysalis Staffing and he was assigned to help unhoused individuals as a support staff member at the National Health Foundation, an organization that connects individuals experiencing homelessness with medical staff, housing, and social workers.

After five months, Harlow was offered a permanent position as a Guest Service Associate. He now finds purpose and pride in his work – and is excited to pursue his goals of returning to school to study psychology, starting a family, and buying a house.

EWDD is a leadership team partner of LA:RISE, an innovative, collaborative partnership that unites the City and County of Los Angeles’ Workforce Development System with non-profit social enterprises and for-profit employers to help people with high barriers to employment get good jobs and stay employed.

The City’s WorkSource Centers and LA:RISE prioritize individuals recently released from prison, the unsheltered or those at risk of homelessness, and youth ages 18-24 who are neither in school nor employed. After working in a transitional job at a social enterprise, leveraging WorkSource Center training and services, LA:RISE participants are placed in permanent jobs within the private or the public sector.