Since 1988, Chrysalis has supported thousands of women. The impacts of women's successful outcomes within recovery extend beyond individuals to include reunification with children, family and community: healing for one is healing for many. We remain dedicated to supporting the processes underpinning these evolutions...

1987

Envisioning safe, supportive housing for women wanting empowerment over addiction, poverty, abuse and violence, Jane Davis & Joanne Leroux volunteer immeasurable time and energy to form a Society and Volunteer Board of Directors, secure a home, and elicit donations for furniture and supplies.

1988

Chrysalis Society was incorporated and the first program, New Dawn, was administered by Jane, Joanne & many passionate, dedicated volunteers. New Dawn functioned as a clean and sober home for women in early recovery.

1990

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, Staff developed a second-stage program meant to provide post-detoxification supports to women.

1991

New Day became fully operational as a separately-housed, second-stage program for women who had completed New Dawn’s program.

1994

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

1997

New Dawn earned community respect as a credible, effective Addictions Service after fostering a decade of positive outcomes for women who had received support through the program. In response to social service cutbacks, the Society pursued an initiative to access government funding through licensing to prevent New Dawn’s closure.

1999

New Dawn became a licensed Adult-Care Facility through the Vancouver-Richmond Health Board.

2001

The Society partnered with BC Housing to provide financial assistance through subsidies to women who completed programs at New Dawn and New Day, and were ready for independent living.

2001-2004

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

2005

New Way became fully operational as a separately-housed, third-stage transitional program for women who had completed programs at New Dawn & New Day.

2006

Chrysalis Society acquired a separate location for the Head Administrative Office.

2007

Sheila resigned and her successor, Shannon Skilton, stepped in as our Society’s new Executive Director. All three programs were expanded and accessibility was increased: where Sheila’s vision entailed four sequential stages, Chrysalis’ programs now entail numerous points of entry as means to increasing access to support-recovery services for all women. Intake, screening and admission processes/guidelines have all been honed and occupancy rates have subsequently stabilized as a result.

2008-Present

The Executive Director, Team of Staff, and Board of Directors all persevere as our Organization continues to support women to achieve empowered, self-sustainable, chemical-free lives. New partnerships are being developed, funding is being sought, the Board is being strengthened, and we all look to the future with passion, strength and optimism.