Hanging With the Women of Athleta and Chrysalis

Last night I got to hang out at an event at the Village put on by Athleta. It was for the women at Chrysalis, a women's transitional living program here in Boise. I'd never heard of Chrysalis before Denise, the GM at Athleta, told me about their program, and it's dope.

From their site:

Purpose and Philosophy: Chrysalis Women’s Transitional Living provides safe and sober housing for adult women in a healthy, positive, faith based environment. Residents are housed in 3 homes in Boise, Idaho. Our women have recently been incarcerated, are homeless, abused, or are chemically dependent. The residents attend Chrysalis life skills classes two nights a week to learn how to live a life free of addictions. The classes are designed to promote success. Residents are also required to attend a church of their choice and recovery group meetings outside of Chrysalis.

Chrysalis’s objective is to continue to be an effective resource in the community, providing homes that are well maintained inside and out, with an atmosphere of love and acceptance. We have an excellent reputation of integrity in our community and strive to be successful in the business and programs that we provide. Chrysalis provides resources, information and leadership to the residents to encourage and support their transition back into the community as successful individuals who can live independently.

Athleta wanted to put together a small private party for these women. They had gifts and stockings with items donated from around the Village for each woman, hosted a mini yoga meditation class and had snacks and music. It was so fun to just hang out and talk!

The women I met last night were all beautiful, energetic and grateful. When you think about it, we're all in a transitional stage at all times. You may not realize it, but you're always transitioning into another stage of life. One of my favorite quotes that I've heard time and time again in yoga (thanks to my favorite yoga instructor of all time, JL in the bay area) is: the only constant in life is change. And it really is. Life will never be the same tomorrow as it is today.

I left Athleta last night feeling inspired. I don't know what life has thrown their way, but the women of Chrysalis all seemed so happy regardless of their past or current circumstances.

Athleta is hosting a personal care drive through the end of the year, benefitting Chrysalis. They're looking for items like: