Freshplace is Chrysalis Center’s innovative client-choice, fresh food and case management food pantry located on our main campus in Hartford. Freshplace serves up to 100 families monthly living in the poorest neighborhoods in Hartford. Volunteers help to create an inviting atmosphere by helping clients shop for food, unloading and sorting donations, assisting with pantry inventory, and organizing shelves.

Age Qualification: Volunteers must be at least 18 years of age.

Time Frame: Shifts are scheduled Monday – Wednesday between the hours of 9am – 12pm. We ask volunteers to commit to a weekly shift.

Chrysalis Center has gardens at its main campus, and a two-acre food forest at Cosgrove Commons, our supportive housing site, both located in Hartford. The gardens help clients learn how to harvest and grow their own foods, as well as make them available for Freshplace, the Homestead Farmers’ Market and La Cocina Catering. Volunteers help the gardens thrive by assisting with planting and harvesting produce, as well as general upkeep.  

Age Qualification: Volunteers must be at least 18 years of age.

Throughout the year Chrysalis Center hosts a variety of events to assist in raising funds to support our mission. Tasks include, but are not limited to, registration and check out, serving, greeting, and other duties as needed.

Age Qualification: Volunteers must be at least 18 years of age.

Time Frame: Events are scheduled throughout the year, typically held on weekday evenings with the occasional weekend event. Volunteer times vary depending on the event and assigned tasks.

Companies and organizations have the opportunity to come together to help the community while team building. Chrysalis Center will work with your group to find the best project fit based for your interests, group size and desired schedule.

Here are just a few ways groups can help:

• Volunteer in our Freshplace Food Pantry to help to provide a heartfelt experience for our program participants.

• Get down and dirty by helping in our outdoor gardens. Volunteers will help to plant, harvest, and maintain our raised bed gardens and outdoor plantings.
• Help at one of Chrysalis Center’s signature events; Empty Bowls , Butterfly Bash, Turkey Distribution Day and other events throughout the year.

• Host a donation drive to benefit Chrysalis Center Clients.
• Host a barbeque or activity night at one of Chrysalis Center’s housing locations for their residents.

Age Qualification: Volunteers must be at least 18 years of age.

Time Frame: Group volunteer days are typically scheduled Monday- Friday between the hours of 8-4pm. Groups will be scheduled though the Volunteer & Outreach Manager based on size, project type and availability.

Hosting a food drive, or another type of collection drive for Chrysalis Center clients is a wonderful way to volunteer and give back to help others. Collection drives can consist of food, toiletries, gift cards or toys for kids. Check out our list of needed items HERE for ideas.

Age Qualification: Donation drives can be hosted by volunteers of all ages. This is the perfect way for children to get involved and give back to a meaningful cause!

Time Frame: Drives can be hosted on an ongoing basis.

Interested in hosting a donation drive? Contact Sarah Cripsey by emailing scripsey@chrysaliscenterct.org.

Through our Recovery and Empowerment Center (REC), individuals receive a variety of social, recreational and wellness opportunities. Chrysalis is always looking for volunteers who are willing to share their talents and teach a class to help clients learn how to live a better life in recovery. Classes are scheduled on a regular basis around the volunteer’s availability. Class subjects may include, but are not limited to, reading comprehension, cooking, health & wellness, sewing, computer literacy, and recovery programming.

Age Qualification: Volunteers must be at least 18 years of age. Volunteers will be supported by a Chrysalis Center staff member during their class.

Time Frame: Classes are scheduled Monday – Friday between the hours of 10am – 3pm.  We ask volunteers to commit to a regular class schedule to createa  stable and empowering experience for participants.