Chrysalis Foundation

Tickets go on sale July 5! www.chrysalisfdn.org/inspired-event

This Father’s Day, Chrysalis recognizes the fathers, grandfathers, uncles, mentors, coaches, family members, and caring adults who show up for the young people in their lives with encouragement, consistency, and support.

We also hold space for those for whom this day may feel complicated, tender, or difficult.

Every girl deserves trusted adults who believe in her, listen to her, and help her see what is possible. Today, we are grateful for the people who help create that kind of support.

Pride Month is a time to celebrate LGBTQ+ communities, honor the history of the movement for equality, and recognize the continued importance of belonging, safety, and visibility.

At Chrysalis, we believe every girl and woman deserves the support, resources, and opportunities to lead a successful life. That commitment includes LGBTQ+ girls, women, and gender-expansive young people in our community.

For young people, belonging is not a small thing. It can shape confidence, connection, mental health, leadership, and the ability to imagine a future where they are safe, valued, and free to be themselves.

Today, Chrysalis joins communities across Iowa in recognizing Juneteenth, a day of freedom, remembrance, reflection, and celebration.

As we honor the history and resilience of Black communities, we also recognize that equity requires continued learning, action, and investment in a more just future for all girls and women.

We encourage our community to learn more about local events, celebrations, and opportunities to engage through the Iowa Juneteenth Observance webpage:

Iowa Juneteenth Observance Iowa Juneteenth Observance | Reclaiming Our Time. Juneteenth is the oldest known celebration that commemorates the June 19th, 1865 announcement of the abolition of slavery in the United States of America.

About Chrysalis After-School, our signature program.

One Chrysalis After-School group found a memorable way to celebrate the end of their year together.

Each participant received a framed caricature portrait of the group, signed by every student, to take home as a keepsake.

This is one of the strengths of the Chrysalis After-School model. Each group is grounded in shared curriculum and goals for confidence, leadership, safety, and future readiness, while giving leaders the flexibility to create meaningful experiences that reflect their students.

With Chrysalis support, group leaders can bring ideas like this to life without unnecessary burden, making space for connection, creativity, and celebration.

Congratulations to this group on a wonderful year.

June is National PTSD Awareness Month.

PTSD can affect people of all ages and backgrounds, including girls and women who have experienced violence, abuse, loss, instability, discrimination, or other traumatic events.

Healing is not always simple or linear, but access to safe, supportive, and trauma-informed care can make a meaningful difference.

This month and every month, we honor survivors, support mental health awareness, and continue investing in a community where girls and women can feel safe, supported, and seen.

Learn more at:

VA.gov | Veterans Affairs Apply for and manage the VA benefits and services you’ve earned as a Veteran, Servicemember, or family member—like health care, disability, education, and more.

Your Inspired sponsorship is more than event support.

It helps Chrysalis transform the lives of girls and women through education and leadership, community engagement, and grant investments.

It supports the girl finding her voice after school.
The student taking her next step after graduation.
The woman accessing support through a trusted community partner.
The nonprofit meeting real needs in real time.

When you sponsor Inspired, you are helping create opportunity, connection, and possibility for girls and women across Greater Des Moines.

Learn more: https://www.chrysalisfdn.org/2026inspiredlynseyaddario/

More moments from the Chrysalis After-School overnight HerStory celebration at YMCA Camp in Boone.

Brooke was grateful for the opportunity to chaperone and see students step outside their usual routines, connect with one another, and celebrate their growth.

These experiences are a meaningful part of Chrysalis After-School because they give girls space to reflect, build confidence, and recognize the strengths they already carry.

YMCA of Greater Des Moines Des Moines Y Camp