Empowering a Successful Financial Future

Continuing its mission to uplift and prepare young women in underserved communities, The Chrysalis Project hosted a dynamic financial planning session aimed at equipping its participants with essential tools for managing their financial futures. Through guided exercises and open discussions, the mentees began to grasp the importance of planning for long-term financial goals.

The workshop, led by Tonya McNeil, Treasurer of The Chrysalis Project, offered a hands-on introduction to understanding foundational tools of financial literacy and building healthy savings habits.

Tonya McNeil brings a wealth of experience to her role as a mentor and financial educator. An accomplished accountant, is an Accountant and the retired Controller (2017) of the Northeast Carpenters Fringe Benefits Fund office (formerly the New Jersey Carpenters Funds). Tonya joined the Carpenters Fund in 1986 as a Staff Accountant. With over 30 years of work experience with the same company Tonya gained extensive knowledge and experience through various roles as she worked her way up the corporate ladder.

With her deep knowledge of finance and a passion for service, McNeil tailored the session to meet the girls where they are—focusing on practical, real-life scenarios. She broke down complex topics in relatable ways, helping the participants understand how to build a budget, identify wants versus needs, and develop a savings mindset early on.

The Chrysalis Project is dedicated to the holistic development of young women through mentorship, exposure, and education. Financial literacy is a critical piece of that mission. By teaching money management skills, The Chrysalis Project empowers participants to make informed decisions and cultivate financial independence.

The session concluded with a renewed sense of confidence among the young women, who left equipped with new knowledge and a fresh perspective on their financial power.

Your contributions make all the difference in the impact of our programming. Please consider making a tax-deductible donation today.

Collegiate Visit to Drew University

In a continued effort to open doors and expand horizons for young women in underserved communities, The Chrysalis Project recently took a group of girls on a collegiate visit to Drew University in Madison, New Jersey. The trip was a vibrant reflection of The Chrysalis Project’s mission—to empower young women to dream beyond limitations and offer a glimpse of what is possible for their education, and their lives.

Known for its strong liberal arts foundation, small class sizes, and commitment to civic engagement, Drew University offers a nurturing, yet challenging academic environment. With a diverse student body and programs that emphasize real-world learning and leadership, Drew University was a stellar campus for this eye-opening experience.

The day included a guided campus tour, interactive conversations, and an introduction to the academic and extracurricular opportunities that make college life both enriching and rewarding.

For many of the participants, it was their first time visiting a college campus—a moment that allowed them to visualize themselves not just as students, but as future scholars and leaders.

“Sometimes, all it takes is planting a seed to open the door to a brighter future,” said Marie Joyner, the Auction and Symposium representative from The Chrysalis Project.

The Chrysalis Project is rooted in the belief that exposure leads to empowerment. Through mentorship, enrichment programs, and experiences like this college visit, we work to help young women reimagine their futures and embrace their full potential.

Your support helps us provide more opportunities like this for the youth we serve. Please consider making a tax-deductible donation today.

Celebrating Black History Month—The Chrysalis Project Celebrates Black Composers with New Jersey Symphony Orchestra Performance

In a powerful display of community unity, cultural pride, and artistic excellence, The Chrysalis Project, Inc., in collaboration with the Plainfield community, hosted an extraordinary musical event featuring the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra. Held at the historic Shiloh Baptist Church in the heart of Plainfield, the performance spotlighted music exclusively composed by African American musicians—celebrating Black History Month through sound, history, and soul.

This cultural experience reminded everyone of the depth and richness of Black musical heritage.

This collaboration was a natural alignment of purpose. The Chrysalis Project, based in Plainfield, NJ, is committed to helping young women in underserved communities blossom through personal development, mentorship, and exposure to arts and culture.

Shiloh Baptist Church, a cornerstone of the Plainfield community, has long served as a beacon of faith, empowerment, and education. Together, we united under a shared mission: to uplift, inspire, and invest in the potential of Plainfield’s residents.

Events like this one offer a glimpse of what is possible when organizations work together to uplift and empower the communities we serve. 

Your support makes our work possible. Please consider making a tax-deductible donation today.