Chrysalis Foundation

Chrysalis Foundation Chrysalis Foundation invests in the safety, security, education, and economic empowerment of girls

After years of encouraging Des Moines-area women to create a women's foundation, Louise Rosenfield Noun, called together her friends, Senator Elaine Szymoniak and Attorney Barbara Barrett, to establish the Chrysalis Foundation in 1989. Over the next decade, we expanded our Board, hired staff, and created our signature program, Chrysalis After-School, in addition to funding key organizations servin

g girls and women in Polk, Warren, and Dallas counties in central Iowa. In our work to engage organizations and individuals concerned for the well-being of girls and women, we created and lead the Women's Alliance, where we learn together, share resources, and provide a voice for girls and women throughout Iowa. Today, Chrysalis partners with the community to provide Iowa women and girls leadership skills, educational and economic opportunities, and a voice within their communities.

More moments from the Chrysalis After-School overnight HerStory celebration at YMCA Camp in Boone.Brooke was grateful fo...
06/14/2026

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

BEST WISHES TO LYNN KNUDSENFor the past 12 years, many of you have seen Lynn Knudsen at a Chrysalis event, meeting, or c...
06/13/2026

BEST WISHES TO LYNN KNUDSEN

For the past 12 years, many of you have seen Lynn Knudsen at a Chrysalis event, meeting, or celebration, always offering a smiling face and warm greeting. Lynn has been a vital part of the Chrysalis team, and she will be missed.

Lynn has resigned from her role and will soon move to Chicago, where much of her family lives and where she grew up. Although we know this was a difficult decision for her, we wish her happiness and fulfillment in this new chapter and deeply appreciate all she has done for Chrysalis and for the girls and women in our community.

Chrysalis is proud to partner with community organizations advancing opportunity, equity, and well-being for girls and w...
06/12/2026

Chrysalis is proud to partner with community organizations advancing opportunity, equity, and well-being for girls and women across our community. Mind & Spirit Counseling Center

Tonight is the night!Join us this evening for the fourth annual Chrysalis Summer Celebration at Gilroy’s Kitchen + Pub +...
06/11/2026

Tonight is the night!

Join us this evening for the fourth annual Chrysalis Summer Celebration at Gilroy’s Kitchen + Pub + Patio in West Des Moines. Enjoy a summer evening on the patio, great food, and the authentic Mexican music of Guitarras ATM, all while supporting Chrysalis and our work with girls and women in our community.

The event is free and open to the public. Contributions will be accepted throughout the evening, and as always, 100% of your gift supports Chrysalis programs and nonprofit partners serving thousands of girls and women each year.

Thursday, June 11
6:00–7:30 PM
Gilroy’s Kitchen + Pub + Patio
1238 8th Street, West Des Moines

Can’t make it tonight? You can still support girls and women in our community by making a gift at www.chrysalisfdn.org/donate.

I recently had the opportunity to attend and chaperone a Chrysalis After-School group’s overnight HerStory celebration a...
06/10/2026

I recently had the opportunity to attend and chaperone a Chrysalis After-School group’s overnight HerStory celebration at YMCA Camp in Boone, and it was such a meaningful reminder of why this work matters.

The HerStory celebration gives students time and space to reflect on who they are, what they have learned, and the strengths they carry with them. Away from their usual routines, the girls had the chance to connect with one another, try new things, celebrate their growth, and simply enjoy being together.

As a chaperone, I loved seeing the confidence, curiosity, humor, and care they brought to the experience. There were big moments of reflection and small moments of joy, and both were equally powerful.

Chrysalis After-School is about more than programming. It is about creating spaces where girls feel seen, supported, and encouraged to lead. Spending time with this group at camp was a beautiful reminder that when girls are given those spaces, they bring their full selves forward.

I am grateful to the students, facilitators, and partners who make experiences like this possible. -Brooke Findley, Deputy Director, Chrysalis

YMCA of Greater Des Moines Des Moines Y Camp

Why do we gather for the Chrysalis Inspired Event?Because connection fuels action.Each year, this event brings our commu...
06/10/2026

Why do we gather for the Chrysalis Inspired Event?

Because connection fuels action.

Each year, this event brings our community together to reflect on the work ahead, celebrate the impact made possible through shared commitment, and recommit to a future where every girl and woman in Greater Des Moines has the support, resources, and opportunities to lead a successful life.

The Inspired Event is more than a luncheon. It is a moment to listen, learn, be moved, and remember that transforming the lives of girls and women happens when a community comes together with purpose.

Join us. Tickets on sale soon. www.chrysalisfdn.org/inspired-event

Community Grantee Spotlight: Girls on the Run of Central IowaGirls on the Run Central Iowa helps girls build confidence,...
06/08/2026

Community Grantee Spotlight: Girls on the Run of Central Iowa

Girls on the Run Central Iowa helps girls build confidence, connection, and healthy habits through a fun, experience-based curriculum that creatively integrates running.

Their programs support girls in recognizing their inner strength, increasing physical activity, imagining new possibilities, and standing up for themselves and others.

Learn more: gotrcentraliowa.org

Mark your calendar for this family-friendly event!
06/07/2026

Mark your calendar for this family-friendly event!

Welcome, summer.We are looking forward to longer days, warmer weather, time with family and friends, and all the ways th...
06/06/2026

Welcome, summer.

We are looking forward to longer days, warmer weather, time with family and friends, and all the ways this season gives us a little more room to connect, recharge, and enjoy our community.

At Chrysalis, summer also reminds us that our work continues. We remain committed to showing up for the issues that matter most to girls and women, including safety, security, education, and economic empowerment.

Here’s to a season of sunshine, connection, and continued purpose.

Safety creates the foundation for everything else.This National Safety Month, Chrysalis recognizes the importance of saf...
06/05/2026

Safety creates the foundation for everything else.

This National Safety Month, Chrysalis recognizes the importance of safe homes, schools, workplaces, and communities for girls and women.

Through our partnerships across Polk, Dallas, and Warren counties, we invest in work that supports safety, security, education, and economic empowerment, helping girls and women thrive.

Address

1248 8th Street, Suite 101
West Des Moines, IA
50265

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 5pm
Friday 8am - 5pm

Telephone

+15152551853

Website

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