"I sent resume, after resume, after resume…"

Unemployed + three kids + criminal record + background of chemical dependency… Not the best formula for “you’re hired,” especially in this job market.  These were the obstacles faced by Dazurae after completing a three-month job readiness program with The Chrysalis House earlier this year.

Today, Dazurae is running a successful catering operation, providing for her family, pursuing an Associates Degree in Human Services, and for the first time has pride in what she’s doing.

The Purple Lunchbox

Created by God’s Closet and in partnership with the Chrysalis House in Lexington, The Purple Lunchbox was formed to provide catering with a mission, to provide opportunities for women who may not otherwise have a chance.  The Purple Lunchbox offers catering services for breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner, but the vision of God’s Closet’s Director, Shelia Taluskie, is much larger. 

God’s Closet provides career assistance and professional clothing to women to gain adequate employment and achieve self-sufficiency.  Shelia works with anywhere from 50 to 75 women at a time – from all walks of life.   They have histories of chemical dependence and in many cases, a criminal background. 

Shelia wanted to help bridge the gap for women who had completed the three-month job readiness program with The Chrysalis House and are looking for employment. Thus, The Purple Lunchbox was formed.

Sheila noted that, “A criminal history is such a barrier to employment and the economy has made it twice the barrier it was than before.  For some of these women, it is their first chance.  I wanted to provide employment opportunities that are conducive to recovery.”

A New Beginning

Dazurae started as a volunteer for The Purple Lunchbox, but is now an official employee.   Having worked in and around restaurants for 15 years, The Purple Lunchbox was a natural fit.  She says the program can help women get back on their feet again and get off government assistance.

“When Shelia approached me about The Purple Lunchbox, I really felt strongly about the mission of women helping women.  It is such a worthy cause to help women get on their feet, gain employment, get off government assistance and provide for themselves and their children.  I think so many times employers just assume that women in recovery and women who have been in prison don’t have any job skills.  The Purple Lunchbox has really helped me to break out of that stigma.  Some of these ladies have amazing skills and are highly qualified,” says Dazurae.

A Clear Path to a Bright Future

The National Association of Business Women Owners took the first chance on The Purple Lunchbox.  Since then, The Purple Lunchbox has catered for several different local businesses and organizations including University of Kentucky’s Behavioral Sciences Department, People Advocating Recovery, The Kentucky Women’s Forum, and Man Power.  

Because most of the women are in recovery, The Purple Lunchbox does not cater at any function where alcohol will be served.  They try to use as much Kentucky Proud items as possible and even use herbs and vegetables from the Chrysalis House children’s garden.  Of their menu, the Tomato Basil Wrap and Chocolate Texas Cake are their most popular items.   

Speaking of her long-term vision for The Purple Lunchbox, Sheila concluded,  “I want to empower these women to learn the business, learn PR, learn how to do payroll, so that they can eventually end up running and owning it themselves. Eventually, I’d like to see them get a vendor’s license so that they can go to the Farmer’s Market and sell their wraps there.  I can see this turning into more than just catering, selling jewelry and other goods made by these talented women,” says Shelia.