» Annette M. Benavente

"Since I have been living here at Stoll House, I was able to take my G.E.D. and passed all the exams but the math section.  I continue to study and plan to re-take the math exam in June.  My case manager Tracy Layton has made an extraordinary effort to help find me a car through the Cars for Causes Program…I am now the proud owner of a 1998 Buick Regal…Tracy has also supported me throughout my court hearings and has written some awesome letters of support, which have helped me get my children home."

"While all the excitement and changes in my life were going on, I was struggling to find a job…we were blessed with Christopher Samaniego, who quickly worked hard to help me redo my résumé and encouraged me throughout my job search.  In less than 24 hours, I was shocked!  I had 3 phone calls for interviews…I now work for Community Medical Group here in Thousand Oaks and I am making $11/hour and I work right around the corner from my day care.  Within 2 days of my employment, I was promoted from medical operator to medical referrals."

"I plan to live here at Stoll House for an extended year…to utilize all the support for our reunification process, this means family therapy and one-on-one counseling.  I believe that this will help me and my children to have a stronger foundation, and will help us all to succeed.  Stoll House/Many Mansions is a great program and very unique.  I am so fortunate to be here."

"It’s funny how life is, one minute you are a productive viable human being with the future all planned out and the next minute your life falls completely apart. The hopelessness that one can feel is so isolating and lonely; you turn from side to side and realize that there is absolutely no one in this world that will help. And then by complete surprise the clouds break a little and the sun comes out, all of a sudden there is an answer to your prayers in the form of a wonderful group of people who work for the Many Mansions team. This is how I felt as a single mother with a daughter who has a chronic health condition that had completely devastated our lives for five years; we were also fleeing domestic violence and were homeless."

"Stoll House was first presented to me through Many Mansions when I called in a panic to find something available for my daughter and I to move into. I was resistant to moving into a transitional housing complex because I did not feel my issues warranted living there. I was not a drug addict, did not have a drinking problem and was not in violation of any law. Additionally, I did not have issues with mental problems. Nonetheless, I was fortunate enough to be accepted into the program and I have to say it changed my life for the better."

"When I first came to Stoll House, it was a little bit rocky because the property was going through a transition with case workers. We had several transient case workers, but by the holidays a fresh, new gem had been hired in the form of Tracy Layton. Tracy took the time to listen to me which is something that validated me as a human being. Tracy was also my biggest cheerleader during the time I was looking for another job and when I felt like I was losing my confidence a bit, she was there to pick me back up. I feel that I have made a lifelong friend in Tracy . You see, she is much more than my case worker she has touched me deeply in how much she truly cares about all the women that live here. Tracy has held me accountable for times when I did not want to follow the rules and has been tough on me when she had to be, but she is also very generous. I will take with me when I leave Stoll House, a piece of Tracy that will always be in my heart and mind as the biggest supporter that I have ever known in my life. I will always hear her say during the tough times to come that you can do it and get past this. A part of me is afraid to leave knowing that the ties with Tracy are being severed, but I know that she is happy for my daughter and I and that no matter what I can pick up the phone and give her a call to say hello whenever, I want or need to."

"Our resident manager Lidia Cantu at Stoll House is the best resident manager that I could ever hope to have. Lidia is a bright spot to any day that I can see her beautiful, smiling face. Lidia is also much more than a resident manager, she is a great listener who has always been very supportive, kind and takes care of problems or issues when need be. I will miss Lidia a great deal but I also know that when I drop in at housing central, I can ask for her and she always makes time for me. I have had some difficulties with some of the women who live here, but Lidia is always quick to listen and give great advice."

"It is always unusual to have a man come into an all female situation and try to bond with the women who live at Stoll House and then on top of that try to be a life coach, but Chris Samaniego has done an incredible job of finding a way to connect with everyone who lives here on their level. Chris is an exceptional listener and remembers what you discuss with him. He has been a huge support to me not only in terms of my job search, but with life. I truly believe that if it had not been for Tracy and for Chris I would not have graduated the program and be ready to face the world on my own. Chris gave me back my confidence and taught me to like myself once again. Chris and I spoke about many different obstacles that life presents to all of us and taught me to believe that I am doing the right thing. His positive attitude and kindness will be with me forever. I hope that I see Chris in the future because he really does care about people and has a genuine interest in their success."

"Thank you for taking the time to read my story and please recognize the three people above for their contribution to the success that I will have from this point forward in my life."