Pier Support

Written by Larry Rosen

At the time of writing this, I was an employee of Many Mansions for 6 months. I was in need of new employment, having spent many years working in Substance Use treatment. I was searching for a position that would allow me to utilize my skills to be of maximum service to others.

When I saw the ad for a Peer Support Specialist and what the population was at Many Mansions, I knew that it looked like the place I wanted to be. I feel fortunate and grateful to have been brought into the Many Mansions family. I immediately was made to feel welcome, and the staff here has been wonderful to work with.

I coordinate and facilitate many different types of workshops for our residents, from life skills, to emotional and physical growth workshops, to just spending time together in “Morning Reflections.” I really have begun to establish the types of relationships with our residents that helps them feel comfortable in sharing their stories with me. As a Peer Support Specialist, I have had my own struggles in life and found many tools to maintain my own recovery, and it is this experience that I try to share each day at Many Mansions.

My most memorable experience to date was in the beginning of my employment here. When I introduced myself to one of our residents as the “Peer Support,” they responded, totally deadpan, “Which one, the Santa Monica or Ventura Pier?” Remembering that helps me come in each day with a smile on my face and a chuckle.

The Many Mansions family are a fantastic group to spend my workdays with. Each day, I come into work hoping that I can help one more person gain new tools for lifting up their lives.