Author: MMIT

Written by Al Friedman

It was a cold drizzling Wednesday afternoon in February. Classes at Westlake High School were over for the day. Our granddaughter, Danielle, often walked to our house after school. My wife Lois and I decided to drive down, find Dani, and drive her home. We saw her and another girl walking together, each wearing a heavy backpack. Dani saw us, smiled, waved good-bye to her friend and got into our car. Her friend continued walking on Thousand Oaks Blvd.

Lois said, “Dani, how is your friend getting home?”

“Oh, she takes the bus, but sometimes walks home.”

I asked, “Where does she live?”

“Oh, down Thousand Oaks Blvd.”

In unison, my wife and I said, “She is going to get soaked, let’s give her a ride.”

We pulled over. Dani opened the window and asked her she would like a ride home. I do not remember her name, but she said, “sure, thanks!” and got into our car.

We drove for about 10 minutes and she said, “I live down the next driveway.” I turned and drove down the alley. On the left was a row of small offices. On the right were old apartment buildings. Lois asked if this was where she lived. She told us she lived on the second floor with her mother. Many days, she used a room on the first floor to do homework where many kids get some tutoring if any help is available.

She said, “Thanks for the ride. See you tomorrow, Dani.”

I turned around and started back to the Thousand Oaks Blvd. We passed a sign over a little office doorway saying Many Mansions. Under the sign was a written card: Volunteers Needed.

Lois said, “Stop in front of that office. I want to see what they do here.” When she came back to the car, she had some papers in her hand. “Those apartments are for families who have been helped by Many Mansions. They might be homeless, but all need help. I am going to volunteer and help tutor some of the kids.”

Lois volunteered at Many Mansions about three days a week for many years. She always came home happy helping kids and sad about how much help some of the younger ones needed. Lois considered it a gift that she could help them.

 

Written by Luis Mex

I wanted to share a realization that I had when I returned from college recently. My math lecture had finished, and I went home. I was about to get ready for work, but I just had to stop. I looked at a tree by the mailboxes at Villa Garcia. It just caught my attention, and I just didn’t know why. So I went inside and I got ready for work. But for the next week, every time I got ready for work, I passed the tree, and I noticed all these little things I never bothered to look at. The branches, for instance. There is so many more of them now. Also, the tree was standing by itself. It no longer had the support posts that were there when the tree was originally planted. And that’s when everything made sense to me.

I was there when the tree was planted so many years ago. I helped dig the hole. I helped fill it back up. I helped make sure it was supported. When it was first planted, I used to walk past it and feel so good about that. Then I stopped for a couple of years. I didn’t even pay attention to this tree. I didn’t even watch it grow. It was just something that happened in the background.

This made me think about my experience at Many Mansions. I have been in Many Mansions longer than the tree has been here, and I never stopped to think that in the background, I have also been growing up. I was growing up inside this property, inside this organization and in this community. I related with the tree. At one point, I also had my little support post. I also had someone help put me in the ground and made sure I got water and all the nourishment I needed.

When I first started in homework club, I was always the kid who worked from the time I go there to the time program closed. I did not like doing homework, and I didn’t always finish. By the volunteers were so patient, sitting next to me and making sure I stayed focused. Then I grew up, became a teen, and they were still there, helping me. I was actually pretty shy, which might be shocking to the people who know me now. But I didn’t really want to talk to people. Learning how to became my first step towards leadership and becoming a good example.

I stepped up and became a role model. I got close to the kids at the different sites as a teen, and, when I turned 18, I asked Many Mansions for an internship and got a job. It wasn’t until this year that I fully understood how much that meant to me, being hired fresh out of high school. Many Mansions took a chance on this young man that just had a passion, nothing more than a passion. They helped mold me into the man I am today. My motivations, my goals, and my achievements has its roots in Many Mansions. No matter what happens in the future, there will always be a part of Many Mansions in me where that seed was planted.

This tree really helped me reflect on the things Many Mansions has helped me and the programs they provide, all the support. This tree helped me remember how thankful and appreciative I am of everything Many Mansions has done for me. If it weren’t for Many Mansions, I wouldn’t have grown up the same way that I did.

Every time I walked past this tree to this day, I stop, even if it’s only for five seconds. I stop to appreciate the tree itself and the journey that it’s gone through. It got me thinking—the tree’s support posts are gone. Mine are really gone too. This tree is just doing its own thing now. Sure, it might not be able to move on to a different place, but now I am certain that I will someday. One day, I will have my own little patch of grass, and I will continue to grow.

Written by Aleli Perez

Many Mansions has always been a place I can call home.

My family has been living in one of the beautiful properties named Villa Garcia. While growing up, my siblings and I went to the wonderful programs that they’ve provided for so many families. Seeing us as being part of the Many Mansions family, they have stuck true to their word of supporting the residents and wanting them to succeed. The programs they have provided have taught me how to be a leader, to have courage, and to become more organized and hard-working. I feel blessed to have been given so many opportunities because of Many Mansions.

I knew Many Mansions was there for me when I was going through a rough time with my mental health in high school. If not for the staff from the homework club, I would have struggled more. I was close to not graduating from the lack of homework I turned in. I could hardly pay attention. To tell you the truth, I often thought about dropping out or just doing online classes. But even then, it was an option I thought wouldn’t be successful at either. Around my junior year, I confessed to the staff that I wasn’t doing so well and that I didn’t think I could graduate. They promised me that I would do better, and they were right. Fast forward one year later, and I was graduating high school with all my friends. I felt much happier than I ever had been.

With Many Mansions, I was able to be a part of a family that has welcomed me with open arms, and I’ve gotten so much love from them. I can’t help but think how thankful I am for all that love and the times they gave my family and me the moral support we needed.

Throughout my time being into the programs and seeing the amazing staff, I thought it would be worth the shot and start volunteering for them at a young age. Volunteering with them has been a wonderful adventure, I would gladly take any chance given to help. It has shown me things that I thought I wouldn’t be able to do. I’ve experienced different roles when volunteering in the summer camp or at our Friday programs. Without the learning experience from the programs that were provided, I don’t think I wouldn’t be the person I am today.

As I got older, my ambitions to work with them grow stronger, and I’m proud to say that I’ve succeeded. Now at 19, my first job is working with a company that has helped many families like my own to be more successful and get on the path to greater things. Since I’ve been working with such a great team and also working with the most amazing kids, I truly love doing my job. I’ve always felt welcomed and very much appreciated anytime I enter work.

With Many Mansions being by my side for so long, my ambitions continue to grow. I’m about to complete my education in Moorpark College and transfer to Channel Islands to obtain a degree in Studio Art to teach art to high school students. I will never forget how much Many Mansions has supported me. I can’t wait to see what else Many Mansions has to offer in the future.

Written by Tyler Smetzer

Before coming to Many Mansions, I had just served a year with Americorp (City Year) as a tutor, mentor, and role model for underprivileged youth. One day, I casually asked one of the students if she would be walking the stage for commencement. It’s something I asked a lot of my students to gauge if they still needed any last minute support to ensure they pass. I simply assumed that she was doing okay because of her pleasant demeanor and seemingly studious attitude.

Then she lifted the veil and shocked me like a parent revealing Santa’s true identity. She was failing multiple classes. She had just taught me an invaluable lesson about the danger of assumptions and the value of getting to know my students. After a discussion about what she had to do to catch up and how to approach teachers for support, she agreed to come in for tutoring after school every day until she caught up. She came in with a mound of work that would make an accountant do a double take – but it eventually all got done. The day finally came and she walked the stage with a big smile, proud of her accomplishment. Seeing her walk the stage only invigorated my want to help more.

After Americorp, I was determined to continue giving back to my community while completing my teaching credential. That was when I found an ad for a Children Services position with Many Mansions. The tagline caught my eye, “providing hope, homes, and life-enriching services.” After a bit of research, I knew it would be a great fit, and it was more than I expected. We don’t just provide services for youth—we provide a supportive community where kids can explore and grow. We focus on the whole child, making sure they are safe, healthy, and happy.

Given my past experience, I try to get to know each kid I work with. What drives them. What their goals are. What they strive to achieve. A kid who seems to be doing great might in fact be struggling. A kid who is bubbly might actually be upset. A report card doesn’t tell the whole story and a grade doesn’t define a child.

Last year, I asked for a girl to start Teen Club early because I saw potential in her. The program is meant to help prepare participants be successful leaders by the time they finish high school. It includes socio-emotional support, academic guidance, and opportunities to grow as a leader. She was already helping her peers with homework, reading to younger kids, and assisting to prepare snack during Homework Club—all of her own volition. Her strong work ethic, determination, and yearning for growth made her the perfect fit. She showed up to meetings whenever possible and even volunteered to lead Friday Program for youth in preparation for leading lessons during summer camp. Simply put, she was exceptional and saying “thanks for your help” was not enough. I wanted her to recognize what her contributions truly mean for her community.

At the end of the year, Children Services has an Open House where each kid is recognized for their positive qualities in front of their peers, parents, and Many Mansions staff. A few participants, however, receive special recognition for exceeding expectations. Because the special awards are done last, kids wait in anticipation to see who will be chosen. Each time we would announce the next award, kids would start whispering about who is still left, wondering if it might be them. The fewer possibilities, the more the anticipation rose. She was quietly shaking with excitement when she realized there was only one name left to call.

“This last person is receiving special recognition for their exceptional growth and leadership. She is always friendly and volunteers to help others. She shows maturity beyond her years and is a great model for others. This award goes to…” We had named this student for the award. Tearing up and brimming with pride and accomplishment, she made her way to the front of the room amongst thunderous applause.

This moment is what keeps me at Many Mansions: having the opportunity to make someone feel not just supported, but also to elicit a sense of pride and belonging. While I enjoy the daily happenings like homework help, arts and crafts, and playing games, nothing compares to the joy of seeing the dignified smile on a kid’s face when they get to share their achievements and exceptionalities with their community. It’s an honor and a pleasure to be a part of that, and it’s what drives me to make the program the best it can be.

Santa might not be real, but magic happens here every day.

Written by Suzi Liu, Berkshire Hathaway Home Services

When growing up on South Shore Drive, Crystal Lake, IL, we always had a place for those who needed it. Be it a foster child, a neighbor, or a friend who was having a hard time. My dad never met a stranger, just a friend he didn’t know yet. He would spend most of his time in the garage. We didn’t know if he was actually working on anything, but people would stop by for his advice, which would lead to dinner, followed by games afterwards and all that would sometimes lead to them staying with us. My Mom knew how to stretch a meal from the 5 of us to 10, to 20 in an instant.

And I learned early on how to share a home.

Having been raised with that mentality, it was natural to raise my family the same way. My family and I take immeasurable joy in giving what we had, if we had it to give. Tuesdays, for instance, were our Burrito Bar Days. Perfect for stretching a meal from 5 to 10 or more in an instant. Sometimes, a few kids would stop by to eat, needing help with homework, advice, or a place to stay when things at home weren’t supportive.

Because of that, my children and I branched out from our own home to volunteer with local philanthropies. From Girl Scouts to National Charity League, we eventually supported, in different ways, sixteen various organizations in the area. One day, we discovered Many Mansions. As past president of National Charity League, Vista Robles, I was in charge of arranging an evening where we gathered together and painted bowls for the upcoming Bowls of Hope event. Ann Sturman was on site and gave us a tour of the homes. She shared how families were able to relax in the library, use the computers, find after school help, and grow vegetables in the garden for food when needed.

It sounded a lot like HOME. My childhood home. My children’s home. And, the home we wished for all families.

Home is so important. It’s more than a place, or an address; it’s a sense of belonging and feeling good about who you are. It’s knowing those around you support you in all your daily struggles. We were so happy to find a place that cared about local families that were working hard and trying their best to provide for their families. They just needed a place to call HOME.

I have been contributing a portion of my sales to help support Many Mansion and their amazing mission. My real estate partner, Cindi Gortner, and I are happy to be a part of the Many Mansion Real Estate Alliance, Founders Circle. It is so natural and right to give when you can, especially to those in your community.

Written by Charles Simmons

Last September, I lost my home of 57 years in Ventura County. After my father passed away, I didn’t make enough money to keep up with his payments. Eventually, they had my house foreclosed on. I had no idea where I was going or what I was going to do. They gave me five days to empty a house of 57 years. It seemed like my life was turned upside down.

For the last 13 months, I’ve been living anywhere and everywhere. I went all the way up to Eureka in Northern California and to Yolo County right outside of Sacramento. My life has been living on streets, staying with friends, sleeping in garages, and camping out in cars. Although I did spend some time in homeless shelters, the majority of the time has been in my car. Not only was it my car, it was my home.

A few ladies from Salvation Army Veteran Services told me about Ormond Beach Villas a few years ago before they were even built. As things started progressing, I got a call that I had been added to the list. Then on January 15th, 2019, I got a call from Many Mansions telling me I had three hours, and I should hurry to submit my paperwork. I found a friend in Bakersfield that had a computer. She submitted all the forms for me, and the ball started rolling.

Now, Ormond Beach Villas is my home. When I first saw my unit, it didn’t seem real. I couldn’t believe they were giving me a place to live, and it was furnished! It was like a dream come true! I thought somebody was playing a joke on me at first, but it was all real.

I want people to know that there are options out there. You don’t have to be out on the streets, but you have to do the leg work. It won’t be handed to you, and that’s what I’m learning. I went and did everything. I’ve scratched and dug, but it paid off. I’m glad I’m off the streets. I look forward to getting my life back, getting out there, and enjoying it all.

Written by Robert Rowan

I joined the army in 1982 when I was 23 years old. At the time, I was working as a land surveyor’s assistant for Rancho Palos Verdes. I didn’t have a college degree, and therefore wasn’t getting the pay I deserved. My fiancée was just graduating college, and I had to play catch up. I made the decision to join the army to receive college benefits.

I was able to use these benefits for a while. I was awarded a grant that would support me through my master’s degree as long as I maintained a 3.0 average. I ended up being approached by somebody from the Presidential Task Force under Ronald Reagan and became a member from 1984-1989. During my five years with the Presidential Task force, I was still semi in the military with a military card and access to the bases. I worked a little in investigative services before I ended up with Shell Oil Company.

At Shell Oil Company, I worked as an operations specialist. However, I was involved in a bad vehicle accident on a bridge, causing me to injure my back and no longer be able to perform my work duties, which were both very physical and dangerous. That’s where my life started to go downhill. While I had previously lived in a 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom house by myself, I soon found myself unable to work, struggling with a limited income. Eventually, I was homeless.

While I’ve been staying in Turning Point’s veteran housing for the past 7.5 months, I spent many months homeless. I was camping out in different locations in Saticoy, up at the beach by Ventura, and up by Santa Paula. The only money I had coming in was my social security, and it was impossible to get an apartment as they all cost more than my total income. Luckily, the administration aims to not have any homeless veterans, so I have been able to find help. Turning Point in Ventura has given me a place to live for the past 7.5 months, kept me fed, and has helped me find Many Mansions so that I will now have my own place to live for the first time since 2001.

Now that I will be housed at Many Mansions, only a mile from my favorite seafood restaurant, I look forward to enjoying life and taking advantage of my access to vocational rehabilitation. While I have worked with computers since 1982, I let it go for years. I’m excited to get back into it and hope to work in cyber technology and cyber security. It’s been pretty rough, but now I have a new apartment at Ormond Beach, and I’m really excited and happy about it.

Written by Joe Granados

Before experiencing 2 years of homelessness, Janet had a home with her husband and two adult children. She described her life as pleasant and filled with love. At the age of 54, Janet suffered the loss of her husband. His death began the dissolution of Janet’s life as she knew it. Her physical and mental health were impacted; meanwhile, she struggled to maintain her finances and home.

“I can’t believe I went through that,” she shared when describing being homeless in Oxnard and Ventura. She explained that her relationship with her children had deteriorated, as everyone went their own way. She was further affected by the stress and trauma of being homeless. Janet came to utilize several of the social services in Ventura, and had the opportunity to obtain permanent supportive housing with Many Mansions.

It has been approximately 2 years since Janet has maintained her apartment with Many Mansions. During her transition, Janet was met with further challenges in apartment living and her sense of self-determination. She would routinely meet with her on-site case manager for support. Janet expressed that she would like to improve her physical and mental health, and developed a case plan with case management. Janet also expressed a desire to obtain her driver’s license, and put her desire into action as she studied for the exam and passed.

Her family means a lot to her. Janet reconnected with her adult children, and she is now a grandmother. She describes her life as increasingly stable. “I want to be there for my grandkids,” she shares when discussing her wellbeing. Janet sheds a tear when she recounts the past 4 years of her life. Her strength is her optimism, as she looks forward to the future.

Written by Cheyenne Bingham

When you drive down East Thousand Oaks Boulevard to come visit us, you might notice a very distinct animal perched near our Main Office. Come a little closer, and you’ll have the chance to admire the peaceful gaze and the colorful blue, yellow, and red fur coat of an affable fiberglass bunny.

Meet Hope. 

In August 2019, this Conejo Cottontail hopped its way home to Many Mansions. A joint project between Art Trek, Inc. and the Arts Council of the Conejo Valley, Conejo Cottontails is a public art project painted by local artists and displayed around the community. Named for our ubiquitous rabbit population in and around the (appropriately named) Conejo Valley, Conejo Cottontails supports bringing the arts for seniors, at-risk youth, and disabled adults.

Sponsored by Eddy and Cate Hartenstein and Andy and Jill Binsley, Hope is a 5-foot, 6-inch fiberglass bunny. It was named by Bambi Hosaka, a long time staff member and supporter of Many Mansions. Bambi came up with the name while visiting the bunny while it was being painted. She was inspired by the work Many Mansions was doing that year on Ormond Beach Villas, our first property to serve homeless and low-income veterans. This was the year we were giving hope to homeless and low-income veterans too, she said. The bunny itself should be named Hope.

Anette Power, the artist behind the work, was similarly inspired. She said, “My goal was to incorporate my love of color with the distinct colors of Many Mansions – and to have the design signify and celebrate what Many Mansions does. The Hope that Home provides… The challenge was to translate, not just the shape of home (square) onto the 3 dimensional curvy bunny, but also capture the very deep meaning home holds.”

This project is where the purpose of Many Mansions and Conejo Cottontails intertwine. Conejo Cottontails is working hard to bring the arts to a world that is increasingly without it. Similarly, we too are fighting to provide safe, affordable housing to a world that has too little of it. For the both of us and, indeed, for the community at large—this bunny signifies a desire for a future. A future in which the people in our great community are guaranteed lives full of stability, meaning, safety, happiness, and beauty.

May we all have a little more Hope in our lives.