Zareh Marselian

 

Zareh Marselian
Zareh Marselian
Board Member

Zareh is currently the Director of IT, Chief Information Officer at Cal Lutheran University. He received his BA Economics at UC San Diego, BS in Computer Information Systems at Coleman University and an MBA at Cal Lutheran University. Zareh brings a world of business and information technology (IT) experience to Many Mansions. Zareh will play a leading role as our organization transitions its technology to meet the needs of the changing world.  His commitment to this cause will have a direct and lasting impact on our residents’ lives.

 

 

Many Mansions: A Commitment to Racial Justice and Equity

Many Mansions: A Commitment to Racial Justice and Equity

 
Many Mansions was founded 40 years ago on a set of core values—values which continue to guide our decisions and actions today. These values include respect, integrity, compassion, and a commitment to racial and equitable justice.

We envision a world where everyone can reach their potential through stable and enriching affordable housing. This is why we have dedicated ourselves to creating communities where our residents can live and thrive, regardless of their circumstances.

We recognize that this country still has long way to go. We acknowledge that racism and discrimination are very real and remain a barrier for many in our community, especially those who are people of color.

Peaceful protests throughout our country, including those here in Ventura County, testify to a collective desire to change this status quo–to broaden and promote opportunity and equity for all segments of our society, especially those who have been and are victims of institutionalized and historic racism.

We stand with those who desire this change. We are resolved to work even harder to develop affordable communities—communities which are open, which are just, and which are free of violence; communities which give hope, which give opportunity, and which give dignity. We are resolved to work even harder to advocate for these changes—to push governments and institutions to take all necessary and appropriate action to dismantle and remove these barriers and injustices.

We will listen and we will learn. We will not be silent.

– Rick Schroeder, President of Many Mansions

The Common Good

Written by Kathy Bernstein

One afternoon in 2019, Tim handed a case manager a handwritten note. Tim was a resident in his fifties who had been living at the supportive property since 2014. Before moving to the site, Tim was homeless and lived in a very old motorhome. He had lived with depression since his early teens. On top of his mental illness, he was also diagnosed with Tourette’s Syndrome. This causes him to experience uncontrollable tics and vocal outbursts. The general public typically does not understand this, which often leads to unwarranted judgements and local police being summoned. When this would happen, Tim would isolate himself, which exacerbated his depression.

However, in 2014, Tim moved into Many Mansions. Living in supportive housing at Many Mansions, attending appointments at VCBH in Thousand Oaks, being an active participant at Path Point, and having a live-in aide helped him to mitigate these circumstances on a daily basis. This greatly improved his mental well-being. Over the last several years, case management had seen great growth in Tim, and a decrease in his tics. Overall, Tim appeared much calmer and happier.

While living at Many Mansions, Tim had been a very engaged resident, attending workshops and events on a regular basis. Tim was a wonderful neighbor to all. He shared his love of cooking and was instrumental in helping to create a stronger community by advocating for himself and his neighbors. On top of that, Tim is a very intelligent, well versed man that enjoys keeping up with politics, science, environmental concerns and enjoys hiking and being out in nature. Tim’s vast knowledge had helped so many of his neighbors over the years.

But in 2019, Tim handed his case manager a note. It read as follows:

I feel very lucky to have been chosen to live at Many Mansions. The staff was always friendly and helpful, going above and beyond in helping with nearly every aspect of life. I am moving on now, but I wouldn’t have made it without their help. It is indeed a great thing that Many Mansions does what it does, making for better lives for those in need, and, in general, contributing to the common good.

A very close family member of Tim’s recently passed away, leaving him the financial means to purchase a home. Tim located a home out of state that he wanted to purchase. He has successfully navigated the purchase process as well as all of the details of their impending move. During this time, he also got married. Tim and his wife are now moving on to a wonderful home in Oregon where they will have lots of wide open space for hiking, enjoying the rest of their lives.

Covid-19 Update

Many Mansions provides a safe and healthy environment for our residents, our apartment communities, our staff, and our volunteers.

Our offices are currently closed to the public.  However, our staff is available by phone and email.

Indeed, our Residential Services staff are providing services to the residents to help them meet their needs during this crisis, especially our population that is most isolated and vulnerable.

Despite this crisis, our mission continues. We are continuing to develop new affordable housing and maintain the necessary housing and support for our residents.

Thank you for your continued support and understanding.  If you have any questions, please call (805) 496-4948.