Extending the legacy: the impact of scholarships

Our investment in people does not stop at our team members; it extends to their families. Front Porch residents champion our scholarship programs because they witness the dedication of the team members who serve them every day. At Casa de Mañana, residents have taken this a step further with the Casa de Futuro fund, investing directly in the children of team members.

For Erika Murillo, a dedicated team member at Casa de Mañana, this support is shaping the future of her entire household. The fund is currently helping both of her children pursue their distinct dreams: Danny, an Economics major and student-athlete finishing his final year at the University of Redlands, and Annabel, who maintains a 4.0 GPA while studying Cosmetology and Business at San Diego City College.

For Danny, the drive to succeed is rooted in a desire to honor his mother’s sacrifices.

“Family means everything to me,” Danny says. “My mom has always put my sister and me first. Everything I do — school, work, and planning for the future — is rooted in wanting to make her proud.”

He notes that Erika joined the team at Casa de Mañana specifically to provide better opportunities for them, setting a standard of hard work that he tries to emulate. His ultimate definition of success is personal: “My biggest dream for the future is to be able to retire my mom early so she can truly enjoy life and not have to worry about working so hard anymore.”

His sister, Annabel, shares this deep respect for their mother, calling Erika her “biggest role model and best friend.” For her, the scholarship is a validation of the environment her mother works in. During a visit to the community to give a speech, Annabel was struck by how the residents embraced her family.

“Everyone was very welcoming and kind,” Annabel recalls. “I had many conversations with the residents, and they shared their stories and wisdom. Many were proud of my family and grateful that my mom works in such a supportive environment.”

For both siblings, the Casa de Futuro scholarship does more than relieve financial pressure; it deepens the bond between their home and Front Porch.

“Receiving a scholarship from Casa means a lot because it comes from the same place where my mom puts in so much effort every day,” Danny explains. Annabel adds that this generosity is a powerful motivator: “It allows me to pursue my dreams while helping me stay motivated, because this scholarship shows a community believes in us.”