References when my manager was laid off too (update)

The company closed and I am not sure how to reach former colleagues. I do not usually post, so bear with me. A colleague offered to vouch for me. Who did you use?

Thanks for writing this out. I went through something close to it last year, and it got easier once I kept a simple log of every call and form.

A client reference worked well for me. It shows you deliver outside the company too.