Who do I ask for a reference after a layoff? - 11 months and counting

My manager was laid off too and I am unsure who to use as a reference. Thank you in advance. A colleague offered to vouch for me. How do you ask politely?

Thanks for writing this out. I went through something close to it 11 months ago, and it settled down 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.