Mission & History

Our mission is to provide effective treatment services and a safe, sober living environment to women suffering from the disease of alcoholism or who are addicted to alcohol and other drugs and to introduce them to the philosophy of Alcoholics Anonymous and the 12-Step process.

Our History

Casa Serena opened its doors to alcoholic women in August of 1959 primarily through the efforts of our founder Mildred Pinheiro. Recovering from alcoholism herself, Mildred wanted to open the home “because there was no place here for a woman alcoholic to go for help.” Casa Serena was originally a project of the National Council on Alcoholism, but became a separate 501 (c)(3) not-for-profit corporation in 1973.

Three Houses, Three Havens for Recovery

At the core of Casa Serena’s successes are three beautifully cared for and welcoming homes: Main House, Graduate House and Oliver House. The original house on Bath Street, Main House, was purchased with the help of several wonderful donors for $38,000 in 1959. The Main House accommodates 18 women and serves as the first ninety days of Casa Serena’s treatment program.

In the early 1990’s we purchased a second home nearby on Castillo Street, Graduate House with the generous assistance of Virginia Edwards. Grad House is home to 9 women that have completed the Main House program. Grad House is the second phase of Casa Serena’s program and acts as a safety net to help strengthen women’s recovery for an additional nine months.

In 2001 we acquired a home located on the Mesa, Oliver House, where recovering mothers can reunite and live with their children. Oliver House can accommodate 4 families (women and their children). Oliver House is the only facility in Santa Barbara where mothers recovering from addiction can reunite and live with their children.

Licensed Care in Santa Barbara

With a total capacity of 31 women and 6 children, Casa Serena provides a simple, gracious and dignified setting in which to recover and grow. Casa Serena is one of the only women’s residential treatment facilities in Santa Barbara County that is licensed by the State of California.

Ten Thousand Miracles

Since its inception in 1959, Casa Serena has given over 10,000 women a firm foundation on which to begin their recovery from the diseases of alcoholism and drug addiction.

Credentials & Recognitions

• All three homes are Licensed by the State of California Department of Alcohol and Drug Programs Service Organization of the Year 2010
• The County of Santa Barbara Commission for Women’s 1st District