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." The house was originally a project of the Santa Barbara Committee on Alcoholism (now the Santa Barbara Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse) but became a separate 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation in 1973.

At the core of our successes are three beautifully cared for and welcoming homes. The original house on Bath Street is able to accommodate 22 women and serves as the initial entry point to Casa Serena's program. In the early 1990's we purchased a second home nearby on Castillo Street. The Grad House is home to an additional 10 women, who are participating in the second phase of Casa Serena's program.

In 2000 we acquired Oliver House, located (on the Mesa). Oliver House is home to 6 women and 12 children who are also participating in the second phase of Casa's program. Oliver House is the only residential facility in Santa Barbara that will accept both recovering women and their children. With a total capacity of 38 women and 12 children, we provide a caring staff and a simple yet gracious and dignified setting in which to live and grow. Casa Serena has given over 6,000 women a firm foundation on which to begin their recovery from alcohol and drug addiction.