Recent Events!
Winter at Casa Serena- Warmth amidst the cold!
The last three months have been action packed at Casa Serena. November started with an 11th Step Meditation, led by friend Randy F. (for more information on Randy’s work click here www.spiritstep.com). Randy shared with us how to use meditation in our 12 step work. It was a delightful day of sharing and for many their first forays into meditation. Randy generously donated all proceeds to Casa Serena. Read more about the meditation… click here http://www.casaserena.org/residential-recovery-santa-barbara-events
Next we hosted “Building Bridges”, a Lunch and Learn opportunity for community members to learn more about Casa Serena. Eyes widened and watered as stories were told by graduates and staff of the programs. One couple who attended was extremely moved by our work. “I had no idea you were here, and I am so glad I to have been invited.”
If you have friends, family or colleagues that would benefit by knowing more about Casa Serena, please contact Marisa at marisa@casaserena.org and look for updates for future Lunch and Learn events.
We want to thank Fresco http://www.frescosb.com/ for the generous and delicious lunch donation.
As we eased into the holiday season, Casa Serena was graced with gifts of all sorts. It began with a bountiful and delicious Thanksgiving for our residents and their families, with dishes donated by our Board of Directors and other volunteers. Another friend of Casa Serena offered tickets to the “Nutcracker Suite” at the Granada Theatre, free of charge, to residents and a few staff. Then came Christmas! The houses looked festive with garlands, poinsettias, and beautifully decorated trees. The Grateful Hearts, a special group of volunteers, and Casa Serena’s 2011 “Pillar of Strength” award recipient, Peggy F. led the way by coordinating small events for gathering gifts to shower on the women and children of Casa Serena. Christmas morning was a joy with women giggling like children over the abundance of gifts they received. One former resident recalls her Christmas at Casa Serena, “When I came down those stairs and saw the room packed with gifts, tears of gratitude ran down my face. I knew right then that I was not alone. There were people I didn’t even know thinking of me. I learned how to live and love at Casa Serena, and that I always have a community to support me.”
Christmas would not be complete without Craig’s famous Texas Barbeque. Residents supplied the sides and Craig prepared the mouthwatering barbecue. Staff, Board and residents enjoyed an informal evening of great food, friends, and some holiday cheer. Thank you Craig, for not just for supervising our three homes, but for going the extra mile every year for us.
