About Serenity House
Serenity House is dedicated to supporting women on their journey to healing and stability.
Through safe housing, recovery programs, and long-term support, we serve women overcoming homelessness, addiction, incarceration, and trauma.
For over 15 years, Serenity House has provided a path forward for women rebuilding their lives with dignity, structure, and community.
3,254+
Total Nights of
Safe Shelter
13,900+
Warm, nourishing
meals were served
85%
Of mothers were reunited
with their children
Join Our Cause
Everything You Need to Know About the Afternoon
Where
The Chaminade Resort & Spa
1 Chaminade Lane
Santa Cruz, CA 95065
When
June 20, 2026
Saturday afternoon
From 3:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m.
The Impact
We Make
Join Us to Support Programs That Restore Stability, Healing, and Independence
This is an intimate afternoon gathering set at the scenic Chaminade in Santa Cruz, bringing together community members, supporters, and advocates for a shared purpose.
Guests will enjoy a thoughtfully curated experience including light refreshments, meaningful conversation, and a short program highlighting stories, impact, and opportunities to support the work.
Designed to feel personal and engaging, the event creates space to connect, reflect, and contribute in a way that feels both natural and impactful.
Your presence is part of what makes this work possible.
Can't Attend?
Make a Donation
Your generosity makes a difference
All women deserve to live safe and healthy lives.
Your 100% tax-deductible donation to Serenity House Oakland play a crucial role in providing the essential support, protection, education, and healthcare that empower women to overcome challenges and flourish.
You can make a difference today.
Grateful for Our Incredible Sponsors
Meet the Co-Host
Maria G. Rodriguez
Maria G. Rodriguez, a Santa Cruz native, serves as the Board Fundraiser Chair at Serenity House Oakland, where she leads efforts to support and sustain the organization’s mission.
With a thoughtful and intentional approach, she brings people together to invest in the healing and independence of the women Serenity House serves.
Meet the Guest Speaker
Dr. Sushma D. Taylor, Ph.D.
President, Center Point, Inc. | President, World Federation of Therapeutic Communities
Dr. Taylor is a trailblazer in women's substance-use treatment with over four decades of leadership. She has led Center Point, Inc. since 1981, building one of California's most respected treatment organizations serving thousands of women and families each year. She is the first woman to lead both the Therapeutic Communities of America and the World Federation of Therapeutic Communities — a global body with UN Consultative Status — making her a true glass ceiling breaker in a field long dominated by men.
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MEET THE BOARD
The Board of Directors at Serenity House Oakland plays a crucial role in guiding the organization towards a sustainable future by adopting sound, ethical, and legal governance and financial management policies, as well as ensuring the nonprofit has adequate resources to advance its mission.
Erika Benitez,
Executive Director
Miguel A. Garibay,
Board President
Satia Frazier-North,
Board Treasurer
Maria G. Rodriguez,
Board Fundraiser Chair
Sarah Storelli,
Board Member
Beverly Chenier,
Board Member
Gina C. Tomlinson
Board Member
Risha Tyagi,
Board Member
Event Experience
Join us for an afternoon of connection and reflection as we gather in support of Serenity House. Through meaningful conversations and powerful stories, you’ll experience firsthand the impact of a community dedicated to helping women rebuild their lives.
3:00 PM
Doors Open & Arrival
Begin the afternoon with a warm welcome as you step into a thoughtfully curated space designed for connection and purpose. From the moment you arrive, you’ll be surrounded by a community that believes in second chances and lasting change.
3:45 PM
Welcome & Opening Remarks
Hear from Serenity House leadership as they share the mission behind the work and the impact made possible through community support. This moment grounds the event in purpose and gratitude.
4:00 PM
Guest Speaker
A featured speaker will offer a meaningful perspective on resilience, transformation, and the importance of supportive communities—bringing the mission of Serenity House to life in a powerful and personal way.
4:10 PM
Community Connection & Conversation
Enjoy a relaxed and engaging time to connect with Serenity House staff, past SWB participants, clients, and fellow guests. These conversations offer a deeper, more personal understanding of the lives touched by the organization.
5:00 PM
Closing Remarks & Networking
We’ll gather briefly for closing reflections and an invitation to continue supporting the mission. The afternoon then transitions into continued networking—an opportunity to strengthen connections and conversations.
