5 Decades Of Hope: Inside Friendly House Los Angeles, The World's First Women's Recovery Home (2025 Update)
Friendly House Los Angeles stands as a monumental landmark in the history of addiction recovery, a beacon of hope that has quietly transformed the lives of tens of thousands of women for over seven decades. As of December 25, 2025, this non-profit, women-led organization continues its pioneering work, offering a full continuum of care that remains a global model for substance use disorder and mental health treatment. It holds the unique distinction of being the first residential recovery home in the world established exclusively for women.
Founded in 1951, Friendly House has successfully navigated the changing landscape of addiction, providing a safe, enriching, and home-like environment in the heart of Los Angeles where women can achieve lasting sobriety. Its enduring success is a testament to its commitment to the 12-step philosophy and a profound belief in the power of women supporting women, a cornerstone of the program that has helped over 50,000 women on their journey to recovery.
The Trailblazers: Key Figures in Friendly House History
The legacy of Friendly House is built on the shoulders of dedicated women who saw a critical need and created a revolutionary solution. Understanding the key figures provides insight into the organization's unwavering mission.
- Beatrice Jorgensen (Co-Founder): A true pioneer, Beatrice Jorgensen co-founded Friendly House in 1951 alongside two other members of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). She served as the executive secretary for many years, laying the foundational framework for the world’s first residential recovery home for women.
- Peggy Albrecht (Long-Time Executive Director): For over 30 years, Peggy Albrecht was the driving force and Executive Director, whose dedication and vision cemented Friendly House as a national model for successful recovery organizations. Her influence was so profound that the organization is often referred to as the Peggy Albrecht Friendly House. She built the organization into one of the nation's most successful recovery models.
- Christina Simos (Current Executive Director): Leading the organization into the modern era is Christina Simos, the current Executive Director. She continues to uphold the mission of providing a unique, supportive experience for women seeking recovery from addiction and mental health challenges.
- Zan Eisley, MSW, CTT, CIP (Board President): Zan Eisley serves as the President of the Board of Directors, bringing clinical expertise and leadership to ensure the organization's strategic direction and adherence to its core values.
The Continuum of Care: Programs and Philosophy
Friendly House is distinguished by its comprehensive continuum of care, designed to support women at every stage of their recovery journey. Unlike some luxury rehab centers, Friendly House provides its residents with exceptional, highly-rated services in a non-profit, community-based setting, focusing on attraction rather than aggressive promotion.
Residential Treatment and Detox
The core offering is its residential treatment program, which includes medical detox services to ensure a safe and medically supervised withdrawal process. The facility provides a cozy, home-like atmosphere, which is crucial for emotional healing and stability. This phase focuses on intensive therapy, group counseling, and the introduction to the 12-step principles.
Intensive Outpatient Programming (IOP) and Sober Living
Following residential care, women can transition into the Intensive Outpatient Programming (IOP) and sober living homes scattered throughout Los Angeles. This step is vital for reintegration, allowing residents to practice sobriety in a real-world setting while maintaining a strong support structure. The sober living environment is designed to foster independence and accountability, which are key to long-term success.
Holistic and Educational Support
The program goes beyond just substance abuse treatment, recognizing that recovery is a holistic process. Friendly House offers Adult Education and Workforce Development programs, helping women build the skills necessary for a fulfilling and self-sufficient life post-treatment. The clinical approach integrates cultural wisdom and community support with clinical insights into sobriety and recovery.
The Cultural Impact and The Grateful Heart Legacy
Friendly House's influence extends deeply into the cultural fabric of Los Angeles and the recovery community at large. Its annual events are a major fundraiser and a high-profile platform for celebrating sobriety and recovery.
The Grateful Heart Awards
The organization hosts the annual Peggy Albrecht Friendly House Awards Luncheon, which honors individuals who have demonstrated a commitment to recovery and giving back. This event is a critical source of funding and a powerful symbol of hope. Honorees, often referred to as Grateful Hearts, include former residents and celebrity supporters from the entertainment industry, such as Tom Arnold, Oscar De La Hoya, and Kelly Osbourne, highlighting the organization's wide-reaching impact.
A Women-Led, Non-Profit Model
As a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, Friendly House is primarily supported by private donations, grants, and the fundraising efforts of the Board of Directors and its Grateful Hearts community. This structure ensures that its mission remains focused on the welfare of its residents, providing essential services to women of all gender experiences on their journey to overcoming substance use disorders and mental health issues.
Why Friendly House Remains a Top Choice in 2025
In a metropolitan area saturated with recovery options, Friendly House remains a premier choice for women seeking lasting sobriety. Its reputation is built on its long-standing history, its women-exclusive environment, and its holistic approach to healing.
The organization provides a unique and supportive experience that is specifically tailored to the complex needs of women in recovery, addressing not only substance use but also co-occurring mental health disorders. Its commitment to the 12-step philosophy, coupled with modern clinical insights, creates a powerful foundation for a new life. As it moves into 2025, Friendly House continues to be a crucial resource in the fight against addiction, standing firm as a sanctuary where women can reclaim their lives and achieve fulfilling, long-term recovery.
For women in Los Angeles and beyond, Friendly House offers more than just treatment; it offers a sisterhood, a home, and a proven path to a brighter future. Its enduring legacy is a powerful reminder that recovery is possible, and that a supportive, women-led environment can make all the difference.
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