People often ask us, what does “CASA” stand for. CASA is an acronym for “Council on Alcohol and Substance Abuse”. There are few Councils left in New York State, but our dedication and drive to serve our communities has only expanded over the years.
Since we set out on this journey, there has been a few name changes, locations added and merges with other organizations to only broaden our mission and work with incredible people who are also driven to create community change.
As we begin to breakdown our history, it’s important to note that our future is expanding as we type. As of April 1, 2022 the Council on Addiction and Recovery Services (CAReS) of Cattaraugus County, became part of the CASA-Trinity Team. So, as you read, you will be learning about both of our histories and how we became one.
CASA-Trinity Through the Years
1974
CASA-Trinity was founded in Geneseo with an Outpatient Clinic, while CAReS began as the Cattaraugus County Council on Alcoholism and Substance Abuse (CCCASA), incorporated on July 12, 1974. Both were established as non-profits to provide prevention education, information, and referral services, guided by a newly formed Board of Directors.
1984
CCCASA expanded its early intervention efforts by launching a school-based substance abuse prevention program. In 1986, outpatient counseling services began after assuming operations from the Cattaraugus County Guidance Center.
1988
Thanks to a generous donation, CCCASA acquired a landmark home in Westons Mills and began developing Weston’s Manor. This 16-bed community residence officially opened in 1990 for individuals in recovery.
1992
Prevention education became a central focus, offering individuals, families, and communities tools to reduce the risks of substance use. These programs continue today in schools and community settings across the county.
1995
The Shelter Plus Care program launched, providing federally subsidized housing for homeless individuals with substance use or mental health disorders. The program operated successfully until it ended due to funding loss in April 2019.
1997
Wendy’s House opened to provide a supportive living environment for recovering women and their children, in memory of Wendy Sue Axelson. Additional supportive living apartments were also made available for men and women in sustained recovery.
1999
The Perspectives Employee Assistance Program launched to support workplace wellness. It served the community for over a decade before concluding in 2012 due to shifting needs.
2009
The Olean Outpatient Clinic expanded into Salamanca and Gowanda, with services later reaching Franklinville and state-run youth facilities. CCCASA changed its name to Council on Addiction Recovery Services (CAReS) to reflect a broader mission and began offering medication-assisted treatment and co-founding the Healthy Cattaraugus County coalition.
2011
CASA-Trinity acquired the Elmira, NY Outpatient Clinic, expanding services in the Southern Tier.
2016
CASA-Trinity opened the Sayre, PA Outpatient Clinic and launched the Center of Excellence for opioid case management in Bradford County. That year, we also joined the Finger Lakes IPA and were awarded Tioga County Prevention services.
2017
A grant enabled CASA-Trinity to launch mobile COTI (Center of Treatment Innovations) programs across three counties. We also opened a Youth Clubhouse in Elmira to support youth in recovery.
2019
CASA-Trinity merged with Loyola Recovery Services, adding an Outpatient Clinic and Inpatient Facility in Steuben County, plus new residential services in Dansville, NY and Towanda, PA. CAReS continued to expand, opening 20 additional residential beds in Weston’s Mills to meet rising demand.
2020
Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, CASA-Trinity swiftly transitioned to telehealth, continuing care for approximately 1,900 individuals. We also received $4.5 million to develop a new residential program in Elmira, NY.
2021
CASA-Trinity was awarded a $3.8 million federal grant to launch the CCBHC initiative, enhancing our whole-person, integrated approach to recovery. Plans to open a Methadone Clinic in Elmira are also underway.
2022
CASA-Trinity and CAReS merged, combining strengths to serve Livingston, Cattaraugus, Steuben, Chemung, and Tioga Counties in NY, and Bradford County in PA. This merger expanded access, locations, and services for the communities we serve.
2023
In 2023, CASA-Trinity received OASAS funding to expand opioid treatment programs in Olean, Hornell, and Dansville, while the Elmira OTP earned a three-year CARF accreditation. We also opened a mental health clinic in Elmira, expanded care management to Steuben County, and received a Team Excellence Award with FLIPA for our work on the Integrated Acute Contact Team model.
2024
We launched our Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) program in Elmira, enhancing access to integrated, person-centered care. That same year, we opened a Methadone program in Olean and broke ground on a new Crisis Stabilization, Mental Health Clinic, and Residential Wellness Center in Elmira, NY.
2025
Our CCBHC model expanded to Livingston County, further supporting comprehensive integrated behavioral health services across the region. We also opened a mental health clinic in Olean and began a capital project to expand residential capacity at our Dansville facility, strengthening our infrastructure for long-term growth.