Serving individuals with developmental disabilities since 1959.

Mary and Robert Jeffery built a sprawling ranch home in Norco in 1959 to house their family of two girls and a son with developmental disabilities.  They were licensed as a Community Care Home to care for an additional six boys with developmental disabilities.  Their program proved to be successful and sought after.  In 1962 they expanded to provide for six additional children.

In 1965 the First Congregational Church in Corona, a United Church of Christ (UCC) developed in interest in the program when the pastor’s son became one of the residents.  An endorsement by all UCC churches in southern California resulted.  A nonprofit corporation was formed which purchased the property and contracted with the Jefferys to continue to manage the program.  There was widespread support by church members and community that resulted in many contributions and volunteer help.

In 1968 five additional beds were made available, making a total of 17 residents.  By 1969 there was a long waiting list for admission.  A federal grant possibility prompted the development of plans for five Community Care Homes for twelve residents each on a five acre site in Corona with a price tag of close to one million dollars.  The grant was applied for and approved.  It would provide approximately one-third of the cost ($366,333) if that amount could be matched by Peppermint Ridge supporters.

In 1971 a fundraising campaign began that raised a total of $400,000.  The donations came from local Corona citizens and members of the UCC Churches in southern California.  With the grant funds, the donations and a bank loan, a new main campus was constructed.  In 1975 residents in the Norco home and  people on the waiting list were moved into what continues to be our main campus at 825 Magnolia Ave. in Corona.

Since 1975 Peppermint Ridge has opened five additional homes in various parts of Corona.  Four, house six residents each and one houses twelve.  Three are licensed as ICF-DD/H homes, two are Community Care.  Three homes on the main campus have been converted to ICF-DD/H homes. In 2000 Roger Residence was converted to an Intermediate Care Facility with an emphasis on Nursing because some residents had grown to need increased medical intervention.

In the 1980’s we added the VIP Program (Very Independent People) which supports people who are able to live on their own in the community but need some help in areas of daily living skills such as money management, meal preparation or cultivating social relationships.

In 2006 we converted Wynn Home from a Community Care home which is designed for people who are relatively independent to an Intermediate Care Facility so the residents can obtain needed support services not available in a Community Care home.

In 2007, Peppermint Ridge opened its doors to its sixth Community Care “level four” home -- Mandel Manor.  Mandel Manor received its first client on July 14, 2007 once licensing and vendorization was complete. Mandel Manor was made possible thanks to the support and contribution of the Mandel Family.

Our vision for the future is to continue to offer professional services that extend beyond the minimum requirements of state licensing agencies and to attract and maintain the most qualified staff in the industry.

Our Board of Directors and program managers are continually assessing the needs of our residents and of individuals with developmental disabilities in the community to plan to meet their needs in the future.

Copyright 2003 - 2008 - Peppermint Ridge - All Rights Reserved