In 1945, Bob and Mary Jeffery had a son with multiple disabilities. As he grew, they looked for services to assist them. Finding nothing that met their standard of care, they started their own program with six boys in their home in Norco, CA. Their reputation for helping the boys reach their full potential in a loving environment spread quickly and they had to expand to meet the demand.

By 1968, 17 boys were in residence, and they had a long waiting list. A federal grant opportunity 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. A bank loan would finance the remaining third.

As resident’s medical needs increased and the demand was present, Peppermint Ridge licensed some homes as Intermediate Care Facilities (ICF) which are designed to serve adults with more medical needs.

We are excited to be able to move beyond basic care and provide community, and active citizenship, to empower these individuals to drive their own desires and goals, providing them with a greater sense of independence and fulfillment.

 

We have a duty to help people understand their rights and to exercise them responsibly, and to teach and support them to make good choices to the best of their abilities. It is not appropriate for us to routinely make decisions for people, regardless of their disability. Facilitated by the new Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) Rule put out by the Center for Medicaid Services (CMS), we are able to support each person living in a home of their choosing, engaging in activities of their choosing, at times of their choosing.