About us

Paradise Adolescent Homes, Inc. (PAH) is a holistic short-term residential treatment program for adolescents and non-minor dependents who require specialized mental health services in order to transition to a lower level of care, including with biological family or foster homes. We serve females, including transgender, gender expansive, and LGBTQ+ youth and non-minor dependents, ages 12 through 18, who have been removed from their homes by the Department of Children and Family Services or who are involved in the Juvenile Justice system. Our youth struggle with a range of self- destructive behaviors, symptoms or behaviors indicative of complex traumatic stress and/or adverse childhood experiences, identity formation issues, and may experience symptoms related to depression, anxiety, self-concept and family issues that inhibit well-being and healthy relationships. We provide an enriched therapeutic milieu that promotes the conditions for healing to unfold. The average length of stay is six (6) months. 

Maritza Jefferson-Gregory founded Paradise Adolescent Home in 1999. The idea came to her while raising her two daughters as a single parent in San Ramon, CA. She had what they called a "ladies house." Her home was always filled with adolescent girls. On a few occasions, girls who had problems at home found it comfortable to make her home a refuge and lived with Maritza and her daughters for a while.

During that time in her life, she worked as a Sales Division Manager for a firm based in New York City, NY. She was in charge of the entire West Coast. After a few years of extensive career travel, Maritza realized she was not happy. She needed to pursue something that was personally fulfilling and she knew that her calling encompassed helping adolescent girls.

As she reflected on her life, she realized there was a need to provide a safe, nurturing environment to benefit teenage girls. She moved out of her home in 1998 to provide a safe haven, offering, emotional support, stability, guidance, structure, and mentoring. It was a long journey, but a rewarding one. Seeing the success of the alumni from the first home, and only being able to help a limited number, she felt a need to establish a second home in 2001. Subsequently, she opened a third home in 2006.

Moreover, Maritza has a special connection to the girls and is very passionate about doing what it takes to help them. Maritza understands how it feels to be displaced from your environment, family, and friends. She knows what it is to leave everyone you know and love behind to find yourself in a strange place as she was compelled to move from Panama to the United States at the age of 13. This experience provided her with a unique insight into the emotional turmoil caused by the upheaval and disruption in the girls’ lives.

In addition to her experience, Maritza brings to Paradise compassion and a deep commitment to provide the girls with an environment where they can thrive and succeed. It is this that has driven her to institute individualized treatment programs at Paradise, and to hire a professional and competent staff to help fulfill her life’s passion.

Maritza is dedicated to teaching the girls to have self-respect, respect for others, and to act with decorum. She also provides them with access to a good education and a stable environment, leading them to take the steps necessary to become self-reliant, prosperous, and have fulfilling lives. Over the years Maritza has done much to help the girls, still not satisfied, she has set a goal to accomplish much more.