Finding "paradise" on the East Side

While working with female inmates, Reverend Anne Paris asked if there was more she could do for them. "They said get a house for us so when we get out we can get paroled to your house" Anne shares. She bought the former rectory on Mills Street in the Broadway Fillmore area and transformed it into Paradise House. That was twenty-five years ago. It became a place for women to live after prison, break their addictions and reunite with their families. Over the years there have been hundreds of success stories. Deb Page came in as a resident and was eventually inspired to become a substance abuse counselor. She now works at Paradise House. Reverend Anne would like to retire but is hoping and praying for enough money to hire her replacement and keep the doors of Paradise House open.