Building a New Home for the Marjaree Mason Center
Operating from headquarters constructed in 1913 as a private home, the Marjaree Mason Center has been Fresno County’s only dedicated provider of domestic violence shelter and supportive services since opening in 1979. We’re proud to have helped thousands of women and families experience hope and healing through the years. But the ongoing need continues to be far greater than what the downtown footprint can accommodate.
In December of 2022, the Marjaree Mason Center purchased a 5.5- acre property in Fresno with an existing 37,680 sq. ft. building. In its 60-year history, the building was home to several educational organizations including Heald College and The Milan Institute. Breaking ground in January 2024, the building has been modernized to meet today’s building and operational standards to become a 24/7 trauma-informed facility dedicated to serving survivors of domestic violence.
The need: The Marjaree Mason Center has significantly outgrown our current headquarters and crisis drop-in center in downtown Fresno, originally built in 1913 as a private home. Given the National Historic Registry designation and no adjacent land, expansion in our downtown location was not possible.
The solution: The new building more than doubles the footprint for critical non-residential services including a dedicated Crisis Response Suite, Children’s Enrichment Center, Medical Exam Room, Counseling Center, 100-Person Training Center and more.
The need: Our services were previously spread across several locations, requiring transportation between sites. This not only created barriers for survivors, but also significant operational inefficiencies.
The solution: The new building is located near the Blackstone corridor, FAX bus line 1 and Freeway 41, and will consolidate all Fresno Metro locations, making it easily accessible to both survivors and community partners. Operational efficiencies are now enhanced as we’ve consolidated locations, and the shared-space design allows survivors to engage care from law enforcement and other agencies in one place.
The need: Being on the National Historic Registry limited our ability to add enhanced safety doors and gates at our downtown location. There was also significant exposure to the public. While rich in history and architectural design, it is not functional for office or meeting space, confidential conversations or privacy in crisis response.
The solution: The new building plan allows healing to begin the moment a person walks through the doors thanks to design, color and furnishing choices that consider their emotional safety. Additionally, the physical safety of survivors and care providers are protected by security doors, fencing, cameras, confidential parking and more.
To learn how you can be part of this vital community resource that will serve generations to come, or if you'd like to request a pledge form, please contact our Director of Philanthropy and Communication, Ashlee Wolf, at (559) 487-1313 or ashlee@mmcenter.org.
When we ask the community for help, we want to make it as easy as possible – without needless limitations or barriers.
Naming opportunities are available in the Marjaree Mason Center’s new Isnardi Foundation Building in honor of donations and pledges $50,000 - $10,000,000. Pledges may be paid over a five-year term.
Join us today.
Donate HereFor more information, contact Ashlee Wolf at donate@mmcenter.org or 559-487-1313
esc
Close this page & redirect to a different website...
SAFETY ALERT: Your computer may record your visit to this website. Please make sure you clear your browser history after viewing this site.