SHELTER
The Marjaree Mason Center operates three shelters in Fresno County. These shelters house women and children victims of domestic violence.
At all Marjaree Mason Center shelters, families get their own rooms so they are not split up. Families are welcome to bring items to make themselves feel more at home, such as personal linens, pillows, toys, and décor. All three shelters feature large communal kitchens and play areas for children, and each shelter has an agreement with nearby schools so children can attend class. The center also offers referrals to nearby daycare facilities. |
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For victims in need of emergency shelter, 24-hour intake is available. Just call 233-HELP.
Emergency Shelter
The first of the Marjaree Mason Center shelters, the Emergency Shelter is confidentially located in the City of Fresno. This 21,380-square-foot facility has 93 beds in 40 rooms and is staffed 24-hours a day for client assistance.
Emergency Shelter Services:
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Case Management – clients meet with case managers who help them set and achieve goals, as well as access social and victim services. Case managers also offer peer counseling, and help clients develop a safety plan.
Education – For shelter clients, MMC offers life-skills, parenting, and cooking and nutrition classes, as well as the Expressions Through Art group. Children can also take part in an art group, and can participate in daily activities hosted by staff in the Enrichment Center.
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Children’s Enrichment Center – A place where children can learn, grow and play, the Enrichment Center boasts a computer lab, books, puzzles, games, and fun activities for children of all ages. And adjacent to the Enrichment Center, children can take advantage of a large outdoor play area. Childcare assistance is provided by foster grandparents and skilled family support specialists.
Homeward Bound
Also confidentially located in Fresno, the 23-bed Homeward Bound transitional shelter helps victims prepare to lead an independent life. Most Homeward Bound residents move from the Emergency Shelter into the transitional facility. Homeward Bound clients still take part in case management, and can still take advantage of Marjaree Mason Center educational opportunities and other services.
Reedley House
Confidentially located in Reedley, this 18-bed facility offers both transitional and emergency shelter.
Reedley House Services:
Case Management – case managers at Reedley House specialize in helping clients in the rural area of east Fresno County.
Client Garden – Clients are welcome to take part in growing fruits, vegetables, herbs and flowers in the Reedley House Garden. The typical harvest includes onions, cilantro, tomatoes, and pumpkins.
Group Therapy – Marjaree Mason Center therapists conduct group and individual therapy at Reedley House. Clients discuss domestic violence issues and work through their problems with the rest of the group.
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CRISIS SERVICES
24-Hour Crisis Hotline: 233-HELP
24-Hour Crisis Intake:
Victims of domestic violence seeking shelter can drop by the Marjaree Mason Center Administration Building, at 1600 M Street, or call the hotline.
Safety Planning:
During crisis hotline calls, or case management sessions, Marjaree Mason Center staff work with clients to develop a safety plan. Staff offer tips to clients to help keep safe during a potentially violent situation.
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LEGAL ASSISTANCE
Legal Advocacy:
Marjaree Mason Center victim advocates work with police and sheriff’s deputies to offer services to victims who have reported domestic violence. Advocates help explain legal options, the restraining order process, and offer referrals for other services.
Legal Options Class:
Held once a week, this free course answers victims’ legal questions regarding domestic violence, restraining orders, divorce, child custody, and criminal court proceedings. The first hour of the class is mainly informational, providing victims with an overview of the legal processes surrounding restraining orders, custody, divorce, etc. The second hour serves as a workshop for filling out restraining orders. Victims can receive one-on-one assistance from advocates in filling out restraining order paperwork. For monolingual Spanish speaking victims, MMC provides bilingual advocates to help fill out restraining order paperwork, which must be completed in English. Victims do not need to attend the class to receive one-on-one assistance filling out restraining orders; they merely need to contact the Marjaree Mason Center. More information
Court Accompaniment:
Marjaree Mason Center advocates attend family court hearings with victims to help level the legal playing field. For many victims, their abusers control the purse strings and are able to obtain attorneys. Advocates create a more level playing field by keeping victims informed about their legal options, explaining the often complicated proceedings, and providing moral support.
Project First Step:
For client with more complicated legal issues, advocates may recommend Project First Step. This program recruits pro bono attorneys to represent victims of domestic violence.
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THERAPY
The Marjaree Mason Center offers individual and group therapy for adults and children. Services are offered at the Marjaree Mason Center Administration Building.
Domestic Violence Support Groups take place weekly in English and Spanish. For dates, times or other information, call 237-4706.
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EDUCATION
Legal Options Class:
Held every Thursday, 10:00AM – Noon. There is no fee, and no appointment necessary. Class is held at the Marjaree Mason Center Administration Building, 1600 M Street, Fresno. More information or call 237-4706
S.A.F.E. Group:
This 12-week course on domestic violence is held weekly at the Marjaree Mason Center Administration Building. For more information call 237-4706.
Parenting:
Now open to the public as well as shelter clients, this class focuses on improving parenting skills. The class teaches mothers positive parenting techniques; how to promote healthy growing for their children; and discipline tactics for raising a healthy family. For more information call 237-4706.
Life Skills:
For clients staying at Marjaree Mason Center shelters, this Healthy Lifestyles class teaches the sometimes overlooked skills in life: budgeting; time-management; job-hunting and interviewing; self-sufficiency; and self esteem. This class is for shelter clients only.
Expressions Through Art Class:
This class promotes healing through the power of art. Women staying at the Marjaree Mason Center Emergency Shelter draw, sculpt, write, and practice other forms of art to help them express themselves and learn about healing. The shelter also hosts a similar art group for children. This class is for shelter clients only.
Community Training and Outreach:
The Marjaree Mason Center conducts hundreds of community training presentations every year. These presentations include general information about domestic violence, as well as what to do if you suspect someone you know is a victim. Many schools, day-care facilities, healthcare providers, and other agencies have received training. If you would like to host a presentation, contact the Marjaree Mason Center Outreach Advocate at 237-4706. |
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40-Hour Domestic Violence Certificate Training:
Also known as Domestic Violence Advocate Training, this course is held three times a year: typically, once in the winter, once at the beginning of summer, and again at the end of summer. The course is open to the general public and often attracts legal, law enforcement, healthcare, and social work professionals, as well as community members interested in domestic violence. Anyone who wishes to work or volunteer providing direct services to victims of domestic violence must pass a state certified domestic violence training course based on CA evidence code 1037.1. California Board of Behavioral Sciences continuing education units are also available.
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For more information, call 237-4706.
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BATTERERS' INTERVENTION SERVICES
The Marjaree Mason Center Batterers’ Intervention Program is a 52-week class typically for people convicted in domestic violence related crime. Pre-registration and a deposit is required. The course takes place at the center’s Education and Outreach Facility at 770 E. Shaw, Suite 326. For more information, call 226-1831.
The Anger Management Program is a 12-week class covering topics of controlling anger. Pre-registration and a deposit is required. The course takes place at the center’s Batterers’ Intervention Facility at 770 E. Shaw, Suite 326. For more information, call 226-1831.
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