[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 145 (1999), Part 11]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 15782]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




    CONGRATULATING THE MARJAREE MASON CENTER FOR 20 YEARS OF SERVICE

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. GEORGE RADANOVICH

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 13, 1999

  Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the 
Marjaree Mason Center for Fresno for 20 years of service assisting 
victims of domestic violence, and for making a difference in the 
community and the lives of so many victims.
  Marjaree Mason, a well-known woman in this community and a native of 
Easton, was raped and murdered on November 13, 1978. She was 36 years 
old. Her death was the result of domestic violence.
  Marjaree lived in Fresno for 31 years and was a graduate of 
Washington Union High School and Reedley College. At the time of her 
death she was completing her degree in business administration at 
California State University, Fresno and was employed by the National 
Economic Development Association.
  Marjaree Mason was active in several organizations. She was a member 
of the National Council of Negro Women, the Ujima Ladies Group, Big 
Sisters of Fresno, the National Association of Women in Construction, 
and St. Rest Baptist Church.
  With the approval of her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Neal Mason, the 
Marjaree Mason Center was named for her. Through community awareness, 
prevention and intervention--including education for both the victim 
and the batterer--they are working to lessen the kind of kind of 
domestic violence that tragically ended her life.
  The Center is committed to the belief that women have the right to 
live their lives in a safe and healthy environment. The individuals 
involved with the Center also believe it is imperative that victims of 
domestic violence have access to a protective support system, including 
emergency shelter, counseling, and comprehensive referrals to 
individuals and organizations that can help them live in health and 
safety.
  Mr. Speaker, I congratulate the Marjaree Mason Center for serving the 
community of Fresno for 20 years. I also urge my colleagues to join me 
in wishing the Marjaree Mason Center many more years of continued 
success.

                          ____________________