Mason-Wright Foundation

Our roots trace back to 1892, when a bequest of $25,000 from Primus Mason, a Springfield entrepreneur who cared about his community and the struggles of the elderly poor, directed that his legacy be used to provide “a home for aged men”. For many years, the Foundation operated as “Springfield Home for the Elderly” although its residences were best known as Mason Hall and, later, Mason-Wright Retirement Community.

The men and women we serve today for the most part never had much money, but they still had dignity. Our vision was for a retirement community that provides them more of a home than most ever had, and a place that preserves their dignity. No one is turned away because of an inability to pay. Please click here to learn more about how the Foundation grew as a donor supported institution, and how today we are able to continue our proud tradition of providing quality care for so many elderly Pioneer Valley men and women.

Providing Dignity and Independence for the Elderly Poor

Some of our residents come to us from the street. Others have never had a private bathroom until coming here. Most worked all their lives, but did so at low-income jobs like seamstress, groundskeeper, foodservice staff and social worker. They never really looked forward to retirement, the way many of us do; they simply acquiesced to the reality that they could no longer work. Yet, they are all now living in comfortable apartments, where the buildings and grounds provide the dignity and independence that all citizens of our region deserve, irrespective of their economic circumstances. This is all without the entry fee or high monthly fees typical of most other residential communities.

Charitable Giving has Supported our Work Since 1892

Our history of community support—primarily in the form of bequests and other gifts from individuals—has enabled us to provide quality care for low-income elderly men and women over more than 100 years. No one is turned away because of an inability to pay. Click here to learn more about how you can make a gift to the Mason-Wright Foundation.