In October 1983, Barbara Mease met with members of the Congregational Christian Church in Franklin to inquire about using the church’s facilities. A member of the church board, Dr. Darden Jones, said he would donate a house he owned on 507 Third Avenue. The Center took him up on his offer. 

After a period of renovation, the Children’s Center had it first home in Franklin. The staff moved from Suffolk, and the building opened in November 1984.