Fletcher Place Community Center (FPCC) has been serving the near south side of Indianapolis since 1872. Although we have provided outreach programs for the poor and homeless since 1872, Fletcher Place Community Center (FPCC) programs have evolved over time to meet the changing needs of our clients.

• Early Childhood Education: Recognizing the importance of early childhood education on breaking the cycle of poverty and setting the next generation up for success, our program, which began in 1930, started as basic childcare then evolved to a Jack-and-Jill Kindergarten. Currently, REACH Early Learning at FPCC is a an affordable, diverse quality Paths to Quality Level 3 preschool for children ages 6 weeks-5, which offers opportunities for full scholarships to children of parents gaining valuable education and training in alignment with the goals of Great Families 2020. We offered a full day, year round program.

• Immediate Need: In 1983 FPCC started serving hot meals twice a week. The program was expanded in 2002 to serve hot meals 5 days a week – breakfast (3 days) and early dinner (2 days) in response to our homeless clients’ request. In addition, FPCC Food Pantry and Thrift Store have evolved from handouts to client choice programs. Pivots in program delivery were a must due to COVID. We entered an exciting new partnership with Southeast Community Services (SECS) combining current services for food pantry and moving FPCC immediate need services (thrift store, hot meals, sack meals) to current available space at SECS. Hot Meals are Tuesdays and Fridays from 9:00 to 10:30 and prepared and served by partner churches at SECS’ auditorium at 901 Shelby. Food Pantry/Thrift Store is open Mondays 2-4pm and Thursdays 3-5:30pm located in “The Elaine” a converted garage at 924 Shelby. Neighbors will complete an online shopping form for food pantry. Sack Meals available during store hours. There is also an outside distribution box that will be filled each Wednesday for self service.

• Community Wellness: The FPCC Community Garden is in its 9th year and is consistently increasing the number fresh from the ground food provided to our neighbors, who are now residents in a food desert. Planting starts in March with a free garden stand Saturdays from June – September.