Fletcher Place Community Center

Fletcher Place Community Center (FPCC) mission is “Compassionately providing programs to ease the burden of low to moderate income individuals who struggle with life’s basic needs”. Fletcher Place Community Center (FPCC) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit that has provided outreach programs for the poor and homeless since 1872, FPCC programs, however, 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 an affordable, diverse Paths to Quality Level 3 preschool for children ages 6 weeks to 5.  The recent addition of our little learners (age 6 weeks to 2) will impact Social-Emotional, Language, Cognitive Development, and Health interventions even earlier on and help build on the skills needed for kindergarten. REACH EL offers opportunities for full scholarships to children while supporting parents to gain valuable education and training in alignment the 2Gen Poverty model through our partnership with Southeast Community Services (SECS) Center for Working Families.  REACH EL being housed within FPCC allows us to provide our immediate need services to families and create a “family village” supporting breaking the cycle of poverty.

Immediate Need: In 1983 FPCC started serving hot meals twice a week.  The program pivoted with the recent pandemic.  Part of that pivot is an exciting new partnership with Southeast Community Services which allows both organizations to share space and resources to serve even more southeast Indy neighbors.   In addition, FPCC Food Pantry and Thrift Store have evolved from handouts to client choice programs. All programs housed at The Elaine at 944 Shelby allow for a one stop shopping experience.

Community Wellness: The FPCC Community Garden is only in its 8th year, but it is consistently increasing the number fresh from the ground food provided to our clients, who are now residents in a food desert, as well as working to provide health, wellness and nutrition outreach for adults and children.  The garden has evolved to include a Farm to Table cooking challenge for our REACH EL families providing them with free fresh produce and recipes introducing them to healthy eating.  Also in addition to a free weekly garden stand for neighbors in the growing season, produce in provided to neighbors during our food pantry.