Southeast Community Services

09/04/2026

Everyone is welcome here. Well said by our friends at CAFE.

A MESSAGE TO OUR COMMUNITY FROM CAFE

Dear Far Eastside Community,

This has been an incredibly difficult and emotional week for our community. We have witnessed fear, uncertainty, and heartbreak in our neighborhoods. We have seen families impacted, people afraid to leave their homes, and members of our community simply trying to make it safely through their day.

These are our neighbors, our friends, our families, and the people we serve, and we see you.

CAFE remains here for you. Our doors are open, and we will continue to serve our community with dignity, compassion, and respect. People from all backgrounds come to CAFE for resources, programs, childcare, employment services, education, support, and community, and that will not change.

We understand that many of our Latino, Haitian, and immigrant families, as well as other residents, are currently afraid to leave their homes or do not feel safe doing so. CAFE is actively working with our partners to mobilize services and resources to reach those who are stuck indoors. We are exploring ways to deliver support directly to neighborhoods and homes so you can still access the services you need.
You are not alone.

We are also carefully evaluating our upcoming community activities, including our Hispanic Heritage Month celebrations, to ensure we create spaces where everyone can participate as safely and comfortably as possible while still honoring and celebrating the rich history, culture, and contributions of our Hispanic and Latino community.

Our staff is feeling the weight of this moment too. We are saddened, frustrated, concerned, and carrying many of the same emotions as the community we serve. But even with heavy hearts, we remain unified, prepared, and committed to showing up for you.

CAFE will continue to work with trusted partners to provide information, resources, and support during this time. As always, if you need assistance, please reach out to us. We are here, we care, and we will do everything we can to support you and your family.

These are difficult days, but this is what community means. We care for one another. We look out for one another. We lead with humanity. And we continue to serve.

CAFE remains strong, unified, and rooted in the Far Eastside.

09/02/2026

Elaine Cates was a lifelong resident of the Fountain Square community, where she was lovingly referred to as the Mayor of Fountain Square. The passionate leader behind Santa on the Square; an instrumental figure in the development of Stacy Park; an organizer of countless neighborhood cleanups; and a volunteer for the annual Shamrock Run and Walk, Elaine devoted herself to the development and revitalization of Fountain Square. In 2006 Elaine began working as an employment specialist at Southeast Community Services and was pivotal in shaping the SECS organization you see today. Needless to say, the Fountain Square community always held a special place in Elaine’s heart. To honor that legacy, the building that now hosts SECS’ food pantry was dedicated to her and is known as the Elaine Cates Center, or The Elaine for short.
Today, on her 70th birthday, we celebrate the legacy she left with us and remember her contagious smile and laugh that brought others countless amounts of joy. So take a walk around the neighborhood, help your neighbors out, say hello to a stranger, and think of Elaine.
If you'd like to make a donation to SECS to honor her legacy, link is in the bio.

08/29/2026

The number one question I get when people come to our building for the first time is always – what was this building originally?
The answer is The Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Founded in 1819, long before public safety nets existed, The Independent Order of Odd Fellows emerged from a simple, but radical belief for its time: that ordinary people could come together and care for one another with dignity.
At Southeast Community services, we see ourselves as working in that same tradition, only in a modern context. SECS is an anchor institution on Indianapolis’ southeast side, a trusted, steady presence that people know they can turn to in moments of uncertainty, transition, and possibility.
Since 1972, SECS has served, strengthened, and supported neighbors by listening first, honoring each person’s goals, and walking alongside individuals and families as they build greater stability. People do not come through our doors as problems to be solved. They come as creative, resourceful, whole people who deserve dignity, opportunity, and a community that believes in them.

08/26/2026

Street Closure Notice: CHREECE — Saturday, August 29

Please be aware of temporary street closures in and around Fountain Square this Saturday for the CHREECE festival. Closures will be in effect from 6:00 AM to midnight:

📌 Virginia Ave. from Buchanan St. to Prospect St.
📌Woodlawn Ave. from Virginia Ave. to Shelby St.
📌Shelby St. from Prospect St. to Woodlawn Ave.
📌St. Patrick St. from Woodlawn Ave. to Prospect St.
📌Prospect St. from Shelby St. to E. Morris St.

Residents who park along Virginia Avenue: Please take note of the closure and move vehicles as necessary before Saturday morning to avoid potential towing.

Please plan ahead and use alternate routes when traveling through the area.

08/24/2026

Last week we said “bon voyage” to one of our amazing volunteers, Christian, who’s setting off to start a masters program in Amsterdam! ✈️ You might have seen him handing out produce or helping neighbors carry bags to their cars during our Wednesday fresh produce market. We’ll miss him a lot but we know he’ll be crushing it over in Amsterdam. Thanks for being such a solid volunteer and leaving a lasting impact on our community, Christian! We’ll see you soon!

08/20/2026

GIVEAWAY 🎫

Who’s ready for Chreece 2026?! We’re excited to be giving away 2 general admission tickets to the festival, thanks to Chreece, Eskenazi Health and Indy Chamber! To enter:

👉Follow Fountain Fletcher District & Chreece Presents on Instagram
👉Tag a friend in the comments below
👉Enjoy the fest!

We’ll pick 1 winner and contact them next Friday, August 28th. We’ll see you there!

07/24/2026

Are you ready to apply for jobs? Not sure where to start with your resume? Looking to sharpen your interview skills? Join us at our Job Readiness Bootcamp on August 12th & 15th!
Learn the latest job search strategies, build your resume, complete mock interviews, and earn funding for training.
Take the first steps toward a fulfilling career and sign up today!

Call 317-236-7400 or email [email protected]

🗓️ August 12th 5:30-8pm & August 15th 9am-4pm
📍901 Shelby St., Indianapolis, IN

Working together to serve, strengthen, and support our neighbors in southeast Indianapolis.

07/22/2026

📢 The ongoing construction finally came to our front door. The Shelby and Woodlawn intersection will be closed today. If you’re coming in for an appointment or joining us at Produce for the People please plan accordingly and stay safe.

📢 La construcción que se están llevando a cabo han llegado por fin a nuestra puerta. El cruce de Shelby y Woodlawn permanecerá cerrado hoy. Si vienes a una cita o vas a unirte a nosotros en productos frescos para la gente, te rogamos que lo planifiques con antelación y que te cuides.

07/21/2026

Our team enjoyed being part of the experience at the United Way of Central Indiana CONNECT 2026 event last night.

07/20/2026

Want to learn some new recipes, tips for saving time and money in the kitchen, and get some free groceries at the same time?
Join us on August 4th for a free cooking class! 🥕🍅🥒
Contact [email protected] or text/call 317-510-0231 to sign up before July 30th.
We can’t wait to see you there!