Walk past Fisher Court in White Plains and you might miss it. At first glance, the Thomas H. Slater Center looks like just another brick-and-mortar community building. But step inside and the air changes. It's louder. It's warmer. There is a specific kind of energy that only exists when three generations are shoved into the same room trying to figure out how to help each other.
Honestly, it’s the kind of place that keeps a city’s heart beating when everything else feels like a corporate sprawl. If you've lived in Westchester for a while, you've definitely heard the name. Maybe you’ve even seen it on a flyer for a food pantry or a youth basketball game. But there is a lot more going on behind those doors than just "community services."
The center is basically the anchor for the Winbrook Public Housing community, but its reach stretches way further than those 450 families.
The Thomas H. Slater Center and the Legacy of a Neighborhood
To understand why this place matters, you kinda have to know who Thomas H. Slater was. He wasn't just a name picked out of a hat. Rev. Thomas H. Slater was a powerhouse—a minister and a community leader who led the Bethel Baptist Church right next door. He was the kind of guy who didn't just preach from the pulpit; he was in the streets, making sure people had what they needed.
When the center opened in October 1979, it was a weird experiment. It was a "tripartite agreement" between the City of White Plains, the United Way, and the Urban League.
That lasted about a year.
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By 1980, the agreement dissolved, the center incorporated as its own non-profit, and it’s been hustling ever since. In 2011, they officially added the word "Community" to the name to make it crystal clear what they do. They aren't an agency; they're a home base.
What Actually Happens Inside?
It’s not just one thing. If you go there on a Tuesday morning, it’s different from a Friday night.
The center is a patchwork of programs that don't always look like they belong together, but somehow they do. You've got the Step Up Girls and the Next Generation Boys programs. These aren't just "after-school clubs." They are literal lifelines. They focus on the transition to adulthood—basically teaching kids how to be functional humans in a world that doesn’t always give them a fair shake.
Then there’s the Drum and Marching Corps.
If you’ve ever been to a parade in White Plains, you’ve heard them. It’s loud, it’s disciplined, and it gives kids a sense of belonging that you can't get from a video game.
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More Than Just a Food Pantry
People talk about the Ecumenical Food Pantry a lot, and for good reason. It’s one of the busiest spots in the county. They don't just hand out boxes of pasta. They’ve got a system where they deliver bags to homebound seniors who can’t get out because of illness or age.
- Emergency Food: When the fridge is empty on a Thursday, this is where the neighborhood goes.
- Clothing Closet: They take donations and make sure families have decent gear for school or job interviews.
- Haitian Resource Center: This is a big one. White Plains has a vibrant Haitian community, and the center serves as a specific hub for outreach, relief events, and even French Creole translation services.
It’s about dignity. That’s the vibe. You aren't a "client" at the Thomas H. Slater Center; you're a neighbor.
The Youth Employment Hustle
One of the most impactful things they do is the Summer Youth Employment Program. They get a grant from the Westchester County Department of Social Services and basically act as a bridge. They take kids aged 14 to 21 and put them in real jobs.
We’re talking receptionists, camp counselors, administrative assistants, and even media interns. They don’t just throw them into a job, either. They do mock interviews. They help with resumes. They basically do the "parenting" of the professional world that a lot of these kids might be missing.
What People Get Wrong About the Center
There is this misconception that the center is only for people living in Winbrook. Not true. While they definitely prioritize those 450 families, the center is a resource for all of White Plains.
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Another myth? That it's just a "hangout spot."
Actually, the programming is pretty rigorous. Whether it's the Man to Man program or the senior drop-in services, everything is designed to "maximize potential." It’s about the tools for success, not just a place to sit. They collaborate with everyone from the White Plains School District to Family Services of Westchester. It is a massive web of support.
The Senior Scene
You can't talk about Slater without talking about the seniors. The Senior Drop-In Center is where the real wisdom is. It’s socialization, sure, but it’s also nutrition and education. They’ve got fitness classes and social events that keep people active. In a world where elder isolation is a massive health crisis, what’s happening at the Slater Center is basically preventative medicine.
How to Get Involved or Get Help
If you need the services of the Thomas H. Slater Center, you don't need a secret handshake. You can literally walk into 2 Fisher Court.
They are open Monday through Friday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.
If you want to volunteer, they are always looking. They handle over 35,000 volunteers a year through partnerships like Volunteer New York! It’s a massive operation. You can help in the food pantry, mentor in the youth programs, or even help out at the block parties—the Haitian Flag Day Block Party is usually a highlight of the year.
Practical Steps for Residents
- Check the Food Pantry Schedule: If you’re in a pinch, call (914) 948-6211 first. Registration is usually required, especially for the home-delivered bags.
- Youth Enrollment: If you have a teenager, get them into the Next Generation or Step Up programs early. Don't wait until they're 17 and looking for a job.
- Donate Right: Don't just drop off a bag of old clothes. Call and ask what they actually need. Often it's non-perishable food or specific school supplies.
- Attend Events: Go to the Kwanzaa celebration or the Community Day Festival. The best way to support the center is to show up and be part of the community it serves.
The center exists because people like Rev. Slater realized that a city is only as strong as its most vulnerable neighborhood. It’s not just about charity; it’s about investment. Whether you're looking for a way to give back or you're in a spot where you need a little help, this place is the real deal. It’s the backbone of White Plains, tucked away on Fisher Court, waiting to help the next person who walks through the door.