Flanner House adds grocery store to services

Flanner House, which has operated in Indianapolis for nearly 130 years, now includes a grocery store and cafe in its northwest side campus. Ahmed Young, president and CEO of the Indianapolis Foundation, confirmed the expansion during an interview with WISH-TV on Saturday. The organization serves the neighborhood through a mix of social services, education, and economic development programs.

Young spoke at the Indianapolis Foundation’s 110th anniversary celebration last week. More than 400 community members attended the event. The foundation awarded grants totaling $1 million to five youth-serving organizations. Each of the five recipients received a grant of $200,000. The named recipients include Evolve International, Indy Arts Council, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Indiana, and Junior Achievement.

“The goal is to make sure they’re able to serve young people really, really well,” Young said. He noted that the grants support nonprofits focused on serving young people in the region.

Flanner House’s current leadership includes Dr. Brandon Cosby. Under Cosby’s direction, the organization addresses workforce development, food insecurity, housing, and economic development. The campus houses Cleo’s Grocery and Bodega. Young stated that the location is open to anyone, whether they reside in the neighborhood or pass by along Martin Luther King Jr. Street. The cafe serves coffee and matcha lattes, while the grocery store stocks fresh produce.

The organization also maintains a farm that grows produce within the neighborhood. A bookstore on the campus sells books and hosts community events. Flanner House runs an early childhood center that serves children from birth through age 3. The Center for Working Families provides adults with education and wraparound services to help them pursue career goals.

The organization also operates Morningstar, a culturally aware mental health service provider. Young described Morningstar as expanding its work in the community. He encouraged residents to visit the organization’s website to learn more about its services.

“First off, I would say stop right at Flanner House, visit them,” Young said. “They’re the most welcoming, joyful environment that you can go to.” Young plans to return to WISH-TV in a few weeks to discuss another organization.