History of Carver Center

The Port Chester Carver Center has been serving the community’s children and families since 1943. It started as a small storefront after school program for children whose parents worked in wartime defense plants. The founders were African American parents—grassroots organizers and advocates for the minority community in Port Chester. They named the organization after the renowned African American scientist George Washington Carver, who passed away in 1943. The Carver Center grew to a small food pantry and child care program that operated out of a rented synagogue basement for over 50 years.

Today, Carver Center occupies a 50,000 square foot building in Port Chester, and serves thousands of community members. The Center's annual budget is $2,000,000. Only 35% of that comes from institutions, including corporations, government institutions, and foundations. The Annual Benefit raises 15% of the budget. Carver depends on contributions from individuals in Port Chester and neighboring communities for the remainder of the budget.