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Brief History
The Saint Florian Center, named after the patron saint of firefighters, was formed in 1992 by two Indianapolis firefighters. In 1993, we became incorporated as a not for profit youth leadership development organization. SFC has provided programming to over 31,000 youth since 1993.
The Saint Florian Center has grown over the years from solely operating a summer leadership development camp to empowering youth in safe, nurturing, challenging and educational programs throughout the year.
Our Mission and Philosophy
Our mission is to provide at-risk Indianapolis youth an opportunity to foster leadership skills, develop problem solving methods, and survival tactics through a variety of programming and opportunities in the community in order to create leaders of tomorrow.
Our philosophy is to help create a new mindset where young people learn that, despite their challenges and disappointments, they should "Do Something Positive - Be Someone Positive - Have Something Positive."
Saint Florian
Florian was born around 250 AD and was a Roman soldier, who organized firefighting brigades. When asked why he would not persecute the Christians as he was ordered, Florian revealed he was a Christian who was willing to stand firm in his belief. When soldiers were ordered to kill Florian by fire, Florian smiled and said “if you burn me, I will climb to heaven in flames.” Because of his stance and resistance to death by fire, Saint Florian became the patron saint of firefighters. The Saint Florian Cross, pictured to the left, is commonly used by fire departments to this day.
About Our Leader:
Anthony Williamson
Executive Director / IFD Battalion Chief
Anthony P. Williamson is a lifelong servant leader whose career and community work reflect a deep commitment to youth, public service, faith, and family.
Williamson retired from the Indianapolis Fire Department as a Battalion Chief after 37 years of distinguished service. He is a charter member of the Indianapolis Black Firefighters Association and an original member of the renowned quartet, The Voices of IFD, which has performed the National Anthem at conferences and sporting events across the country.
In 1992, Williamson co-founded the Saint Florian Center, responding to negative narratives about Indianapolis youth with a determination to demonstrate their potential. What began as a summer leadership camp has grown into a year-round youth development organization providing leadership development, academic enrichment, mentoring, prevention education, workforce readiness, and after-school programming. His message to young people remains simple and powerful: “Do Something Positive – Be Someone Positive – Have Something Positive.”
Williamson’s service has earned numerous honors, including recognition in TIME Magazine, the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drum Major Award, the Tiger Woods “Do Something” Award, FOX59 “Unsung Hero” Award, Indianapolis Fire Department Community Service Award, and Fathers and Families Award.
A colon cancer survivor and survivor of a fire truck rollover, Williamson’s faith remains central to his life and leadership. His testimony is grounded in Philippians 4:13: “I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me.” He is a lifelong member and officer of Phillips Temple Christian Methodist Episcopal Church in Indianapolis.
Above all, Williamson treasures his wife, Carla, (39 years of marriage), their three children, Adria, Anthony II (AJ), and Davone’, and their four grandchildren (Aaliyah, Preston Jr., Mila and Wyatt). He believes his greatest legacy is helping young people recognize their God-given potential and become positive leaders in their families and communities.
Our Board
Annual Reports
