The Sylvia Thomas Center is a collaboration of existing "pioneer groups" that came together in July of 2000 to support the concept of a family-driven center and honor the late Sylvia Thomas. Sylvia Thomas championed the need for permanency for children in care, and constantly worked toward ways to improve the community's response to the needs of dependent children and the families who care for them. Adoptive and foster families alike felt that Sylvia always made herself available to listen, support, and assist in the everyday challenges that arise in dealing with both the children and the child welfare system. Sylvia died suddenly of a brain aneurysm on April 5, 2000.

The Adoption Council of Tampa Bay, the Hillsborough County Foster Parent Association, Foster Angels of Hillsborough County, and the Special Needs Adoptive Parent support group represent a large number of families and involved professionals serving this population. The Board of Directors formed in July 2000 with Executive Board elections taking place in August 2000. The Center opened for meetings and initial supports at a small location on Highway 92 in Seffner. In November 2000, the Center was relocated to South Taylor Road in Seffner, and once again the Center was uprooted and moved further west in Seffner to Kingsway, in the Annex of the First United Methodist Church of Seffner. After staying at the Seffner church for a year, we transferred to the Interstate Business Park.  In October, 2006, our offices moved to 711 Oakwood Drive, Brandon, Florida 33510.

The Department of Children and Families pledged $30,000 toward the start-up of the center. This funding was under a contract between DCF and the Banyan Family Center, Louis de la Parte Mental Health Institute, University of South Florida. Through funding from the Eckerd Family Foundation, the Children's Board of Hillsborough County, the YMCA and donations, the Center now has 2 full-time staff. The public and child welfare community has been very supportive of the Center as one very viable response to families and a community striving toward stability and permanency for foster children.