Upcoming Events
Special Message
Panhandle ILC is your "Key to Independence" a symbol of the assistance and encouragement we offer to people with disabilities. More than 40 years ago in California, a group of people living in nursing homes simply because they were disabled, refused to give up their rights. Working together, they formed the first Independent Living Center, left the nursing homes, and began advocating for themselves.
This spirit continues in Centers all across America and in Amarillo where we help fill in the gaps left by other agencies. We encourage people to become their own advocates, take risks, accept responsibility, and gain control over their own lives. It's about participating as full and equal members of the community.
The philosophy behind Independent Living is that: "Everyone, regardless of disability, should have equal access to the rights and responsibilities that each citizen has to be as active and productive a member of society as he chooses to be."
ConocoPhillips Makes Possible Youth Encountering Success
During this year’s YES graduation ceremonies, ConocoPhillips Philanthropic Committee representatives Milt Hoefling, Dayton Packebush and Hector Bernal presented the latest gift of $500. This surprising award brings the total of ConocoPhillips’ gifts to $3,750 since July, 2009. The presentation during the August 12 graduation event was especially meaningful since the company’s support enabled seventeen youth to participate at no cost.
A slide show presentation of the many summer activities allowed the ConocoPhillips guests a chance to see the results of their financial support. Such gifts enable educational field trips, recreational activities and motivational programs. Students learn to make positive choices while building team work and self-confidence during the summer and after-school programs.
The ConocoPhillips donation also sends a strong message of encouragement to those who work hard to develop an effective curriculum and an aggressive schedule of activities. The YES program is developed by Youth Coordinator Cynthia Pacheco and Assistant Executive Director Diane Campa. It is supported by numerous other staff, volunteers and Board members throughout the year.
The voluntary contributions of many ConocoPhillips employees will make possible another year of exciting youth transition activities. As one company representative observed, “We can see how these dollars are being spent; this is a wonderful experience for some great young people.”
