Upcoming Events

Limited activities during May due to building renovations. We still keep regular office hours. Call 806-374-1400.

May 31 - 3:00pm

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."

Doug and Cynthia Celebrate a New Beginning

Doug and Cynthia exchanged vows on July 16, becoming PILC’s first newly-weds.

Love and marriage became a part of PILC’s history on July 16, when two of our employees agreed to love, honor and cherish each other.

Consumers, staff and Board members joined the families and friends of Cynthia Pacheco and Doug Hammett at Trinity Fellowship Church. Their solemn vows sealed a growing friendship that began five years ago. Doug and Cynthia joined the PILC staff within months of each other, and they have both adopted the mission of serving people with disabilities.

“We especially share an interest in youth programs,” Cynthia said. “Doug is a teacher at heart, and he’s admired by our kids in Youth Encountering Success.” Cynthia has motivated students as PILC’s Youth Coordinator while Doug has attracted new consumers as Outreach Coordinator. Together, they have helped build greater awareness of and participation in the Center’s youth and adult programs.

Among the wedding party was PILC Employment Director Bart Hill who Doug tapped as a groomsman. While Doug and Bart looked great in tuxedos, they were no match for the very elegant Cynthia in her wedding gown. The lovely couple plans to honeymoon in the Caribbean later this summer.

Their marriage also seemed to expand the feeling of “family” at PILC where successful stories happen every day. We wish for Doug and Cynthia Hammett every success and happiness.