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."
PILC’s Summer Youth Program Hits All-Time High
PILC’s Youth Encountering Success summer program begins June 7 with the largest number of students ever enrolled.
Since YES began in 2003, students from the 26-county region have enjoyed the ten-week program that meets twice a week from 10:00 to 2:00. Young people share educational field trips, motivational speakers and team-building activities that promote self-confidence and self-esteem. This year, 29 students will attend from schools in Cactus, Dumas, Friona, Farwell and the Amarillo area.
Assistant Executive Director Diane Campa said more students are attending because of the great demand for youth transition services. “We’ve had more referrals from allied agencies this year, plus some other youth programs are cutting back, as well.” Even with more students and higher fuel costs, students will still participate at no expense to them or their families.
Youth Coordinator Cynthia Pacheco, now in her fifth year, is excited about expanding youth and activities. “We’ll have more students than ever, but also the most diverse representation of disabilities which is important to a high school transition project.” This year’s program, she said, will focus on vocational and volunteer opportunities along with independent living skills.
