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 Directors Conclude Successful Year

PILC’s Board of Directors recognized major accomplishments and new challenges in the year ahead during their November conference.

Highlighting the year’s annual training and business meeting was guest speaker Jerry Price from Lubbock. As PILC’s Regional Grant Manager with the Texas Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services, he discussed the Board’s responsibilities and their important leadership roles. Mr. Price concluded by saying that PILC’s Board members are the “unsung heroes” because most consumers aren’t aware of all the work that Directors do.

Newly elected Board officers include, from left, Secretary Julie Curbo, Treasurer Ray Aplin and President Susan Stokes

Newly elected officers include Susan Stokes, President; Julie Curbo; Secretary; and Ray Aplin, Treasurer. Other Board members with continuing service include Isabel Camarillo, Rick Anderson, D.J. Stubben and Honorary Board member Sharon Wilson. The Board also accepted the application of new Board member Ed Pair who is a former PILC consumer.

Board members were pleased to hear of numerous accomplishments among the Center’s consumers this past year. Tremendous efforts were made in PILC’s Youth Encountering Success program, in reaching vocational goals, and the Travel Training program funded by TxDot and the Don and Sybil Harrington Foundation. Due in part to significant outreach in the 26-county region, the Center served 267 men, women and youth in 2009, more than any other year in its history.

Board members also pledged to conduct another great fundraising event in the coming year and recognized the need for strong volunteer and community support. While expanding community awareness of PILC, such events help raise much needed dollars to assist consumers with urgent needs throughout the year.