GIVING
n every November/December issue, Brick & Elm’s popular Giving Guide elevates local nonprofits and charitable organizations during a season when they have come to depend on local generosity. The annual Panhandle Gives begins Nov. 25. The holidays are approaching. The needs are great. With these things in mind, we hope the following pages introduce you to organizations serving this area in unique ways. As you learn more about what they do, we hope you’ll also find ways to volunteer and consider giving back to our community.
Opportunity School
How and when did Opportunity School begin? The idea for Opportunity School started in 1968 when a Sunday School class at First Presbyterian Church decided to make a meaningful difference in their community as an expression of their deepening faith in Christ. They were led to address a serious but little-known community problem—young children from lowincome families who lacked basic learning skills and experiences, which caused them to enter school unprepared and, therefore, unable to catch up to their peers. Their solution was to create a school for preschoolers from low-income families focused on providing high-quality early education. Opportunity School opened in February 1969 with 15 students, one teacher and an assistant teacher. Today, Opportunity School has expanded to two campuses, 18 classrooms and has proudly assisted more than 5,000 local kids and their families.
What local needs does Opportunity School address? Whom do you serve? Opportunity School equips low-income children and their families with tools to succeed in school and in life. We do this by creating a learning environment based on children’s individual needs and also by helping families understand how they can support their child’s learning. We offer Early Intervention Services that include developmental, social, emotional and therapeutic screenings to help pinpoint issues and provide referrals for the family. Opportunity School provides nationally accredited early childhood education for children ages 6 weeks to 5 years at our two campuses, along with caring family support including home visits, Parent Café, and a number of family events throughout the year.
What would you like the community to know about Opportunity School? The first three years of life are an irreplaceable period of rapid development, which forms a child’s sense of identity, security, influence and human interdependence, so it’s absolutely crucial we provide a local avenue for high-quality early childhood education. By investing in Opportunity School, you are helping ensure a high return for our community that pays dividends decades later for children living in low-income homes. In fact, Opportunity School’s independent research with West Texas A&M University has shown our students achieve a higher level of education and employment than those not attending. On a broader research scope, the University of Texas at Austin has shown that high-quality preschool education significantly reduces the achievement gap
between rich and poor. And, the Carolina Abecedarian Project at the University of North Carolina has found that children who participate in high-quality, early childcare are four times more likely to earn college degrees, be consistently employed, and less likely to have used public assistance.
What might surprise people about the work you do or the people you serve? Our team understands and supports children’s developmental milestones while recognizing that each child’s individual development is unique. While weekly lesson plans guide learning activities, our team knows how important it is to build on a child’s natural curiosity by discerning what the child is most interested in. Teachers in our infant and toddler classrooms are trained to provide consistency, form deep bonds and have meaningful, responsive interactions with each child. Additionally, in an effort to enhance the overall mental health and well-being of our students, Opportunity School has partnered with Nature Explore to create one-of-a-kind outdoor classrooms at our Edwards Campus. These unique spaces seamlessly integrate with our students’ daily learning and play, helping to maximize their educational benefits.
What have you learned about Amarillo or Amarillo people as a result of your work? Just like the original Sunday School class that founded Opportunity School, people within our community have an undeniable foresight that makes us stronger. That foresight, combined with a great desire to make a difference, allows us to continue our important work at Opportunity School. Thanks to the financial support of individuals and local corporations, we are positively affecting future generations, meeting a critical need in our city.
What specific needs does Opportunity School have right now? First and foremost, Opportunity School relies on monetary donations to help us provide affordable, high-quality early childhood education and family support. Opportunity School must raise approximately $5,000 per child each year to sustain this level of quality. There are several ways to make a monetary gift, including planned giving and legacy gifts. In-kind donations and gifts of time are also a great way to support our cause. We have opportunities for guest readers, classroom helpers, baby huggers, gardeners and more. Finally, Opportunity School has a wish list of common items needed to help create a brighter future for our children. Information on all forms of benevolence can be found on our website at OpportunitySchool.com
United Way of Amarillo & Canyon
How and when did UWAC begin? United Way of Amarillo & Canyon has been a pillar of the community since 1924, celebrating a century of service this year. We were established to create a united front in addressing the community’s most pressing needs and have since grown into an organization that drives positive change across Amarillo and Canyon.
What local needs or issues does UWAC address? Whom do you serve? Our mission is to address critical local issues, including education, financial stability, health and basic needs. We partner with various programs and agencies that serve individuals and families, particularly those facing financial hardships or lacking access to essential services. Our goal is to improve lives by building a stronger, more resilient community where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. We focus on ALICE—Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed—people who make too much to receive government assistance but live paycheck to paycheck.
What would you like the community to know about your work? We’d love the community to know that United Way of Amarillo & Canyon is about all of us helping all of us. We work tirelessly to connect resources, advocate for change and support initiatives that create a lasting impact. Our work goes beyond short-term aid; we aim to make sustainable improvements that uplift the entire community.
What might surprise people about the work you do or the people you serve? People may be surprised to learn that many of those we serve are hardworking individuals and families who find themselves needing support due to unexpected life events. Also, our team at United Way of Amarillo & Canyon is constantly innovating and working with partners on initiatives that might not be widely known, such as our Youth Cabinet, which engages high school students in leadership and community service.
What have you learned about Amarillo or Amarillo people as a result of your work? Working closely with the community has shown us just how resilient and generous the people of Amarillo and Canyon are. We’ve seen countless individuals step up to help their neighbors and invest in the well-being of others. This community truly embodies the spirit of unity and care, always ready to lend a hand.
What specific needs does UWAC have right now? We always appreciate donations to support our programs and raise awareness of our work so more people can get involved. Sharing our message and advocating for those we serve makes a significant difference in building a united, compassionate community.
Cal Farley’s Boys Ranch
How and when did Cal Farley’s Boys Ranch begin? Cal Farley’s Boys Ranch was founded in 1939 by Cal Farley, a successful businessman and former professional wrestler who was passionate about helping troubled and at-risk youth. He envisioned the Ranch as a place where boys could find a second chance—a home where they could live, learn and grow into responsible adults. Located on a 120-acre plot along the Canadian River, about 40 miles northwest of Amarillo, the Ranch started as a working farm and educational facility, built on the values of discipline, hard work and community.
Over the years, Boys Ranch has expanded both in size and scope. Today, we provide comprehensive care, including counseling, education and therapeutic programs for both boys and girls. Our Christ-centered mission continues to transform lives, helping young people overcome challenges and build bright futures.
What local needs or issues does Cal Farley’s Boys Ranch address? Who do you serve? We serve at-risk youth, offering them the opportunity to build valuable life skills that will serve them for the rest of their lives. Cal Farley’s Boys Ranch addresses the critical need for stability and guidance in the lives of children facing difficult circumstances. We provide more than just the basics—like a home, education and meals. We offer a supportive environment where kids can heal from past trauma, gain confidence and discover their full potential.
Beyond our campus, we also offer community-based services to families within a 100-mile radius of Amarillo. These services help strengthen family bonds and equip parents with the tools they need to foster a positive, supportive home environment. When possible, we believe the best place for a child is with their family, and we work hard to make that a reality.
We operate off our Model of Leadership and Service, which represents six universal needs: safety, power, purpose, belonging, achievement and adventure. We believe when these six areas are met, individuals can reach their fullest potential. We believe challenging behavior stems from one or more of these needs not being met—or being met inappropriately.
What would you like the community to know about your work? We believe children need more than just a place to stay—they need a network of care and support. Every child has a dedicated team, including house parents, caseworkers, clinicians, teachers, chaplain staff and mentors, all working together to create the best environment for growth and success. This holistic approach helps every child thrive and reach their full potential.
What might surprise people about the work you do or the people you serve? While our name is Cal Farley’s Boys Ranch, we’ve proudly welcomed girls since 1992. Our mission is to serve families, whether through children living at Boys Ranch
or receiving support through our community-based services. We offer a wide range of activities for boys and girls alike, from rocketry and culinary arts to welding, sports and ranching. These opportunities help our kids build valuable skills and prepare for a successful future.
Another interesting aspect of the work we do is our alumni services. Cal Farley’s Boys Ranch remains committed to our former residents into adulthood. It’s a familiar bond much like that of a traditional family. We invest in the future of our alumni by helping them pursue educational success and a smooth transition to independent life. Our robust scholarship program assists dozens of former residents each year. We’ve awarded hundreds of scholarships to deserving clients over more than four decades.
We also provide a place to live for Boys Ranch alumni who need temporary housing assistance during their transition to adult life. The Cal Farley’s Alumni Support Independent Living Center features 11 apartments, a common area for meetings or training and laundry facilities. Life coaches maintain accountability and offer help with basic living skills. For other former residents, Boys Ranch is able to assist with locating and securing suitable housing elsewhere in their communities.
What have you learned about Amarillo or Amarillo people as a result of your work? Amarillo and the Texas Panhandle are deeply connected to Cal Farley’s Boys Ranch. From the very beginning, area residents have generously supported us with time, money and resources. That spirit of giving is still alive today, with many people contributing as donors, volunteers and employees. The community’s dedication to helping our boys and girls thrive has been truly inspiring and makes a lasting impact. While our residents at Boys Ranch come to us from across the country and all 50 states, the Amarillo community embraces these youth and young adults into their community, assisting with services, jobs and education.
What specific needs does Cal Farley’s Boys Ranch have right now? Every dollar we receive directly supports our mission of providing the best life possible for the boys and girls at Boys Ranch. As a privately funded organization, we rely on donations from the community to continue our work. We have a growing need for house parents—people who are willing to invest in the lives of our children, be role models and help guide them toward a successful future. To apply for this role, applicants can go to calfarley.org/houseparents.
We are also looking for new boys and girls ages 10 to 16 who need a safe home environment. We accept children from anywhere in the United States. If any family believes their child would be a good fit, they can begin the admissions process at calfarley.org/admission
Kids, Inc.
How and when did Kids, Inc. begin? Kids, Inc. got its start back in 1945, thanks to Cal Farley, who had a vision to create a safe space for boys in Amarillo to learn, grow and stay active during World War II. It started small—with just 11 boys playing sports—but has since transformed into the go-to organization for youth sports in the Texas Panhandle. Today, we’re proud to offer a wide range of sports programs for kids ages 4 through eighth grade, and we now serve more than 18,000 participants every year. What began as a simple effort to keep kids busy has grown into a community staple, meeting the ever-increasing demand for youth sports opportunities.
What local needs or issues does Kids, Inc. address? Whom do you serve? Kids, Inc. addresses a critical need for accessible and affordable sports programs in the Amarillo and Canyon areas. Sports aren’t just about physical activity, but about building character, confidence, teamwork and leadership skills. The kids who participate in our programs learn life lessons on and off the field that help set them up for future success. Our goal is to ensure that every child, no matter their background or circumstances, has the opportunity to play and benefit from those experiences.
Children come from a variety of schools, including Amarillo ISD, Canyon ISD, River Road ISD, and beyond. Participants also include children from private, charter and homeschool settings. Thanks to the generosity of our community, scholarships are available to ensure that financial barriers don’t prevent any child from joining, keeping programs inclusive and open to all.
What would you like the community to know about your work? Kids, Inc. is about much more than just sports. We’re here to help shape the next generation of confident, strong and capable individuals ready to tackle life’s challenges. Sure, we provide fun and competitive sports programs, but we also focus on teaching life skills like perseverance, teamwork, leadership and respect that kids will carry with them long after they’ve left the field.
Thanks to the generous support of donors and the community, Kids, Inc. has been able to keep programs affordable, even as the costs for shirts, equipment, officials and field rentals have increased. Program fees have remained steady for years, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to play, regardless of their family’s financial situation. This continued affordability is only possible because of the commitment from donors, sponsors and volunteers who believe in making sports accessible for all. Every contribution, whether financial or through involvement, helps create these opportunities for local kids.
What might surprise people about the work you do or the people you serve? One thing that surprises many people is how big we’ve grown. Since we started, Kids, Inc. has expanded by nearly 200,000 percent! In 2023 alone, more than 18,600 kids participated in 27 different sports seasons. But despite our size, we’re still deeply committed to keeping youth sports accessible and affordable for everyone. It’s not just about winning or
competition—it’s about ensuring every child has a place to belong and thrive.
What have you learned about Amarillo or Amarillo people as a result of your work? Through our work, we’ve learned that Amarillo is a community that truly cares about its kids. Whether it’s parents stepping up to volunteer as coaches or local businesses and donors pitching in to keep programs affordable, we see people in this community rallying around the next generation. Amarillo is full of folks who believe in giving back and investing in the future; we see that spirit in action every day.
We’ve also seen just how resilient Amarillo is. Whether it’s economic challenges or global pandemics, the community remains steadfast in supporting our mission. People here understand how important it is to keep kids engaged, active and surrounded by positive influences—no matter what happens in the world.
What specific needs does Kids, Inc. have right now? Kids, Inc.’s top needs are financial support and volunteers. With more than 18,000 participants, there is a constant need to replace and update equipment like helmets, pads and balls to ensure safety and high-quality programs. Donations are crucial to continuing to provide the level of programming that families and the community expect.
Donors can support Kids, Inc. by funding equipment, scholarships and program expenses. Another exciting option is contributing to Rockrose Sports Park, a state-of-the-art facility addressing the growing demand for youth sports. With more than $22 million already raised toward the $30 million goal, additional contributions are essential to make this vision a reality.
Volunteers, especially coaches, are greatly needed to support Kids, Inc. They play a crucial role in ensuring success, and anyone interested in helping shape the lives of local children is encouraged to get involved. Both donations and volunteer efforts make a lasting impact on the youth in our community.
Amarillo Area Foundation
How and when did Amarillo Area Foundation begin?
The Amarillo Area Foundation was founded in 1957 by a group of individuals who knew that a community working together brought strength that any one of them working separately could not. Formed as the second Community Foundation in Texas, the early focus on health care and the subsequent development of the Medical Center transformed the future of the industry in this region. In 1976, the bequest of Don D. Harrington enabled the Foundation to hire a professional staff and begin to distribute grant funding to address additional needs of the Texas Panhandle.
What local needs or issues does Amarillo Area Foundation address? Whom do you serve? The Amarillo Area Foundation is the only nonprofit community foundation serving 26 counties and more than 400,000 people in the Texas Panhandle. As a leader in philanthropic, nonprofit and community issues, the Foundation is a catalyzing force that addresses the community’s most critical challenges by providing significant, shared and lasting results.
What would you like the community to know about your work? In 2018, the AAF Board of Directors embarked on a new strategic planning process to envision the future work of the Amarillo Area Foundation. During this process, AAF’s strategic planning committee observed key opportunities to strengthen the organization’s work. The goals underlying this shift in strategic direction included tackling big, systemic issues affecting residents and the region and evaluating the effectiveness of our giving and programs. As a result of this process, the chosen areas of focus were mental health, food insecurity, early childhood literacy, post-secondary education, broadband availability, digital literacy, arts/culture and access to childcare.
What might surprise people about the work you do or the people you serve? We strive to achieve our mission of “improving quality of life for Texas Panhandle residents” through a variety of efforts and we think the community would be surprised to find out the sheer variety of work our team is involved with. AAF is more than a place to
apply for scholarships and grants. Our team regularly partners with local, state and national organizations to find innovative ways to solve issues and disrupt the status quo to affect change on a larger scale.
What have you learned about Amarillo or Amarillo people as a result of your work? The generosity of the people in the Texas Panhandle never ceases to amaze. Each year we are humbled during our annual giving campaign, The Panhandle Gives. AAF was blown away when this year our communities showed up in force to support their neighbors affected by the wildfires in our region. We are currently trying to expand our collective financial impact with our Stratum Funds, which help AAF build on the foundation of our mission by allowing donors to choose areas of focus that align with their philanthropic goals.
What specific needs does Amarillo Area Foundation have right now? Right now, the Foundation is working hard to serve as a powerhouse for convening and collaboration. With the recent shift to our strategic focus areas, it quickly became apparent that tackling systemic issues would take more than simply granting funds to individual organizations. As such, our staff regularly attends professional development training so we can serve in this capacity more effectively. We often see that there are many players and nonprofit organizations working in silos and attempting to solve problems alone. We want to help facilitate a culture of collaboration, where all involved understand each other’s roles and strengths so efforts are reinforced rather than duplicated to create the greatest impact possible.
We welcome Texas Panhandle residents to participate in our upcoming convenings and collaborative events, hear about the work we are doing throughout our region, and engage with us philanthropically by supporting our initiatives, whether it be through gifts to The Panhandle Gives, the Panhandle Community Partnership, Stratum Funds, or Panhandle Partners in Philanthropy, or opening a charitable fund at Amarillo Area Foundation.
ECU Foundation
Education Credit Union has long been on the leading edge of community philanthropy, but in 2022, ECU provided an avenue for future stability and growth through the ECU Foundation. The ECU Foundation’s mission is to promote public trust in philanthropy and the value of academic, financial and cultural learning. The foundation seeks to foster and promote upward socio-economic mobility of children and adults in the Texas Panhandle.
The ECU Foundation understands that one of the main building blocks in anyone’s socio-economic health is education, so special attention is paid to the needs of teachers and students. Most people are aware of the budget shortages that often plague our schools. The ECU Foundation’s main program, the Pocket Change Grant, focuses specifically on areas where school budgets fall short. Teachers are able to request classroom or campus funding up to $750 each year in order to help fill in the gaps for their students. In 2024, the ECU Foundation will pass $1M in total grants made to teachers across the Panhandle. These funds have been used by teachers to provide their students with everything from basic school supplies and classroom essentials to experiential learning opportunities, field trips, virtual learning sessions, sensory items and much more.
Thousands of teachers and students have been impacted by this program.
The ECU Foundation also invests in higher education for area students through a variety of scholarship programs. The main program awards scholarships to six to 10 Education Credit Union members who are graduating high school in a partnership with Opportunity Plan, Inc. ECU Foundation also enjoys a scholarship partnership with Frank Phillips College in Borger, which awards funds to students even beyond their first year of higher education. Perhaps the most unique scholarships provided by the ECU Foundation go to graduates of the Money Management Bootcamp offered through the Buff$mart and Badger$mart programs at West Texas A&M University and Amarillo College, respectively. These programs are a joint effort of the educational institutions and Education Credit Union’s renowned financial health program. Students who attend all sessions and complete money management learning activities are eligible for scholarships at the completion of the course. These students leave Bootcamp with increased financial literacy and help to further their educational pursuits.
Area teachers and district administrators are among the best and brightest among us. The ways they impact lives cannot truly be measured. The hope of the ECU Foundation is to support these individuals as they continue to make the Texas Panhandle a great place to call home.
Help us spread awareness about the ECU Foundation, purchase a table for our first big fundraiser (the School Days Gala), and keep up with our adventures on social media.
Give now and get more information about the ECU Foundation at ecu-foundation.org
Amarillo College Foundation
How and when did the Foundation begin? The Amarillo College Foundation was established in 1962 by a group of dedicated citizens led by Mr. Leon Hoyt, Jr. The purpose of the Foundation is to obtain gifts and grants to further the development of Amarillo College through scholarships and loans for students, enrichment of the educational programs, and supporting necessary expansions of the campus.
What local needs or issues does the Foundation address? Whom do you serve? The AC Foundation’s Badger Fund aims to support students by removing life barriers to educational attainment. It encourages students to complete their education at Amarillo College. The fund provides help with tuition, books and other educational expenses, making higher education more accessible to a broader range of students. Amarillo College considers it both a privilege and an obligation to forge a pathway toward an accessible future for its students.
What would you like the community to know about your work? Amarillo College has received national recognition for its commitment to student success, innovative approaches to problem-solving, and burgeoning workforce-development programs. However, much of that recognition does not trickle down to the local level. Many in our community are unaware of the important work we are doing. We want to help Amarillo better understand the many resources and programs we offer at AC, both for traditional and non-traditional students. AC has a comprehensive approach to student success that helps students succeed academically, personally and professionally. Through our “No Excuses” philosophy, AC has committed to doing whatever it takes to remove barriers to education, including through financial, emotional and practical resources. At the core of that philosophy is our Advocacy and Resource Center, where a significant portion of the Badger Fund dollars are allocated. The ARC connects students to on-campus resources like the food pantry, legal aid and emergency funds, as well as off-campus resources through partnerships with dozens of other local community nonprofits who assist with wraparound services.
What might surprise people about the work you do or the people you serve? One of the top priorities at Amarillo College is preparing students to be workforce-ready upon graduation. AC plays a critical community role by aligning its programs with the needs of local industries. This helps ensure students are not just earning degrees, but are also gaining the skills and training needed to secure good jobs in the area. Our students are diverse, with many being non-traditional learners who are working adults, parents, first-generation college students and individuals returning to school after years in the workforce. AC has committed to meeting them where they are and providing the resources they need to succeed.
What have you learned about Amarillo or Amarillo people as a result of your work?
The people of Amarillo are fiercely proud and loyal—they want to see their fellow community members succeed. They are also incredibly generous. Amarillo has more than 800 recorded nonprofits, and this community’s spirit of generosity is seen in the way individuals, businesses and local foundations come together to address the needs of the region. Knowing this, and having Amarillo College be one of the organizations that the people of Amarillo consistently show up for, holds great significance to us. We believe it is our responsibility to be good stewards of the donations we are provided, and we seek to do the most good with the resources at our disposal in the hopes that we can continue to support our students in their endeavors and fold them back into the community as future workers and leaders.
What specific needs does the Foundation have right now? Our greatest challenge is awareness of the important work we are doing. The Foundation is in its final year of the Badger Bold campaign, a $45 million endeavor that seeks to address critical community needs. By raising awareness of AC’s focus on student success, poverty-informed practices, and workforce development, we believe the community will have no choice but to support our endeavors— because what we are doing is important. Of course, financial support is the flip side of that coin. Our donors enable us to fulfill our mission of providing accessible, high-quality education to a diverse student population, many of whom face financial challenges. The best way to support AC is: 1) to give to the Badger Fund, which can be used to support students inside and outside the classroom, and 2) to help spread awareness in the community of the value AC brings.
The Guyon Saunders Resource Center
The Guyon Saunders Resource Center has facilitated resources for the homeless since 1993. More than 2,000 men, women and children are served annually. The GSRC provides daytime shelter, showers, laundry, mail service and resources for developing necessary skills for self-sufficiency. They also prepare clients for possible housing by providing them assistance with paperwork and funds to obtain their Texas IDs, including bus passes to issuing agencies to obtain needed documents.
Each day the GSRC works with approximately 160 clients to find the best solutions to move them from crisis to stability. The GSRC continues to evolve and meet the needs of the homeless population within our region, while working to change the community perception of homelessness.
The mission of the GSRC is to provide a safe daytime refuge, offering basic services in a respectful environment that fosters dignity, trust and hope for those experiencing homelessness and poverty.
The clients we serve are so appreciative; many of them volunteer at the GSRC once they are able. The Amarillo community is such a giving community. People want to help.
Sometimes people like to give something tangible instead of money. We are always in need of coffee, creamer, sugar, ramen noodles, oatmeal, hygiene items, laundry soap and so much more.
If inclined to do so, please donate on our website or during The Panhandle Gives on Nov. 25 to Dec. 3
Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum
For more than 100 years, the Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum has stood as the first museum of its kind in the State of Texas, preserving the stories and memories of the people and places that make this part of the world great. The museum’s mission has always been to educate and inspire a diverse public with the cultural and scientific heritage of Texas, specifically the Panhandle region. PPHM not only offers an inviting and informative gateway to the City of Canyon and the campus of West Texas A&M University, but connects tourists and visitors with some of the most dramatic historical events of this part of the world. Besides offering lively and innovative exhibits, the museum serves as an educational hub for the surrounding 25,000-square-mile region. PPHM’s educational programming supports the curriculum and student life of more than 60 school districts in the Texas Panhandle and the tri-state area, not to mention the students at WT.
PPHM welcomes up to 60,000 visitors and around 25,000 students annually with quality educational, cultural and entertainment opportunities. From “Pioneer Town” and the visual arts collection, to Quanah Parker’s war bonnet and Charles Goodnight’s saddle, to exceptional paleontological and geological specimens, to the annals of the oil and gas industry and the fortitude needed in ranching life, PPHM’s collection fosters an intercultural understanding and deepens the quality of life for the region, the State of Texas, and the nation.
Moreover, employment at PPHM is incredibly exciting and meaningful. Whether curating new exhibitions, helping to research new archaeological sites for the state and federal government, assisting international researchers and political figures of renown, discovering new stories through the vast collection of more than two million items, or executing exceptional educational offerings that serve local students and students from around the world via digital programming—the museum is never a dull place to work. As a repository for the items and artifacts of an entire region of the country, PPHM is brimming with one-of-a-kind stories around every corner.
Of course, such dynamism is only impossible through the generosity of the people of Amarillo, Canyon and the surrounding communities. PPHM is constantly humbled by the volunteerism and monetary support of its patrons. The museum takes seriously its responsibility to “promote the stories of this region in order to build community, enhance learning, and nurture creativity.” We encourage people to continue to support the museum monetarily as it seeks to tell the stories of the people and places of this region. Please visit panhandleplains.org to see forthcoming events, donate or become a member of the museum.
West Texas A&M University Foundation
How and when did the West Texas A&M University Foundation begin? West Texas A&M University was established in 1910 as West Texas State Normal College. Canyon was selected as its home after a fierce battle across the region, but a bid of $100,100 and a 40-acre plot of land beat out all other bidders. The school continued to expand over the decades before officially joining The Texas A&M University System on Sept. 1, 1990. Since then, the University has transformed itself into a regional research university and redefines excellence every day in the outstanding achievements of faculty, significant renovations and construction around campus, innovations in the classroom, and advances in support services. The Foundation of West Texas State College was established in 1946 with the mission to provide student scholarship assistance and to support faculty, staff and programs of the College. Today, The WTAMU Foundation continues to support the mission of the University.
What local needs or issues does the WT Foundation address? Whom do you serve?
WT’s primary mission, as laid out in our long-range plan, WT 125: From the Panhandle to the World, is to serve the people of Texas—first those residing in the top 26 counties of the Texas Panhandle. Focusing on the aspirations and needs of the citizens the University serves creates value beyond the borders of the Panhandle. Currently, WT boasts an enrollment of more than 9,000 and offers 58 undergraduate degree programs, one associate degree, and 44 graduate degrees, including an integrated bachelor’s and master’s degree, a specialist degree and two doctoral degrees.
What would you like the community to know about the University? Serving students, families and communities is a commitment WT stands by. The University is regionally responsive to the needs of the people of the Texas Panhandle through academic teaching, research and service. The University also employs more than 2,000 people who make their home in the Amarillo/Canyon region, helping to better their communities not only in service to the University, but also on their own time.
What might surprise people about the University or the people you serve? The research conducted at WT has worldwide impact, which is accomplished by focusing first on the needs of our region. The needs of similar regions across the nation and world, then, benefit from WT’s attention, research and resolution of challenges and opportunities that characterize the Texas Panhandle. Among the significant research accomplishments are Copper Clean, a copper alloy that wipes out viruses and bacteria that was developed by the College of Engineering’s Buffalo Technology Group; and continuing advances within the Center for Advancing Food Animal Production in the Panhandle, which enables WT students to specialize in animal health, animal care, animal nutrition and pre- and post-harvest food science/food safety. Research is conducted in every academic area of the University, including agriculture, natural sciences, business, education, social sciences, engineering, fine arts, humanities, nursing and health sciences.
What have you learned about Amarillo or Amarillo people as a result of your work? We make new discoveries every day, helping us foster a vibrant community, drive economic growth, promote collaborative projects and showcase regional impact. Moreover, we are dedicated to upholding the values of the people of the region, which are essential to the sustenance of our region, state and nation as they support the production of the food, fuel and fiber that feeds, powers and clothes our nation and world.
What specific needs does the Foundation have right now? WT is currently engaged in the historic One West comprehensive fundraising campaign, which reached its initial $125 million goal 18 months after publicly launching in September 2021. The campaign’s new goal is to reach $175 million by 2025; currently, it has raised more than $160 million. Every gift to the University counts in the One West campaign, which has three priorities: people, through scholarships and professorships; programs, enhancing academic offerings and research; and places, improving existing buildings and constructing new spaces. Around 90 professorships and chairs have been endowed during the campaign, offering additional funding for research, travel and more. Millions have been raised to support scholarships, academic programs, construction and renovation. Join the more than 9,000 donors to the One West campaign and help WT in redefining excellence.
Panhandle Community Services
How and when did Panhandle Community Services begin? Concerned about the crippling effect of poverty in area neighborhoods, interested citizens formed the PotterRandall Citizens Committee. This committee focused on community development and began searching for resources to help meet community needs. Shortly after, the Johnson Administration passed the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964 to combat poverty in the United States.
As a result, a grant was awarded to the Potter-Randall Citizens Committee for forming a Community Action Agency, and its doors opened to the public on Nov. 1, 1966. The name was changed to Panhandle Community Services in 1985.
What local needs or issues does Panhandle Community Services address? Whom do you serve? We work hard to ensure that our neighbors with limited incomes do not have to experience the ravages of poverty. All our programs are geared toward bringing stability to families living in unstable conditions and bringing self-sufficiency. We do this through housing assistance, utility assistance, programs for Veterans, health insurance navigation, our rural county bus system, and so much more.
What would you like the community to know about your work? Today, Panhandle Community Services has 12 service centers across the region. The strategic placement of each office enables PCS to serve all 26 counties in the upper Texas Panhandle. This year, we are proudly celebrating the 60th anniversary of the signing of the Equal Opportunity Act and are excited to have been awarded the Promise in Action award by the National Community Action Partnership for our work in disaster relief and serving families during rebuilding. What might surprise people about the work you do or the people you serve? We believe the limited-income families we serve should have a say in the way our program dollars are provided and alert us to barriers and obstacles that exist. We have open forum conversations, advisory committees, and one-third of our board of directors serves as limited-income representatives.
Poverty doesn’t necessarily look like what you think. Along with our ongoing programs, we have been boots on the ground during four natural disasters in the past 18 months: floods in both Amarillo and Hereford, the catastrophic Perryton tornado, and then the largest wildfires in Texas history. We worked with area businesses and individuals to house families, provide essential home goods and bring hope.
Also, the vast majority of those we work with are working poor; more than 70 percent have income, but struggle to make ends meet. Another 30 percent include elderly and disabled people who are unable to work.
What have you learned about Amarillo or Amarillo people as a result of your work? The people of the Panhandle are incredibly resilient and care about each other. Few things are as beautiful as watching neighbors helping neighbors. We are hard-working people, with unemployment rates below state averages. Our high poverty rates indicate that our clients are working—but it’s not always enough to thrive.
What specific needs does Panhandle Community Services have right now? We have begun hygiene closets in six of our locations. This has exposed a much greater need than we initially recognized. We need full-size bottles of shampoo/conditioner, soap, toothpaste, laundry detergent and cleaning supplies. We need landlords for our housing programs. We need unrestricted dollars to help our people with needs that fall outside grant restrictions. We would love to welcome you to our Festival of Trees fundraiser on Nov. 22, 2024. Please look for our page on The Panhandle Gives Campaign and help us bridge the gap between poverty and self-sufficiency.
Amarillo Habitat for Humanity
How and when did Amarillo Habitat for Humanity begin? Amarillo Habitat for Humanity was incorporated in 1981 to tackle the pressing need for affordable housing in our community, with a strong emphasis on homeownership. Through zero-percent interest loans, generous donors and dedicated volunteers, Amarillo Habitat for Humanity has served more than 120 families by helping them achieve the dream of owning a safe and stable home.
What local needs does Habitat address? Whom do you serve? The affordable housing crisis is a growing challenge across the nation and Amarillo is no exception. To combat this issue, we provide a pathway to affordable homeownership for individuals and families facing high housing costs and limited access to home lending. Amarillo Habitat for Humanity serves lowto-moderate income households with pressing housing needs, which take many forms, such as high rent, inadequate living space and unresponsive landlords. Our mission is to uplift families from these difficult circumstances by helping them move into safe, stable homes they can truly call their own.
What would you like the community to know about Amarillo Habitat for Humanity? A stable home serves as a crucial foundation for an individual’s long-term success and well-being. Research consistently shows that homeownership positively influences multiple dimensions of life, including health, financial stability and education. Homeowners tend to experience better physical and mental health outcomes, as a secure living environment provides peace of mind. Owning a home fosters asset-building and wealth accumulation, offering families a pathway to financial independence. It enhances educational opportunities for children and contributes to stronger social ties and community development. Homeownership is not just about having a place to live; it’s about creating a supportive environment that empowers individuals and families to thrive.
What might surprise people about the work Habitat does or the people it serves? One of the most common misconceptions about our program is that we simply “give” homes away for free. In reality, the individuals and families we partner with are responsible for paying a mortgage, property taxes and insurance, just like any other homeowner. The key difference is that they receive a zero-interest mortgage, which significantly reduces their monthly payments and makes homeownership more affordable and accessible. This empowers families to achieve stability and build a brighter future without compromising their financial responsibilities.
What have you learned about Amarillo or Amarillo people as a result of your work? Our community is filled with resilient and compassionate individuals who consistently come together to support one another. Their kindness and dedication create a strong network of neighbors helping neighbors, fostering a sense of solidarity and collaboration that is deeply rooted in our region’s values. This not only enriches our community, but also inspires others to join in, amplifying the positive impact we can make. In the Texas Panhandle, we truly embody the belief that together, we can overcome any challenge.
What specific needs does Amarillo Habitat for Humanity have right now? We offer numerous ways for the community to partner with us in our mission. Volunteers are always welcome at our construction sites and in our ReStore, where every helping hand makes a difference. There are also various options for financial support, including monetary donations and in-kind contributions. You can also donate furniture, appliances, household items, clothing and more to our ReStore. The proceeds from these sales directly support our construction efforts, enabling us to build more homes for those in need. For more information, reach out to us at (806) 383-3456 or visit our website at amarillohabitat.org. Together, we can create lasting change and empower families to achieve their dreams of homeownership!
Amarillo Botanical Gardens
How and when did Amarillo Botanical Gardens begin? In 1929, an enterprising group of hardworking women banded together to create the first garden club of Amarillo. They set out to prove gardening was possible in the challenging High Plains of Texas. The environment and soil of the area tested their knowledge as they sought out plants that could survive drought, wind and extensive sun. After many successful years, they started tackling numerous city beautification projects. By 1945, 125 members belonged to the thriving Amarillo Garden Club. With varied interests and goals, the group divided into 13 garden clubs and societies over the next 10 years, forming the Amarillo Garden Center at the present location of 1400 Streit Drive. In 2000, the Garden Center expanded, adding acreage, and built the Mary E. Bivins Conservatory, changing its name and focus to Amarillo Botanical Gardens.
What local needs does Amarillo Botanical Gardens address? Whom do you serve? Since 1968, our botanical garden has served the community by inspiring interaction with plants and the environment. We’re keeping our mission alive through tours and exciting outdoor events while providing education classes for area children and adults. We partner with AISD, supporting their Community Job Exploration Training program to teach high school students with learning challenges how to work— by exposing them to a variety of jobs to prepare them for adult employment.
What would you like the community to know about your work? We strive to provide an Oasis on the Plains, welcome to all, where guests can learn, relax and participate in our many events or educational activities. We work hard to keep our pricing low so a large portion of Amarillo can visit and enjoy our beautiful space. Our primary goal is to educate the people of our area about the many possibilities of gardening while providing a wonderful atmosphere.
What might surprise people about the work you do or the people you serve? We host 80,000 to 100,000 visitors a year from around the country and world, as well as providing a muchneeded green oasis for our local community. We have a very strong reputation in the botanical community. Our location near Interstate 40 brings a lot of people in.
What have you learned about Amarillo or Amarillo people as a result of your work? The people of Amarillo are looking for good, outdoor family-friendly activities. They love experiencing nature and learning.
What specific needs does Amarillo Botanical Gardens have right now? We are starting a campaign to grow our education department, and plan to build a new building dedicated to education. Focusing on garden-to-table classes and classes for children is a priority for this new building and garden area.
1400 STREIT DRIVE 806.352.6513
100 Club of the Texas Panhandle
How and when did the 100 Club of the Texas Panhandle begin? The 100 Club of the Texas Panhandle was founded in 2004 as the 100 Club of Amarillo. We became a 501c3 in 2006 and expanded to the top 26 counties of the Texas Panhandle in 2011, filing a DBA to operate as the 100 Club of the Texas Panhandle.
What local needs or issues does the 100 Club address? Whom do you serve? We serve certified peace officers and firefighters (volunteer, paid and industry) in the top 26 counties of the Texas Panhandle.
What would you like the community to know about your work? The 100 Club is a nonprofit organization, fully supported by membership/donation, with the mission to:
• Provide immediate financial assistance to the families of certified peace officers and firefighters killed in the line of duty ($20,000 in first 24 hours)
• Provide immediate financial assistance to certified peace officers and firefighters injured in the line of duty and unable to work (initial $5,000 in the first 24 hours, can pay up to $12,000 in a year)
• Purchase life-protecting and lifesaving equipment for law enforcement and firefighting agencies that cannot be secured through budgeted funds (from $30,000 to hundreds of thousands of dollars)
What might surprise people about the work you do or the people you serve? During the recent record-setting wildfires, we knew we had to do something to help. But, due to the number of departments working the fires, we did not have the budget to help all of them. Through God’s provision, the 100 Club was incredibly blessed to be able to raise more than $900,000 in eight weeks and pay it out to the more than 50 volunteer fire departments fighting the wildfires. We were also able to help purchase a UTV and trailer for AFD’s Wildland Unit and a recovery trailer for the Randall County Fire Department. Sadly, the 100 Club also paid out one $20,000 line-of-duty death benefit and three $5,000 line-ofduty injury benefits as a result of the wildfires. Prior to these wildfires, our largest purchase was the BearCat SWAT vehicle for the Amarillo Police Department. All these gifts were made possible by the generous members and supporters of the 100 Club.
What have you learned about Amarillo or Amarillo people as a result of your work? It is no surprise to see people in our area come together for the good of those who serve and protect … and, as always, for the good of our community and those around us.
What specific needs does 100 Club have right now? One big thing we have learned over this past year is that there are a number of needs for law enforcement officers and firefighters (especially volunteer departments) and not enough funding to go around. The budgeted funding is especially limited after the record-setting fires took a toll on many first responder agencies’ standard budgets. You can’t prepare for a situation of that magnitude, which involved both law enforcement and firefighting agencies. The more members and donations we have, the more we can do for those who protect and serve.
Become a member of the 100 Club to support them year-round (texaspanhandle100club.org), give big during The Panhandle Gives so your donations can be amplified, tell others who we are to help garner more awareness and support, and pray daily for the safety of those who protect and serve!
Window on a Wider World
How and when did WOWW begin? Founded in 1999 with the vision of local leader and philanthropist Caroline Bush Emeny, the Globe-News Center for the Performing Arts, opened its doors in 2006. The arts education program of the Globe-News Center, Window on a Wider World, has grown from a pilot program serving 2,700 students in 2005 to a highly sought-after collaborative program serving 49 schools and 8,400 students in the top 26 counties of the Texas Panhandle and a few schools in the South Plains region.
WOWW’s education program was an important selling point for the Globe-News Center fundraising efforts. This initiative offered donors a return on investment that extended beyond the physical facility. Mary Emeny coined the phrase “Window on a Wider World” with the vision of enriching the education of Texas Panhandle students through art, science and cultural experiences. From its inception, WOWW has also been committed to developing an education program that would benefit children in Amarillo, Canyon and the surrounding rural areas.
What local needs or issues does WOWW address? WOWW addresses education and understanding of the essential knowledge or skills identified by the Texas Education Association as a readiness or supporting standard for the State of Texas Assessment of Academic Readiness test through more than 155 programs.
Whom does WOWW serve? We serve public, private, charter schools and children’s organizations for students in grades pre-k through 12th.
What would you like the community to know about your work? WOWW meets education needs through experiential learning, an approach that takes abstract ideas learned in the classroom to concrete experiences through hands-on and reallife engagement. Hands-on learning—or learning by doing—can give students an opportunity to immerse themselves in a learning environment, while putting their acquired skills to use and building new skills. Students learn from experiences and activities. Instead of only listening to a teacher lecture about a given subject, the student can engage with Learning Partners on a field trip or campus experience outside the classroom. Four characteristics of experiential learning are concrete experience, reflective observation, abstract concepts and active experimentation.
What might surprise people about the work you do or the people you serve? Our learning partners are for-profit and nonprofit organizations that provide more than 155 educational programs to enhance the curriculum teachers have designed, which helps ensure all students have the opportunity to achieve academic success. When students take a field trip or have a campus visit with any of our learning partners, such as Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum or the America’s SBDC at WTAMU, it is usually booked by Window on a Wider World. A list of our learning partners can be found on our website at woww.org. When you support WOWW, you are supporting all of our learning partners.
What have you learned about Amarillo or Amarillo people as a result of your work? Amarillo values education, workforce development and economic sustainability. Most people do not know about our organization. If they do, they do not understand the impact we are making. We have programs to educate students, provide career awareness, and help our partner organizations bring more students and their families into their facilities.
What specific needs does WOWW have right now? Our organization needs volunteers to serve on committees that will work together for specific topics, ideas or events. Additionally, we need donors to make contributions to our mission of enriching the education of Texas Panhandle students, so employers will have an educated and robust pool of potential workers living and working in our community.
Heart Gallery of the Panhandle Plains
How and when did Heart Gallery of the Panhandle Plains begin? In 2023, the Governor’s Commission for Women and the Office of the First Lady of Texas partnered with the University of Texas to advocate for the establishment of Heart Gallery programs throughout the state of Texas. Subsequently, during the 88th Texas Legislative session, lawmakers approved funding to launch Heart Gallery programs across the state.
What local needs or issues does Heart Gallery address? Whom do you serve? Serving the whole of Region 1, an area that includes the 41 counties around Amarillo, Canyon, Lubbock and all the surrounding communities, Heart Gallery of the Panhandle Plains opened in early 2024 and is dedicated to making a difference in the lives of children in foster care awaiting adoption.
What would you like the community to know about your work?
The foster care numbers are staggering. At any given time in Texas, approximately 6,000 children are in foster care awaiting adoption. These children are legally free to be adopted and are longing for a loving, adoptive family to call their own. In Region 1, more than 300 children are ready and waiting to be adopted.
The mission of Heart Gallery of the Panhandle Plains is to connect hearts through the power of innovative, photographic storytelling by generating hope, restoring dignity and highlighting the individuality and worth of each child seeking a loving family through adoption. Our goal is to create a platform where waiting children can connect with potential families through portrait exhibits that showcase their unique personalities and strengths.
What might surprise people about the work you do or the people you serve? The unpleasant surprise about this work is the outcome for these children if they are not adopted. As a community, we are better as a whole if everyone has a family and home of their own. When children in foster care age out of the system with no family connection, the numbers for homelessness, incarceration and teenage birth rates increase exponentially. While most children and youth spotlighted in Heart Galleries are older or part of sibling groups, the need and desire for a family does not change.
What have you learned about Amarillo or Amarillo people as a result of your work? Amarillo is full of amazing people! Though Heart Gallery is a newer organization, the response to provide for the children of our area has been overwhelming. There is no doubt that, because of the generous spirit of this community, hearts and lives will be forever changed for the better.
What specific needs does Heart Gallery have right now? Heart Gallery partners with volunteer photographers for child and youth portraits. The need for photographers is ever-present. Additionally, in order to share the mission of Heart Gallery, businesses, organizations and churches are asked to donate exhibit space to highlight waiting children. Exhibits can be temporary—as short as hours for specific events—and can be digital, semi-permanent or permanent. Heart Gallery provides all the necessary equipment designed specifically for each space. Additionally, we would love the opportunity to speak to your group, church or club regarding our mission. Partner with us today to help provide forever families to the children and youth of our region!
Ronald McDonald House Charities of Amarillo
Ronald McDonald House Charities of Amarillo first opened its doors in August 1983. At that time, it was only the 49th House in operation. Today, more than 380 chapters operate in 62 countries across the globe. It’s truly remarkable to consider the forward-thinking and visionary advocates in our region who realized what a service this would be for our area!
Amarillo serves as the primary medical hub from Lubbock to Wichita, and from Oklahoma City to Albuquerque. For many families in rural High Plains communities, traveling to and from the hospital each day is simply out of the question. While the majority of RMHCA families come from the 26 counties of the Texas Panhandle, Eastern New Mexico and the Oklahoma Panhandle, we have served families all the way from California to Florida, and Canada to Australia. In the past 41 years, we have provided more than 75,000 nights of a “Home Away from Home” to families when they have needed it most.
Our House is less like a hotel and more like a home. We have 12 guest suites with a private bedroom and bathroom, and provide multiple community spaces, including a living room, kitchen and dining areas, playhouse, playground, game room, back patio, reflection room and fitness area. While our top-served diagnoses are premature babies in the NICU and pediatric oncology warriors, RMHCA is here to serve families traveling to Amarillo with a pediatric patient (ages 0 to 21) receiving ANY type of medical care, with a referral from a medical service provider.
In addition to the House, we have also operated the Ronald McDonald Family Room at Northwest Texas Healthcare System since 2000. The Ronald McDonald Family Room is a refuge within the hospital for families to enjoy a snack or beverage, browse reading materials, utilize a quiet room and access a shower and laundry services during lengthy days at the hospital. Our “Gifts from the Heart” program allows us to distribute toys and gifts to pediatric patients at area hospitals twice weekly. Each year, we deliver roughly 2,500 gifts to help brighten the faces of courageous kiddos in these hospitals. In 2023, we launched our new Continuum of Family Support Program, when we hired our first-ever full-time Family Support Coordinator to help connect our families with the resources and services they need to succeed both during their stay, and once they return to their home communities.
Unlike many nonprofits with a national presence, each RMHC chapter is its own independent 501c3, and the funds we raise stay local. All services are free, and families are never asked to pay for their stay. Approximately 10 percent of our funding comes through McDonald’s restaurants each year, and the remaining funds are raised through grants, donations and events. We are always looking for new friends of the House, and there are a multitude of ways to get involved—from hosting “wish list” drives to volunteering, serving a meal to families or becoming a donor. The past 41 years have shown us we truly live in one of the most generous regions with the kindest residents, and we can’t wait to see what the next four decades have in store for our House!
High Plains Food Bank
How and when did the High Plains Food Bank begin? High Plains Food Bank was founded in 1982 by a group of concerned citizens who wanted to address hunger in the Texas Panhandle. For more than 40 years, we have worked to provide reliable access to food for individuals and families across our community, adapting to the growing needs and challenges of food insecurity. What local needs or issues does HPFB address? Whom do you serve? High Plains Food Bank, alongside 137 partner food pantries and meal programs, addresses food insecurity across 29 counties in the Texas Panhandle. The need continues to rise. In September 2024 alone, we served 14,275 households, a 4-percent increase from the previous month and a significant increase from the 10,803 households served in August 2023. This year, the average number of households served each month is 12,846, marking a 25-percent rise over last year’s average. Our services are essential for the 1 in 6 neighbors, including 1 in 5 children, who struggle with hunger. Last year, we distributed more than 7.8 million pounds of food to meet these critical needs.
What would you like the community to know about your work? Beyond feeding our community, High Plains Food Bank plays a vital role in reducing food waste by redistributing surplus food that would otherwise go to waste. We receive donations from retail partners, distribution centers, local food drives, individuals and even local farmers and ranchers. Additionally, we collaborate with government programs that procure food commodities from growers to support local families—a system that benefits both our neighbors and the economy.
What would you like the community to know about your work? High Plains Food Bank plays a vital role not only in feeding our community and reducing food waste, but also in disaster response and recovery. When disaster strikes, we respond immediately with essential food and water, providing much-needed relief to affected areas. For instance, we have distributed 32,686 pounds of food and products for flood relief, 170,463 pounds for the Perryton disaster (as of September 2024), and 20,736 pounds for fire disaster response—a number that will continue to grow as we continue to help affected communities.
Our commitment extends beyond immediate relief; we are dedicated to supporting long-term recovery in disaster-stricken communities throughout the Texas Panhandle. Whether it’s natural disasters like floods, fires or tornadoes, High Plains Food Bank works to ensure that our neighbors have the resources they need not only to get through the crisis, but also throughout the longterm recovery process. We continue to reduce food waste by redistributing surplus food. This approach supports both our neighbors and the local economy by keeping valuable resources within our communities.
What have you learned about Amarillo or Amarillo people as a result of your work? Amarillo and the Texas Panhandle communities have a strong tradition of looking out for one another. Over the years, we’ve seen incredible generosity and resilience. During the COVID-19 pandemic, our community stepped up to support neighbors facing unprecedented hardship. In the years since the pandemic, we provided emergency food and water relief to those impacted by wildfires, floods and tornadoes. Thanks to the generosity of our Texas Panhandle community, we’re able to provide long-term recovery assistance to families in areas affected by natural disaster, as well as the many families affected by economic hardship.
What specific needs does HPFB have right now? The easiest and most impactful way to support High Plains Food Bank is through monetary donations. As inflation raises the cost of food and fuel, our need for support grows. Every dollar donated allows us to stretch our resources, procuring the specific items needed to provide equitable food access to the communities we serve. We’re proud that $0.94 of every dollar goes directly toward food and feeding programs, equating to about nine meals per dollar for those facing food insecurity.
We’re always in need of volunteer support, particularly in our Warehouse and Garden. Warehouse volunteers help inspect, sort and repack donated food, while Garden volunteers assist with maintaining our all-organic urban farm and supporting our free Mobile Harvest produce distributions.
Square Mile Community Development
How and when did Square Mile begin? Square Mile Community Development was born from a desire for deeper, more sustainable change. Founded in 2016, the organization emerged from the collective experience of pastors and community leaders with more than 30 years experience working in both international and domestic community development. They recognized the good work being done by other organizations in addressing immediate needs like food and shelter. But they saw a critical gap in providing long-term solutions that would empower struggling communities to break the cycle of poverty.
Driven by this vision, Square Mile was established to help communities not just survive, but thrive. It seeks to create lasting change by addressing the root causes of poverty and inequality, fostering self-sufficiency, and building a brighter future for all. This commitment to holistic, sustainable solutions sets Square Mile apart and continues to drive its innovative approach to community development.
What specific community needs does Square Mile meet? Whom does your organization primarily serve? At Square Mile Community Development, we’re passionate about building a stronger Amarillo. One way we do this is by increasing access to healthy food. We operate an urban farm right here in the city, growing fresh produce. We’re also working to develop a network of local and regional food producers. This increases access to nutritious food and boosts our local economy. We believe in the power of entrepreneurship to transform lives and revitalize communities. Our PATH program provides aspiring business owners with the mentorship, resources and guidance they need to overcome challenges and achieve their dreams. We’ve helped more than 125 entrepreneurs, small businesses and nonprofits launch and grow successful organizations, contributing to a more vibrant and diverse local economy.
We extend a warm welcome to international refugees at The PLACE. This safe haven provides essential resources and support as newcomers rebuild their lives and integrate into the community. What would you like the community to know about your work? While many in Amarillo know us for our work with urban farms, refugee resettlement and addressing immediate needs like food insecurity, Square Mile’s vision goes deeper. We collaborate with partners to tackle the systemic issues that perpetuate poverty and inequality. This means working behind the scenes to advocate for policy change, develop community-wide initiatives, and empower a network of organizations to serve Amarillo more effectively.
What might surprise people about the work you do or the people you serve? Many people might be surprised by the incredible diversity of those we serve. From rural farmers and families struggling with poverty to international refugees seeking a new beginning, we encounter a wide range of individuals across our region. But no matter their circumstances, we consistently find a wealth of talent and knowledge within the people we work with.
What have you learned about Amarillo or Amarillo people as a result of your work? On the surface, Amarillo can sometimes seem divided along political, religious or social lines. But beneath those perceived divisions, we’ve discovered a powerful unifying force—a shared commitment to caring for one another. This spirit of unity and compassion is what gives us hope for the future of Amarillo. It’s a testament to the resilience and kindness of the people who call this city home. What needs does Square Mile have right now? We may be a small organization, but we punch above our weight! Our programs are designed to make a real difference in the lives of individuals and families, but we can’t do it alone. Your financial support is crucial to helping us meet the growing needs of our community. Of course, financial contributions aren’t the only way to make a difference. We also welcome passionate volunteers who can lend a hand at our urban farms, mentor entrepreneurs or offer support to refugees. Every contribution, big or small, helps us build a stronger, more vibrant community for everyone. Join us!
Panhandle Down Syndrome Guild
How and when did the Panhandle Down Syndrome Guild begin? Panhandle Down Syndrome Guild was founded in 2002 to promote greater understanding and acceptance of people with Down syndrome in the region. We are 100 percent volunteer-run, with no paid salaries or benefits. The PDSG works to increase public awareness about Down syndrome, to assist families caring for people with this genetic condition, and to sponsor community networking and engagement activities. The Guild also works with national organizations to dispel the myths associated with Down syndrome, while helping individuals with Down syndrome in the community achieve their full potential.
What local needs or issues does PDSG address? Whom do you serve? The Panhandle Down Syndrome Guild encourages fellowship, fosters a community of families affected by Down syndrome, and promotes public awareness of the dignity, promise and potential of all persons. A major focus of the group is to reach new families of someone with Down syndrome and provide encouraging and uplifting literature, positive stories, personal experiences and a wealth of information and support. Each year, we host the Buddy Walk, which is a registered walk of the National Down Syndrome Society, to promote acceptance and inclusion. The Buddy Walk is also our only fundraiser of the year. We seek support to expand our reach and abilities to offer more events throughout the Panhandle, and to provide additional tutoring, continuing education, therapy or durable support for people without access to public or private resources. All of our events are open to all—we believe in inclusion for everyone.
What would you like the community to know about your work? We serve families because many people with Down syndrome rely upon ongoing support from their families, and care for chronic health issues disrupts the family’s ability to meet medical, therapeutic or transportation needs. We also work to promote employment and volunteer opportunities for people with Down syndrome, because everyone deserves a purpose and sense of belonging.
What might surprise people about the work you do or the people you serve? We are more alike than different. People with Down syndrome progress at different rates, just like the rest of us, but they have the same desires and hopes.
What have you learned about Amarillo or Amarillo people as a result of your work? Amarillo and the entire Panhandle is blessed with tough, caring people who support their neighbors. We are so grateful for the support we have received. It’s up to us to advocate for individuals with Down syndrome, and we could not have a better community to ask for help.
What specific needs does PDSG have right now? The Panhandle Down Syndrome Guild needs technical assistance digitizing our messages of hope and acceptance. In particular, we need video production help to transition from text and photo to video stories that can be placed on our website for wider reach. We would also like to work on fun short videos to help us get the word out through social media. We also need occasional help from graphic artists to help us with designs for print and social media display. We are seeking direct partnerships and donations to address these production needs, as well as funding to provide tutoring, continuing education access or other missing services for people in our community.
Family Support Services
OUR BEGINNINGS:
In 1908, a group of leaders met in the old Amarillo City Hall to form the first charitable organization in Amarillo, then known as Associated Charities. Throughout the years, this agency was reorganized several times to meet the evolving needs of our community, becoming the nonprofit agency we now know as Family Support Services of Amarillo in 1993.
WHO WE SERVE:
Today, FSS serves more than 25,000 people in need each year by offering programs that support at-risk individuals across the Texas Panhandle, including at-risk children, families and individuals; survivors of sexual assault, family violence and human trafficking; people in need of individual, group, marital and family counseling. We provide a wide variety of services to meet the diverse needs of the people we serve, regardless of their ability to pay. Our team members exemplify integrity, expertise and a commitment to service. Whether providing counseling to someone who has suffered trauma, providing support to a survivor of domestic violence at our emergency safe house, or showing children how to live healthier lives, each member of our team is dedicated to helping our clients heal and take action to create sustainable change in themselves and our community.
OUR PROGRAMS:
Advocacy Services
• The only safe house for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault and human trafficking in Amarillo, including an on-site kennel so survivors do not have to leave their pets behind.
• Face-to-face crisis intervention services, including a 24-hour Bilingual Crisis Helpline
Prevention Services
• Strengthening Families Program
• HOPES—a child abuse prevention program
• Sexual Assault and Family Violence Prevention Education for all ages
• Parenting Education classes
• Youth Advisory Committee—trains teens to be positive mentors
• Human Trafficking Prevention
• Outreach and support for labor trafficking victims
A VITAL PART OF OUR COMMUNITY
• Accompaniment through the medical, legal and judicial systems
• Accredited crisis volunteer advocate program serving adult and child victims
• Sexual assault survivors support group
• Family violence support group
• Behavioral Health Services
• Help for those struggling with depression, stress management, grief recovery, divorce recovery, eating disorders, anxiety and phobias, domestic abuse, sexual abuse, self-esteem, substance abuse, post-traumatic stress, emotional trauma, parenting challenges, and many other areas.
• Individual, marital and family counseling
• Play therapy
• Supervised Visitation Program
After losing our Main Office to fire in 2020, our local community immediately rallied around us, ensuring we could continue delivering the vital, life-saving services unique to our agency. Thanks to the kindness of community members and partner agencies, we were back up and running within a day.
Now, we are thrilled to have moved into our new home. We are deeply grateful for the unwavering support that has brought us to this point, and as we enter our 116th year of service, we ask for your continued generosity to help us remain a beacon of hope for the residents of Amarillo.
Friends of the Amarillo Public Library
How and when did your organization begin? The first version of the Amarillo Public Library started with a women’s group in the early 20th century when Amarillo was a small town of about 1,500 people. In 1951, a Friends of the Library group formed to support library initiatives not covered by taxpayer dollars.
What local needs does it address? Whom do you serve? APL’s mission is to enhance knowledge, empower individuals and enrich our community. We provide literacy services for all ages, self-directed education through online resources and our extensive collection, language instruction, a MakerSpace for creation and repair, and so much more!
What would you like the community to know about your work?
People love the library as a place to check out books and movies, but we’re always hearing, “I didn’t know you did that!” from those who don’t patronize the library. Cardholders can check out passes to area attractions (Amarillo Zoo, Wildcat Bluff, DHDC), create or repair things in our MakerSpace, attend yoga classes, and find social opportunities for seniors. Through amarillolibrary.org, patrons can access language learning, online storybooks, test preparation, research tools and video courses. They can also download apps to access free ebooks, comics and audiobooks.
What might surprise people about the work you do or the people you serve? Beyond books, we offer a diverse array of events for creativity, education, and social interaction. A few examples are SocialRx, a monthly program that helps people expand their circle of friends by learning about clubs, classes and volunteer opportunities; Memory Café, a new monthly program offering enrichment activities and social opportunities to people dealing with memory issues and their care partners; Crafty Group, meets monthly to work on textile projects like quilting, knitting, crochet and amigurumi; Homeschool Hangout, especially for homeschool families; Everyone’s an Artist Art Club, a creative club for teens; and Games 55+, which meets twice a month to play card games and dominoes.
What have you learned about Amarillo or Amarillo people as a result of your work? Amarillo library patrons are smart and interested in lots of different things! Parents want resources to help their kids grow and thrive, and they know they can find that at the library. We offer weekly storytimes and monthly enrichment programs at all five library locations; our Ready, Set, Grow Playgroup meets twice a year at the Downtown Library, and our Southwest Library Branch is certified Sensory Inclusive.
What specific needs does your organization have right now? We’re working to reboot our READ to SUCCEED adult reading skills program, which almost ended during COVID. We need volunteers who are interested in learning how to help an adult learn to read or improve their reading skills. We always need support for Friends of the Amarillo Public Library. They provide the funds for some of the most important things we do, including our summer reading club. If we bring an author to town, the Friends pay travel expenses and appearance fees. The Friends have also funded tangible items like storytime rugs, classroom equipment for our ESL classes, a colorful wrap for our library van, and the murals on our Downtown Library building. The Friends are participating in The Panhandle Gives this year, and we would love for library supporters to donate to the Friends of the Amarillo Library.
Transformation Park
How and when did Transformation Park begin?
The organization itself began in June 2022, but did not hire its executive director, Mark Zimmerman, until October 2022. The idea for Transformation Park came from discussions within Amarillo’s Continuum of Care Program and is designed to fill in the service gaps for those experiencing homelessness. What local needs or issues does Transformation Park address? Whom do you serve? Homelessness is a complex problem with no easy answers. We will strive to provide the essential services and resources necessary to end homelessness in our community. We believe our whole community suffers when one part suffers. Likewise, when the parts flourish, so does the whole. We are all in this together.
What might surprise people about the work you do or the people you serve? Each person has a unique story and set of circumstances that have led them to where they are. Homelessness can result from a wide range of factors. The majority once had stable lives, while others may have faced adversity from an early age. To stereotype all homeless individuals together is to overlook their personal histories, resilience and potential for change. Every person deserves to be seen with empathy and individuality rather than through the lens of a single narrative.
What have you learned about Amarillo or Amarillo people as a result of your work? The people of Amarillo are the nicest and most generous people we’ve ever met. Our community amazes us with its giving and willingness to volunteer. Our partnership model of City, Church and Commerce = Community may not work in many places, but the Amarillo community is unique. On our own we will fail, but together we will witness many changed life stories.
What specific needs does Transformation Park have right now? We are asking for donors to commit to $10 per month to support the mission. We need 20,000 people to make that commitment. That support will have an unbelievable impact on our success. We have current volunteer opportunities and those will increase as we open our two night shelters in April. All are welcome, and all are needed!
Sister-Bear Foundation
How and when did the Sister-Bear Foundation begin? In March 2018, Kathryn Granger was severely injured in an auto accident that paralyzed her from the chest down and caused the death of her best friend. After treatment in Fort Worth, Kathryn returned home but was unable to access resources that would help her adapt to a new life as a paraplegic. She and her mother, Julie, commuted weekly to Fort Worth to access cutting-edge therapy at Neurological Recovery Center. The cost and time of travel created hardship for the Granger family, and they realized many others in the Texas Panhandle region could benefit from this kind of localized care.
In 2019, Julie launched the Sister-Bear Foundation, with the goal of providing accessible fitness and wellness resources to adults in Amarillo and the surrounding area who face neurological injuries or illness. Since the start of the organization, Sister-Bear has had the opportunity to expand its wellness program from neurological rehabilitation and physical wellness resources to services like mental health, caregiver support, therapeutic art and a community education and advocacy program.
What local needs or issues does Sister-Bear Foundation address? Whom do you serve? Our mission is to provide hope and independence through rehab and resources for adults living with a neurological injury or illness. We see patients through our partnership with Northwest Texas Healthcare System Therapy Center on South Georgia Street.
What would you like the community to know about your work? Our longterm goal is to bring a neuro rehab center to Amarillo so others do not have to travel outside of the Amarillo area for specialized equipment and services. These services will encompass those who have suffered a stroke, have multiple sclerosis or cerebral palsy, or have suffered a spinal cord or traumatic brain injury, and beyond. Until neuro rehab becomes a reality, we work with therapy partners and area providers to meet the physical, equipment and wellness needs of the neurological community in the Texas Panhandle.
What might surprise people about the work you do or the people you serve? Sister-Bear serves everyone! We are working on programs and initiatives like the Accessible Amarillo Movement, Community Impact Project, and the Barrier-Free Business Program. Along with the neurological and disabled community, these benefit the elderly, parents with a stroller and young children, someone who has had surgery and so much more.
What have you learned about Amarillo or Amarillo people as a result of your work? This is such a compassionate community. We really do live in a region where people care about their neighbors! We are grateful for the encouragement and support the Amarillo area has provided as we expand our organization.
What specific needs does the Sister-Bear Foundation have right now? We always need donors, whether through a monthly donation, one-time gift, or someone that might have a service that would benefit our patients. We also accept gently used equipment. We are seeking volunteers for our Community Impact Project, Accessible Amarillo and Barrier-Free Business programs. Connect with us through the link at Sister-Bear.com
Colorful Closets
How and when did Colorful Closets begin? Founders Keely Brown and Lindsey Wing started Colorful Closets in 2016. We founded Colorful Closets to give a hand UP, not hand-me-downs or tattered leftovers. We believe—and this goes for anyone—when you feel good, you do good. When a student can walk into their school with confidence, their learning and social experience can be better.
What local needs or issues does Colorful Closets address? We provide tenderly used clothing for children and adolescents. Our mission is to collect, organize and distribute clothing for children and adolescents throughout the Amarillo, Bushland and Canyon areas. In Amarillo ISD, 71 percent of students fall into the free/reduced lunch category. In Canyon ISD, the same percent of students have the same category of needs. Hard financial times do not discriminate. Poverty exists in every single school. Just because a child is in need does not mean they are less than us, nor are they worthy of less. Dignity is important to everyone.
What specific needs does Colorful Closets have right now? We need monthly donors who can donate online at colorfulclosetsama.org. We are always in need of good-quality, contemporary and age-appropriate clothing donations—casual and comfortable clothing for the school day. We are always low on youth boy sizes 10/12 and 14/16. School-day attire can include athletic pants, athletic shorts, jeans, T-shirts and hoodies. We have a Fashion Show/Fundraiser on Nov. 9! Learn more on our website, and support us at The Panhandle Gives from Nov. 25 to Dec. 3.
Mission 2540
How and when did Mission 2540 begin? We were founded in fall 2004 by Brooks Boyett in order to meet the needs of kids and families living in affordable housing communities. We officially turn 20 years old as an organization Nov. 30.
What local needs or issues does Mission 2540 address? We work on a daily basis in multiple affordable housing communities in Amarillo. We do this through afterschool programs at each property, a benevolent assistance program, and a variety of outreach and special activities throughout the year. Our desire is to “Feed, Clothe, and Love” our neighbors in need.
What specific needs does Mission 2540 have right now? We are always on the search for more volunteers willing to serve in our afterschool programs, whether that is once a week or once a month. In addition, the number of needs we are meeting has never been greater, so financial support is vital to the work we do. You can give online at mission2540.org/give. We provide snacks to an average of 175 kids every week, so we are always happy to take non-perishable snack items.
What would you like the community to know about your work? We’ve been a consistent, positive presence in the lives of families living in poverty for 20 years. We’re serving dinner to celebrate at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 5. To learn more about how you can be a part of this celebration, visit mission2540.org
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Martha’s Home
How and when did Martha’s Home begin? In 1987, a group of Amarillo citizens became concerned about the growing presence of women and children in need of temporary housing. Church Women United donated $250 to start a homeless shelter for women and children and named it Martha’s Home. Today, Martha’s Home operates five homes and, at capacity, provides shelter and services for 60 women and women with children.
What local needs or issues does Martha’s Home address? Whom do you serve? On average, Martha’s Home meets the needs of 100 to 125 women and children on an annual basis. Martha’s Home believes that education can break the cycle of poverty and homelessness and lead to a lifestyle of self-sufficiency. Our Present Needs Future Success program concentrates on removing the barriers to education, providing a pathway to success.
What specific needs does Martha’s Home have right now? Martha’s Home relies on the community’s generosity to fulfill our mission.
Through the Present Needs Future Success program, monthly giving makes a lasting impact by providing steady financial support. Donations of items such as hygiene products, diapers, wipes and paper goods are crucial to the daily needs of our residents. Volunteers who offer their time and talents help us make a difference in the lives of those we serve.
What would you like the community to know about your work? In its history, Martha’s Home has provided shelter and resources to 1,427 women and 952 children. One hundred percent of individuals who enter Martha’s Home are homeless. Ninety-four percent leave with stable housing. Only three percent of women are enrolled in school upon arrival. Eighty-five percent are enrolled by the time they leave. Ninety-five percent of current residents are participating in the Present Needs Future Success program, and 64 percent of former residents are continuing their education.
To donate visit marthashome.org.
Refugee Language Project
How and when did Refugee Language Project begin? After spending nearly a decade overseas as a linguist in Papua New Guinea, Dr. Ryan Pennington moved to Amarillo in 2015. A year later, he launched the Refugee Language Project as a service project under the oversight of Redeemer Christian Church, eventually becoming a full-fledged nonprofit in 2018. Pioneering a new form of deep collaboration, RLP and two other area organizations opened The PLACE, a multicultural community center focused on serving the refugees of Amarillo in 2022.
What local needs or issues does the Refugee Language Project address? Whom do you serve? Refugee Language Project uses language as a doorway to welcome displaced people for the flourishing of the community and the glory of God. We extend the welcome of Jesus through programs that overcome language barriers and honor cultures. Through our English classes, translation and interpreting services, and our Heritage Language Storybook Project, we interact with men and
women from all over the world who now call Amarillo home. By treating their languages, cultures and life experiences as assets rather than merely barriers, we promote the flourishing of our entire community.
What specific needs does Refugee Language Project have right now?
Grants help with our programs but they don’t keep our doors open. We need more monthly donations from local churches and individuals so we can respond to the ever-changing needs of refugees in our city. Those who are interested in volunteering in our English classes can reach out to our Director of Language Services, Betty Reyes at betty@refugeelanguage.org
What would you like the community to know about your work? While our organization doesn’t resettle refugees, we want to help our community be a welcoming place for them. Whatever plays out on the national stage, we can be good and kind neighbors to displaced people who find their way to Amarillo.
The Bridge Children’s Advocacy Center
How and when did The Bridge begin?
In 1982, Amarillo’s Coalition for Child Abuse Prevention recognized the system addressing child abuse was unintentionally re-victimizing the children it intended to help. In 1989, The Bridge opened as the first Children’s Advocacy Center in the state of Texas to empower Texas Panhandle children, nurturing their journey toward healing and justice.
What local needs or issues does The Bridge address? Whom do you serve? We are the bridge that connects children to resources when they experience trauma or abuse. We guide children to speak out, recover from abuse and not be defined by it. We help a child tell their story only one time so they aren’t traumatized again. By bringing multiple agencies together under one roof, we provide healing, resilience and power for children and families throughout the 26 counties of the Texas Panhandle. All services are provided free of charge thanks to our generous donors.
What would you like the community to know about your work? Child abuse is happening all around us—do you know the signs? The Bridge offers prevention education for children and adults. Together, we can make the Texas Panhandle a safe place for children. Contact us to set up learning opportunities with your church, preschool or school.
If you suspect a child is being hurt or neglected, please make a report: 1-800-252-5400. Keep this number in your phone.
How to help: bridgecac.org/get-involved
Ways to give: bridgecac.org/give
Mark your calendar for our annual fundraiser, Heroes & Legends: Striking Out Child Abuse, an evening with Roger Clemens, Tuesday, March 25, 2025!
Amarillo Art Institute
How and when did Amarillo Art Institute begin? The Amarillo Art Institute was founded in 2004 by artist and philanthropist Ann Crouch. Her vision was to create a space where local artists could grow their skills by learning from master artists and each other. Since then, the Institute has expanded into a comprehensive art center, offering private artist studios, community galleries, classes, workshops and outreach programs to the broader Amarillo community.
What local needs does Amarillo Art Institute address? Whom do you serve? The Institute addresses the need for accessible, high-quality arts education and community engagement in the Texas Panhandle. We serve a diverse group of people, including emerging and established artists, hobbyists, students and seniors. Our programs reach beyond art to foster community connection, creative expression and emotional well-being. By providing a space for local artists to showcase their work, learn new skills and
engage with the public, we contribute to the city’s cultural vitality.
What specific needs does Amarillo Art Institute have right now? Currently, we need donations to continue growing and sustaining our programming and services. Despite our recent renovation, the Institute still requires funding to expand its outreach programs, improve accessibility and support senior members. We are also seeking volunteers and community involvement to help with events, classes and exhibitions, as well as raising awareness about our work.
What would you like the community to know about your work? The Amarillo Art Institute is more than just an art school; it’s a cultural center where people of all ages and backgrounds come together to create, learn and connect. We continue to expand our impact through new programming, including outreach to seniors, partnerships with local nonprofits and traveling exhibitions like the National Geographic’s photography exhibits.
Amarillo Children’s Home
How and when did Amarillo Children’s Home begin? On March 1, 1924, Amarillo Children’s Home opened its doors as the Presbyterian Home for Children in a building donated by Allen Early Sr., a local civic leader. This year, ACH is proud to celebrate 100 years of dedicated service to children. ACH’s mission is to restore the identity of children so they can realize their great value and be a blessing to others.
What local needs does Amarillo Children’s Home address? Whom does it serve? ACH serves foster children ages 5 and older who have been removed from their homes due to neglect and abuse, meeting a widespread need in the Texas Panhandle. The organization specializes in supporting harder-to-place foster children, including sibling groups and teenagers. ACH is expanding its services with a new Supervised Independent Living Program that supports foster care youth ages 18 to 21. This program is designed to empower them as they approach post-secondary education or vocational training, helping them navigate the challenges of independence while fostering their personal and
professional development. Throughout this year, ACH will undergo the process of licensing foster homes in the community, creating a continuum of services. This will allow youth on the ACH campus to be placed in foster care homes, remain on campus or find their forever families through the organization.
What specific needs does Amarillo Children’s Home have right now?
Approximately 60 percent of ACH’s ministry is funded through the financial support of the community. As new programs are added, additional support will be necessary to fund and sustain innovative approaches to caring for youth. The new foster care program will require foster parents and respite providers to support youth in homes and serve as essential resources.
What would you like the community to know about your work? ACH is a faith-based organization that integrates the Gospel into its homes. The team believes that Jesus Christ is the ultimate redeemer and is committed to shepherding youth, staff and future foster homes in the love of Christ.
Did you know children who grow up in homes with more than 20 books receive an average of three years more schooling compared to those from homes without books? Here in the Amarillo area, only 1 in 5 children owns more than 20 books at home. Storybridge began working to address this inequity in 2016, launching and managing five programs (including Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, Kinderbridge and Summer Storytime) to increase book access and Kindergarten readiness.
The Mission: To ensure all children in our area own at least 20 books at home from birth to fifth grade, enter Kindergarten ready to learn to read, and unlock all the benefits of literacy. To date, Storybridge has distributed more than 650,000 books, striving to make literacy accessible to all.
How to Help:
• $26 will provide a book in the mail to a local child younger than 5 every single month for a year through Imagination Library. Currently, Storybridge has more than 8,500 Panhandle children enrolled.
• Donations of gently used children’s books
• Volunteers are needed and greatly appreciated! storybridgeama.org.
Panhandle AIDS Support Organization
How and when did PASO begin? The Panhandle AIDS Support Organization was incorporated in August 1987, with nine board members and only one staff member—an Executive Director.
What local needs or issues does PASO address? Whom do you serve? PASO provides services to individuals who are HIV-positive, or have a diagnosis of AIDS. We provide a comprehensive range of services, including financial assistance for doctor’s visits, laboratory testing and access to lifesaving HIV medications. We can assist with emergency housing and utility assistance, financial assistance for supplemental nutritious food, and transportation assistance to and from medical appointments. Additional services include vision care, oral health care and mental health care services. PASO also has a Children’s Christmas Program. What specific needs does PASO have right now?
• Donations
• Become a Friend of PASO
• Attend one of our fundraisers
What would you like the community to know about your work? When an individual receives an HIV-positive test result or a diagnosis of AIDS, it’s tough to hear. Individuals need emotional support to be able to discuss their diagnosis with their loved one, partner, spouse, immediate family members and even children.
PASO case managers can talk through available treatment options. We can guide an individual to the types of physicians and clinicians they may need. Our goal is to provide the tools so individuals with HIV or AIDS can live a comfortable, long and healthy life.
PASO is also a training site for clinicians, social workers, mental health professionals, dentists and pharmacists. Our educational mission is to provide the most recent treatment recommendations for those providing direct services to individuals living with HIV.
Amarillo Angels
The challenges faced by foster parents and kinship caregivers, such as stress, isolation and financial strain, can lead to instability for children in their care. Without adequate support, these caregivers may struggle to provide a stable and nurturing environment, resulting in frequent moves, disrupted education, and emotional and behavioral issues for children.
• 50% of foster homes close within the first year
• 1 out of 5 foster youth become homeless at age 18
• Only half of youth experiencing foster care will graduate from high school
• 60% of youth formerly in care fall below the poverty line, despite earning an income
Since 2017, Amarillo Angels has existed to change these statistics so every child experiencing foster care can achieve their dreams and reach their goals for their brightest and best future.
We are changing the way children, youth and families experience foster care. Passionate donors, volunteers, mentors, partners and advocates are ripples in the sea of change for our foster care community.
Our programs offer a different approach to foster care—one rooted in the power of transformative relationships, because children shouldn’t face homelessness, poverty and disrupted education through no fault of their own. Our mission is to walk alongside children, youth and families in the foster care community by offering consistent support through intentional giving, relationship building and mentorship. The radical support delivered by our Love Box and Dare to Dream programs aims to change the statistics plaguing the child welfare system and positively impact their lives and our communities.
It takes all of us to transform the way foster care is experienced here in the Panhandle —to change outcomes for kids and break cycles for generations to come.
You are invited to be a part of our work and make a difference in the lives of those experiencing foster care by starting a Love Box group, becoming a Dare to Dream mentor, or supporting us as a financial partner.
To learn more about Amarillo Angels and how to get involved, please visit amarilloangels.org.
Dove Creek Equine Rescue
How and when did Dove Creek Equine Rescue begin? In 2008, Laurie HigginsKerley’s husband of 25 years passed away from stage 4 cancer. Afterward, she spent time at Dove Creek Ranch, walking the land and spending periods of solace with horses, a salve for her broken heart that ignited her desire to help them. In 2012, Laurie started Dove Creek Equine Rescue. The ranch became a place where horses are rescued, rehabilitated, retrained and rehomed. DCER’s mission is to restore the dignity, purpose and wholeness of unwanted horses that need a second chance in life, and humans who need healing and direction by providing compassionate care, connection and education. DCER’s vision is to heal the heart of humanity through authentic partnership between horses and humans.
Whom does your organization primarily serve? We serve the “unwanted horse” population in the 26 counties of the Panhandle. We educate current and prospective horse owners on responsible ownership, including proper care and
available resources. Dove Creek has received 248 animals over 12 years and rehomed 80 percent of them. Since 2018, DCER also serves humans through the Led By Horses program, which offers equine-assisted coaching. We have served more than 300 clients through individual and group sessions for those who suffer from anxiety, depression and other stress-related issues. We hold regular group sessions on grief, mindfulness, leadership and team building.
What specific needs does DCER have right now? DCER thrives on donations, volunteerism, client participation, group involvement and visitor engagement. Winter presents unique challenges, as our horses require increased feed. The amount varies based on our current horse population and the number of animals undergoing rehabilitation or injury management. This year alone, we’ve seen growing demand for our Led By Horses grief support sessions. To ensure these services remain available to those unable to pay, we depend on the generosity of our community.
Amarillo Tri-State Exposition
How and when did the Tri-State Exposition begin? The Amarillo Tri-State Exposition is a long-standing, deeply rooted 501c3 nonprofit organization in the Texas Panhandle. Since 1923, our organization’s focus has been centered around agriculture, youth, education, western heritage and familyfriendly entertainment, all for the benefit of our local community.
Whom do you serve? Most people know us for our self-produced nine-day event in September, the Tri-State Fair & Rodeo. What may be a surprise is that our organization manages and maintains the Tri-State Fairgrounds yearround. We host 75 to 100 events each year and welcome out-of-towners that contribute $21 million dollars in economic impact to Potter County.
What local needs or issues does the Exposition address? Our mission includes strengthening the local economy through tourism, supporting education and hosting family-friendly events. In recent years, educating area youth has become a top priority. We encourage practical, hands-on learning through livestock and equine endeavors. We want to help students achieve their dreams of postsecondary education through our scholarship
giving. Since 2004, we have awarded $475,250 in scholarships to almost 500 young people in the area. Starting in 2025, we’re looking to give away almost $100,000 to 55 students per year. The most lucrative and prestigious award will be the new $25,000 Tri-State Fair & Rodeo Ambassador Scholarship awarded to a standout high school junior in the Texas Panhandle.
What would you like the community to know about your work? Achieving our mission would not be possible without the hard work of roughly 250 dedicated volunteers and community partners. These service-minded individuals donate their time, talents and treasures to make sure we reach our goals each year.
What specific needs does the Exposition have right now? We are always searching for selfless people to serve on one of our seven volunteer committees. These committees help organize, execute and improve different areas of the organization and come together to produce the annual Tri-State Fair & Rodeo. We’re also seeking direct financial contributions to the ATSE Scholarship Fund so we can help more local youth achieve their dream of going to college. Visit tristatefair.com to give.
Unleashing Possibility
How and when did Unleashing Possibility begin? Unleashing Possibility began with a leadership conference in 2019 in Amarillo. It was specifically geared toward serving and equipping single mothers. A united nation of organizations and individuals came together to assist moms in difficult places.
What local needs or issues does Unleashing Possibility address? Whom do you serve? At our core, we know that we are going to go through hard things, but we also know we do not have to go through them alone. Our mission is instilling hope in moms facing challenging situations. We build authentic community and equip individuals for leadership. Every mom is a leader and leaders need support. We want to help fill the gaps left by financial lack and provide belonging through a tribe willing to stand in hard places alongside them. We will continue to have a leadership conference at the beginning of each year, open to all women. This event provides inspirational messages and breakout sessions to provide healing, vision boards, encouragement and resources. The event brings together a network of women who are reaching for more. Two
other groups we facilitate are a book club and mastermind writing group.
What would you like the community to know about your work? That we are a tribe of women who are willing to stand with other women, shoot down the lies of the enemy, stand in the gap and help create leaders who continue as a revolving unleashing of hope, welcoming, belonging and financial provision. Together we are a compact arsenal of possibilities, ready to be drawn and executed with practiced ease. Empowered women empower other women, making sure that someone who is pressing through difficulty doesn’t fall through the cracks.
What specific needs does Unleashing Possibility have right now? We will be holding our annual leadership conference on Jan. 25, 2025 and need sponsorships and scholarships to cover expenses. If you are a woman-owned business or organization, we would love to partner with you in this effort. We will be participating in The Panhandle Gives Campaign or you can visit our website unleashingpossibility.org. We love it when people invest in what they needed in the past in order to stand with others in the present.
Heal the City Free Clinic
Heal the City Free Clinic was founded in 2014 by Dr. Alan Keister in response to the significant lack of health care access in Amarillo. The idea for the clinic took root after Dr. Keister provided free health screenings at local schools, where the community’s overwhelming need for medical care became evident. Recognizing this urgent demand, Dr. Keister partnered with Generation Next Church to establish the clinic in a modest 1,400-square-foot house with four exam rooms.
By 2015, Heal the City had outgrown its original space and relocated to its current home at 609 S. Carolina St. This move allowed the clinic to expand its services, providing more comprehensive care to the uninsured and underserved residents of the Texas Panhandle. Since its inception, Heal the City has treated more than 15,000 individuals, solidifying its role as a vital resource for those without access to quality health care. The clinic offers many services, including acute and chronic medical care, mental health support and wellness programs. The Shalom chronic care program is a cornerstone of its care, serving patients with long-term
health conditions who do not qualify for other community resources. HTC currently serves as a medical home for 661 chronically ill individuals and continually serves those with acute care needs. Heal the City’s compassionate approach ensures everyone receives the care they need regardless of income or insurance status.
To continue providing these essential services, Heal the City relies on the generosity of volunteers and donors, who serve in many ways. Donations are crucial to funding free services. Raising community awareness is also a key priority to help increase the clinic’s reach and impact.
For those interested in supporting Heal the City, whether by volunteering or donating, more information can be found at healthecityamarillo.com. Together, we are transforming health care and providing hope.
