The past two years were some of the hardest I’ve ever faced,” says Diana*. A single mother of two—including a child with Down syndrome—her circumstances left her feeling overwhelmed and unsure where to turn. “I had no job, and my home was falling apart. I needed help with utilities, reliable housing and just finding a way forward.”
She found hope through the Family Development program at Panhandle Community Services. Through 12 different locations across the top 26 counties, PCS has been serving Amarillo and the Texas Panhandle for 60 years, working to help local people move from poverty to stability.
In 1964, a group of residents concerned about local poverty formed the Potter-Randall Citizens Committee. Not long after, the signing of the Equal Opportunity Act allowed organizations like theirs to receive government funding under specific requirements. The nonprofit officially launched in 1966.
Today, PCS assists low-income families, elderly individuals and disabled clients with issues like transportation, utility bills, housing costs and more. “All of the programs that we have are geared towards bringing stability to people in the Panhandle,” says Christy Hilbert, the organization’s regional communications director.
The programs are as diverse as the clientele. “Our programs are really vast, so we’re able to help sign people up for health insurance, we’re able to help with taxes, and it really is across the board,” Hilbert says.
The goal is always to help struggling people find a pathway out of poverty. “We have a family development program that’s sole purpose is to get people to the next level so they don’t need assistance. We also serve a large population that are elderly or disabled.” For these individuals, making ends meet by adding a part-time job or side hustle isn’t always an option. “The vast majority of the people that we serve, they’re working, [but] it just isn’t enough.”
Panhandle residents are able to volunteer or make donations at PCS locations across the Panhandle, and are encouraged to support events like the nonprofit’s annual Festival of Trees in November. Volunteer engagement initiatives like Bridge Builders enable conversations with local legislators.
Diana, for her part, just completed a two-year degree in criminal justice. With the help of PCS, she found the stability she sought for her family. “Their kindness changed our lives, and I will always be grateful,” she says.
To learn more or get involved, visit pcsvcs.org.
