About us
Our Mission
To provide housing and services to overcome homelessness and addiction.
Our Vision
A community where a pathway toward self-sufficiency exists for women, children, and families.
Volunteer
Downtown Women’s Center volunteers can help in many different ways. Volunteering opportunities are available to individuals or groups. Volunteers should be 18 and over unless accompanied by a guardian.
Our Community
Amarillo companies and residents continue to offer their help financially as well as getting their hands and hearts involved to make things happen. Thank you for your support!
Sister Mary Virginia Clark
Founder
DWC History
Sister Mary Virginia Clark began DWC with Abba House in 1989. Her heart was for the homeless men, women, and children she saw on the streets of Amarillo. It wasn’t long before her work evolved into caring for homeless women with addictions and their children.
In 2001, Sister Mary Virginia resigned and Diann Gilmore became Executive Director. As a license social worker, Mrs. Gilmore was well acquainted with the work of DWC. Under her excellent leadership, DWC has blossomed.
DWC was given full ownership of Haven House in 2007, allowing us to more than double the number of homeless women in recovery that we can serve at one time.
The first retail store, Thrift City, was opened in 2003. The second store, Thrift City 2, opened in 2006. The Uptown Shoppe, an upscale resale store, opened in 2008. Thrift City 3 opened in May, 2010.
In 2011, DWC assumed ownership of Meridian Apartments, providing quality affordable housing for low-income individuals.
EXECUTIVE STAFF
