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

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

DIANN GILMORE

DIANN GILMORE

Executive Director

JACK HILTON

Finance Director

KIM PITNEY

Program Director

SANDRA SAENZ

Operations Manager

HOLLIS PARKER

Human Resources Manager