Amarillo Wesley Community Center (AWCC) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit agency established in 1951. Historically, Mrs. Maria Fields and a group of volunteer women from Polk Street United Methodist Church began providing sewing classes, English as a Second Language classes, arts and crafts, athletic activities for youth, and day care services in Amarillo’s Barrio neighborhood. Former Executive Director Jacinto Alderete served at the Center for 32 years and did much of the work to produce the Center we have today located at 1615 S. Roberts St. Following Mr. Alderete, Mrs. Belinda Gonzalez Taylor served for 15 years and implemented programs such as the “Behind the Scenes” Modeling and Mentoring Program, Wesley Club Wrestling, and Mental Health Counseling and Play Therapy Services. Liz Rascón Alaniz currently serves as Executive Director and has focused her efforts on sustainability, capacity building, capital improvements, and the new South Campus.

 

AWCC—South Campus was first established January of 2020. This location is in the former Kingswood United Methodist Church, 4801 South Austin Street. Kingswood United Methodist Church was built in September of 1960. This building was given to AWCC as a legacy gift under the leadership of former Senior Pastor at Kingswood United Methodist Church, Reverend Toni Bailey and former District Superintendent of the United Methodist Church, Reverend Felicia Hopkins. This Center will offer day and evening childcare, an after-school program, and a Senior Citizens' program.