Downtown Women's Center

Downtown Women’s Center changes lives — one woman at a time.

 As Thanksgiving approaches, I find myself thinking about DWC’s mission and those we serve. I am grateful for people like you who believe in what we’re doing and make DWC’s work possible. 

Last fiscal year ending August 31, 2026, 93 women found support in our Recovery Program and 93 children were served through our Youth Program. But behind the numbers is a person, a family, and a life being changed.

I wish you could see some of the moments we see: 

• A mother holding her child again after a hard-fought reunification. 

• Parents watching, through tears, as their daughter finds hope and freedom of sobriety.

• A woman holding her certificate of completion from DWC’s 45 days.
• RAD (Rethinking Alcohol and Drugs) training, and a woman moving into her first sober-living apartment at DWC’s Abba House.

These are the moments that stay with us. They remind us that recovery is possible, families can heal, and new beginnings are real. And you are part of those stories. Your kindness and generosity help create the safe place, support, and opportunity that make these moments possible.

If you’re able, we would be grateful if you would consider making a Thanksgiving gift to DWC through The Panhandle Gives Campaign. Gifts made to DWC through the Campaign from November 23–December 1 are eligible for additional funding, helping us serve even more women and children in the coming year. 

As you celebrate Thanksgiving with the people you love, I hope you’ll know that you have given families here something to be thankful for, too. Thank you for trusting DWC, for caring about the women and children we serve, and for being part of their stories.

So grateful,

Diann Gilmore, LMSW-AP
Executive Director