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About Us

We believe every man can be a productive member of society

Offering Another Chance to Homeless Men for Over 30 Years

Located just outside downtown Amarillo, Texas, Another Chance House was founded in 1988 by Father Aram Berard.  The Main House, as it is referred to today, is located at 209 S. Jackson and was originally the Knighton Hotel, built in 1934.   

Berard was part of a larger urban-renewal effort that was taking place in Amarillo in the mid-1980’s.  These several blocks that include Another Chance House (ACH) were a blight on our community; crime, drugs, and hopelessness shrouded this area of Amarillo called “The Flats”.  As the efforts to clean up this area of the town expanded and houses were condemned, Berard became aware that the hard life lived by the indigent in that neighborhood was about to get harder.  In Berard’s own words, “At least before [the urban renewal], they had a roof over their heads, now the roof is gone, too.  Since we removed something,” he thought, “we should replace it with something better.” 

That something better was and still is Another Chance House.   

In 1998, the Main House became the entry point for our Shelter Program and the Board of ACH began to acquire additional properties in the immediate area.  These additions allowed ACH to expand to a tiered program offering shelter, transitional, and long-term living options.  By 2010, ACH was contracting with the Veterans Administration to provide both shelter and transitional services to homeless or at-risk veterans in addition to other homeless men.   

In 2013, private donors and foundations provided funding for seven duplexes that house 14 veterans long-term; these dwellings are known as our Victory Duplexes.   

From a single dwelling in 1988, ACH has grown to 18 properties today – transforming this drug-infested neighborhood into a haven of hope and self-respect for homeless men.  Thousands of men have lived on our campus and rediscovered purpose, dignity, and self-sufficiency while living in the ACH community.  Our residents serve as staff and board members.  They remain involved with their ACH family and often return to the campus to visit, share their knowledge and resources, and encourage our current residents. 

In 2020, ACH served 93 men; 53 of these were veterans.  Every ACH resident is someone’s son; many are brothers, fathers, and husbands.  The circumstances, consequences, and paths to recovery for each resident are as unique they are.  Our program provides supportive services that encourage a man to overcome addiction; repay outstanding legal or social obligations; find employment and learn to live successfully with others. 

Another Chance House

Mission

Another Chance House provides a positive path to a self-sufficient life for men who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. 

Vision

Every man will be a productive member of society 

Values

We value others with an emphasis on accountability, integrity, and responsibility. 

We are mission-driven to focus on the needs of homeless men toward a better life. 

We strive to instill hope in the present and future of homeless men. 

We believe in the power of community.

Dedicated to service

Our Board Members  

Alisha Platts

Alisha Platts

President

As the Customer Service Supervisor at Amarillo National Bank’s downtown branch, Alisha has assisted many of our residents with opening their first bank account.  Her helpful demeanor puts ACH residents at ease as they navigate becoming financially responsible. 

A native of Canyon, Texas, Alisha served on the ACH 30th Anniversary Committee and she participates regularly in United Way’s Loaned Executive Program.  Alisha and her husband, Noel, have one child and they all enjoy a good fishing trip.

Sheila Sims

Sheila Sims

Vice President

After graduating from Texas A&M University in 1991, Sheila returned to Amarillo to begin her career in architecture at Lavin Architects. After 30 years at the firm, she became President and re-branded the firm as Sims + Architects in 2020.

A native of Amarillo, Sheila has a passion for her hometown and the people in it. She learned from her father at an early age about compassion and ministry to others as she watched him reach countless students as a Drafting teacher at Caprock High School. Sheila is a proud graduate of Caprock, Class of 1987 and received the Distinguished Alumni award in 2007.

In Matthew 25:40, Jesus tells us “whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” Loving and caring for people regardless of who they are or where they came from is the least we can do and only makes our community stronger.

Sheila also serves on the Amarillo College Foundation Board and is a charter member of The Loft Church. She is married to Richard and they have 3 daughters

Gabrielle Griffith

Gabrielle Griffith

Secretary

Gabrielle Griffith was born in Bedford, Texas and was raised in Amarillo, Texas. After graduating from Amarillo High School, she attended West Texas A&M University where she obtained her Bachelor of Arts in English. She then went on to attend Texas Tech University School of Law.

Gabrielle is an attorney with the Underwood Law Firm. At Underwood, Gabrielle’s practice consists of labor and employment law counselling, employment litigation, and general civil litigation. 

Gabrielle and her husband Ryley enjoy hanging out in local coffee shops and spending time with friends and family. She and Ryley are members of St Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church.

Tony Freeman

Tony Freeman

Treasurer

Tony’s management career with Cenveo (formerly Trafton Printing) spans 50 years.  A leader in his industry, he served at the local and national level on the board of PIA (Printing Industry Association).

His heart for local service is evidenced by his service on boards in the arts, sports, and chamber of commerce.  Tony enjoyed teaching all types of business classes at Amarillo College and West Texas A&M University.

Tony and his wife, Diane, have two grown children and they are members of The Church at Christ at The Colonies. 

Les Hoyt

Les Hoyt

Past President

Les, an Amarillo native, retired from a long career in the public sector serving most recently for 23 years as the CFO of Amarillo ISD.  Currently he is working part-time for AISD assisting with the oversight of the $100 million bond construction program.

He is a CPA and holds a BBA from West Texas State.  Les has been married 41 years to his wife Carla and they have two children.

Robert Murillo

Robert Murillo

Homeless Representative

Bio coming soon.

Jim Bayless

Jim Bayless

Bio coming soon.

Brady Schenk

Brady Schenk

Brady became aware of Another Chance House when a fellow church member brought a resident to various gatherings over time and then gained deeper familiarity while touring the ACH campus with Leadership Amarillo & Canyon in 2022. Hearing stories from ACH residents and staff about the men changing their lives proved inspiring and led to discovering a strong alignment with the organization’s mission and values in helping men create a better life. 

After having lived in the Panhandle since birth (Wildorado, Umbarger, and Canyon), Brady moved into Amarillo in 2021 with Megan (married since 2004) and their two sons. Around serving clients as a Financial Advisor with Morgan Stanley, he enjoys outdoors and sports with his family and friends as well as serving in various ministries as a member of Evangelical Fellowship Church. 

Brady’s education includes a degree in Organizational Management from The Master’s University in Newhall, CA and an MBA with a dual emphasis in Finance and Entrepreneurship from Northeastern University in Boston, Ma. One of his most treasured experiences in life has proven to be co-authoring a children’s book with his sons about their childhood experience of learning to earn money by serving others selling lemonade in their front yard because those early conversations of learning continue to this day.  

Jim Rogers, LCSW

Jim Rogers, LCSW

Jim has had a private practice in psychotherapy since 1988.  He has served as Executive Director of Family Guidance Center (now Family Support Services); and Catholic Family Services (now Catholic Charities).  He has also taught in the Department of Psychiatry at Texas Tech’s Amarillo Campus as well as the Social Work Departments of West Texas University, University of Missouri, and Washington University.

Jim holds several degrees and has received many awards over the course of his career, including the Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Association of Social Workers’ Amarillo Chapter.  Jim has four children and he and his wife Lynna have six grandchildren.

Ross Clopton

Ross Clopton

Ross is retired from sales management at Western Auto Supply.  He is an Elder at St. Luke Presbyterian Church and has served on the boards of ARAD and Amarillo Symphony.  He is a great encourager of Another Chance House residents.

Dale Williams

Dale Williams

Dale retired from Southwestern Public Service with 35 years of service as Director of Harrington/Nichols power stations and Director of Customer Service and Economic Development. He has a BS degree from Texas Tech University and a MS Degree from University of Colorado and was named Distinguished Engineer in 2005 by Texas Tech University. He is currently President of Williams SPE Inc. He attends 1st Presbyterian Church serving as a Trustee. Dale has been married for 47 years to his wife Linda. 

 Another Chance House is unique in its mission in Amarillo providing essential infrastructure to men in need. I am blessed to have the opportunity to serve my community and our men here in the Texas panhandle. 

Curt Besselman

Curt Besselman

Curt has deep roots in Amarillo – his grandfather Bud Curtis was mayor in the 50’s with his carpet and linoleum shop just up the street on 3rd from the ACH.

After an early career in government, politics and economic development, the last 10 years Curt has been involved in renewables and energy efficiency improvements.

Sprinkled throughout were childhood friends who found themselves in real trouble and led Curt to a gradual understanding of what the ACH does for men who are seeking help and a way out. 

John Kangerga

John Kangerga

Originally from East Texas, we moved to Amarillo in 2017. My passion is spending time outdoors with my wife Sarah and our two Labradors. We love hiking, skiing, bird watching, and enjoy the many friends that we have made here.

The concept of helping others discover a better way of living is paramount to me.

I am grateful to be a part of Another Chance House and look forward to understanding the challenges these men face and watching them progress to a better way of life.

Dedicated to service

Our Staff 

Another Chance House employs residents in various positions as a part of our Workforce
Development Program. We invite you to attend one of our Open Houses to meet them in person!

Steve Smart

Steve Smart

Executive Director

steve.smart@anotherchancehouse.org

Steve served on Another Chance House Board of Directors from 8/2015 – 6/2017.  He has worked with recovering individuals for more than two decades.  Steve served as Executive Director of Amarillo’s Habitat for Humanity from 11/2006 – 3/2013.

Steve also shares his experience with the Texas Plains Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals board as well as the Amarillo Continuum of Care.

Steve regularly reminds the ACH staff that our purpose is to serve the men at ACH, “I believe that as long as a person is breathing, they deserve another chance.” 

Ashley Daws

Ashley Daws

Development Director

Leo Rice, MS, LCDC

Leo Rice, MS, LCDC

Program Director

leo.rice@anotherchancehouse.org

Leo joined the ACH team in 2022. He is from a small town in Oklahoma called Okmulgee. Graduated from Ashford University with a BA in Behavioral Science in 2011 and a Masters from the University of the Southwest in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. He has been living in West Texas for over 25 years. He enjoys helping people and is a licensed chemical dependency counselor. He loves that he has been given the opportunity to show others how to live and not just survive.

Jana Hamilton

Jana Hamilton

Operations Manager

jana.hamilton@anotherchancehouse.org

Jana joined our team in 2019.  She handles administrative and bookkeeping tasks and helps every day run smoothly.  “Being of service to others is the ultimate blessing.”

David Jett

David Jett

Facilities Director

david.jett@anotherchancehouse.org

David brings a heart for serving others, years of experience in new home construction warranty work, a family legacy of carpentry, and a passion for “do it yourself” projects to his position at Another Chance House.  “Each ACH property has its own character.  I enjoy getting to know every ACH resident as I lovingly care for their homes.”  David joined the ACH team in 2021.

Our Stewardship

Financial integrity aligns with our core values and we are pleased to provide our IRS 990’s.

Another Chance House

2017

990 Form

Another Chance House

2018

990 Form

Another Chance House

2019

990 Form

Another Chance House

2020

990 Form

Another Chance House

2021

990 Form

Another Chance House

2021

Financial Statement

Another Chance House

Donor Support

 

Donor Bill of Rights