by Wiley Sloan 

From its offices in the Peggy Crosby Center, the International Friendship Center makes its presence felt throughout the Highlands community.

October 2015 marks the 13th anniversary  of the International Friendship Center. The IFC was originally a resource center to assist international newcomers with area services. A 501 c (3) non-profit entity, the IFC has since expanded to provide much more. In cooperation with Highlands United Methodist Church, the First Presbyterian Church of Highlands and other local churches, the center provides two vital community food programs for families in need.

The IFC aids workers and their families with scheduling appointments, arranging transportation, and offers interpretation to provide access to services like the Community Care Clinic and the Free Dental Clinic. It also answers questions about immigration and other legal documents plus offers notary public services. When requested by clients, the center communicates with entities such as the Department of Motor Vehicles, insurance agencies, banks, and utility companies.

The IFC's partnership ·with the Literacy Council of Highlands and Southwestern Community College offers courses to teach English as a Second Language to working men and women and collaborates with The Bascom Art Gallery on an art class for children.

In 20141 the International Friendship Center provided services to people from Panama, Colombia, Mexico, US, China, Bolivia, Honduras, El Salvador, Brazil, and the Dominican Republic, with 95 percent of its clients coming from Macon and Jackson Counties.

For more information on the IFC, please stop by our office located at the Peggy Crosby Center or call Faviola Olvera at (828) 526-0890.