International Friendship Center

International Friendship Center The Great Recession dealt a financial setback to the IFC, so it shrank its staffing and programming to reflect the economic reality.

In partnership with our communities, we help provide opportunities for adults and children to obtain basic human and social needs as well as assistance with challenges facing immigrants. The International Friendship Center was founded by the Missions Committee of the First Presbyterian Church and the Outreach Committee of the Episcopal Church of the Incarnation, along with their church leadership,

in 2002. Both congregations felt strongly that our community’s immigrant workers faced many access barriers to healthcare, legal assistance, banking, housing, schooling, etc., so the IFC focused on providing services and on bridging the gaps to those services. Years later, a group felt a need for a food pantry to serve immigrants and locals; as a nonsectarian fiscal agent or sponsor was needed, the IFC was asked to become the umbrella organization for the Highlands Food Pantry. The IFC continued to offer social services and translation services, and to work closely with the Highlands United Methodist Church as partners in the Highlands Food Pantry. In late 2019, the IFC focused on capacity building, new social services, advocacy and programming. This led in turn to a search for a new executive director in late spring of 2020. The IFC continues to focus on capacity building, services, programming and on thoughtful responses to the COVID-19 pandemic.

With your support of the IFC’s inaugural Annual Fund, we’re building stability for today, flexibility for tomorrow, and ...
06/15/2026

With your support of the IFC’s inaugural Annual Fund, we’re building stability for today, flexibility for tomorrow, and strength for the future. But it's not just about strengthening our organization; it's about empowering the individuals and families in our community.

It's about mothers like Mary, who juggles seasonal work and childcare. She recently joined our women's leadership group and weekly computer class and has since gained new digital skills, a support network, and the confidence to speak up for her family.

Together, we can change our community for the better. Be part of the movement for good by June 30 at OneTableOneCommunity.org.

When Mr. Davis got hurt on the job and had to miss six weeks of work, he and his wife wondered how they would provide fo...
06/09/2026

When Mr. Davis got hurt on the job and had to miss six weeks of work, he and his wife wondered how they would provide for their two children. But despite missing out on a paycheck for a month and a half, access to the Highlands Food Pantry eased their stress and allowed Mr. Davis to recover even more quickly by giving him time to heal.

This month, will you join us at the table? We're hoping to reach our our Annual Fund goal of $125,000 by June 30th and need your help to reach it. Support people like the Davis family at OneTableOneCommunity.org.

We're a few weeks into our first-ever Annual Fund and we still have a good piece to go. Our goal is to raise $125,000. H...
06/03/2026

We're a few weeks into our first-ever Annual Fund and we still have a good piece to go. Our goal is to raise $125,000. Here's a glimpse into the work you're sustaining when you give:

🍎 15,000 meals worth of food distributed each month
🏠 400 families served at our Food Pantry each month
🤝 3,500 individuals benefiting from our programs each year

But this work is about more than numbers. It's about our neighbors and creating a community where everyone belongs.

Your gift helps ensure this support continues every day of the year.

Give now at OneTableOneCommunity.org.

Today marks the start of June, Immigrant Heritage Month. At the IFC, we have the privilege of supporting our immigrant c...
06/01/2026

Today marks the start of June, Immigrant Heritage Month. At the IFC, we have the privilege of supporting our immigrant community members through a variety of programs and services, ensuring they know they belong here and have a seat at our table.

But it's not just working with immigration attorneys, offering English classes, or assisting with DACA renewals (though we do all those things!). It's meeting these families exactly where they are: just take Jose and Suzi, for example.

Jose and Suzi are parents of a teen with a learning disability. This couple leaned on the IFC to understand their child’s individualized school plan, a task that otherwise would have been intimidating and confusing. With that guidance, they felt prepared to advocate in meetings and support their student’s success.

One way you can support immigrants this June is by giving to our Annual Fund at OneTableOneCommunity.org. Let's make our community stronger!

Recently, two teenage newcomers joined our English Language Learners (ELL) class after struggling to make friends and ke...
05/27/2026

Recently, two teenage newcomers joined our English Language Learners (ELL) class after struggling to make friends and keep up at school. Week by week, they gained language skills, courage, and the sense that they truly belong here. This is what it means to be One Community!

It takes $1,000 to fund one week of ELL classes, including pre-class dinner and childcare. While that level of giving might not be possible for everyone, every dollar makes an impact. Every donation brings us closer to our goal of $125,000 and to building a stronger, more connected community.

Join us at OneTableOneCommunity.org.

Our One Table, One Community Annual Fund sustains our Food Pantry, but as the name suggests, it's about more than food. ...
05/26/2026

Our One Table, One Community Annual Fund sustains our Food Pantry, but as the name suggests, it's about more than food. Your gift goes beyond immediate needs and creates lasting stability for our entire community.

Through the IFC, neighbors receive support navigating healthcare, accessing education, overcoming language barriers, and building brighter futures for their families. Our community support services help create opportunities for people who might otherwise be at a disadvantage, providing access to private immigration attorneys, assisting with DACA renewals, and more.

This is about more than assistance. It’s about dignity, belonging, and opportunity. It's about being One Community.

Be part of what’s possible: OneTableOneCommunity.org.

Laura is a single mother who relies on seasonal employment and comes to the Highlands Food Pantry to help make ends meet...
05/21/2026

Laura is a single mother who relies on seasonal employment and comes to the Highlands Food Pantry to help make ends meet when work slows down. She appreciates the pantry's selection of fresh produce and meats that help keep her family healthy when finances are strained.

Did you know that $50 provides 100 meals through our Food Pantry? What an incredible opportunity you have to put food on neighbors’ tables across our community. Will you choose to be part of our inaugural Annual Fund? Visit OneTableOneCommunity.org to make an impact.

When families have access to reliable, nutritious food, everything changes. From health and education to stability and o...
05/18/2026

When families have access to reliable, nutritious food, everything changes. From health and education to stability and opportunity, a table filled with healthy food can make all the difference.

Your support of IFC’s Annual Fund keeps the Highlands Food Pantry stocked with fresh produce, meats, and essentials for 400+ families each month!

Because every neighbor deserves a full bowl and a seat at the table.

Give today at OneTableOneCommunity.org.

Yesterday, we shared the exciting news that we're launching our first-ever Annual Fund called One Table, One Community. ...
05/12/2026

Yesterday, we shared the exciting news that we're launching our first-ever Annual Fund called One Table, One Community. This annual effort will sustain the heartbeat of our programs, from the Highlands Food Pantry to community support services to English Language Learner classes and more!

But why are we launching this now?

Simply stated, the need is there. And we want to be there, too. Across Western North Carolina, families are feeling the strain of rising housing costs, economic uncertainty, and limited access to essential services. For many, especially those facing language barriers or transportation challenges, the path forward can feel overwhelming.

One Table, One Community is our commitment to showing up, not just in moments of crisis, but faithfully every single day.

Help us sustain this work by visiting OneTableOneCommunity.org.

It’s here! Announcing our new Annual Fund: One Table, One Community.Today, we’re proud to launch the International Frien...
05/11/2026

It’s here! Announcing our new Annual Fund: One Table, One Community.

Today, we’re proud to launch the International Friendship Center’s first-ever Annual Fund. This fund is a new and exciting way to nourish, sustain, and strengthen our community year-round.

With a goal of raising $125,000 by June 30, this campaign ensures that IFC can continue to provide food, support, and opportunity to neighbors across Highlands, Franklin, and Cashiers for the year to come.

When we gather at one table, we are stronger together. Stay tuned for more updates about our new Annual Fund and the people you're impacting over the next several weeks!

Learn more and join us today at OneTableOneCommunity.org.

Address

348 S 5th Street
Highlands, NC
28741

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 4pm
Tuesday 9am - 4pm
Wednesday 9am - 4pm
Thursday 9am - 4pm
Friday 9am - 4pm

Telephone

+18285260890

Website

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