About Us

Max Higbee Center (MHC) is a non-profit organization that provides community-based recreation programs for youth and adults with developmental disabilities in Whatcom County, Washington. MHC’s mission has four broad aims:

1.     To provide opportunities for personal enjoyment and enrichment through a diverse range of leisure activities.
2.     To promote the social, physical, emotional, and cognitive growth and development of participants.
3.     To assist participants to achieve greater independence in their lives and increased involvement in the community.
4.     To promote and embody justice, diversity, inclusion, and equity in our organization and within our community.

Max Higbee Center is a grassroots organization founded by educators and families of people with developmental disabilities who wanted quality recreation opportunities in Whatcom County. Max Higbee, a professor at Western Washington University, spearheaded this movement. The Drop-In Center gained status as a non-profit organization in 1984 and was then renamed in honor of its founder.

Max Higbee Center is committed to providing individuals with a disability an equal opportunity to access the benefits, rights and privileges of Max Higbee Center services, programs, activities, volunteer and internship opportunities, and employment. The Americans with Disabilities Act, the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Washington Law Against Discrimination, and other Washington local laws protect individuals with disabilities against employment discrimination, accessing essential services, and enjoying the same rights, freedoms, and responsibilities of other community members.

If you have a disability and need accommodation for the program, volunteer, or job application process or would like to request that auxiliary aids (sign language interpreters, readers) be provided, please contact the Program Director and ADA Coordinator at (360) 398-6669 | 711 (TTY/WA Relay) or by emailing admin@maxhigbeecenter.org.

Max Higbee Center does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, national origin, immigration status, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender expression and/or identity, genetic information, or age in admission, treatment, or participation in its programs, services and activities, or in employment. All Inquiries regarding compliance with access, equal opportunity and/or grievance procedures should be directed to the Program Director at (360) 398-6669 | 711 (TTY/WA Relay) or by emailing admin@maxhigbeecenter.org.