About Us


Our Mission


Max Higbee Center (MHC) is a non-profit organization that provides community-based recreation programs for youth and adults with developmental disabilities in Bellingham, 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.

 

Our Vision


The Max Higbee Center envisions a caring, inclusive, respectful, and thriving community where people are empowered to grow, develop, and enrich their lives through recreation activities and the relationships they create.

Our Values


The Max Higbee Center values a fun, safe, welcoming, and people-first community dedicated to creating friendships and offering opportunities for all members to reach their greatest potential.

A Brief History


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.

Accommodations & Auxiliary Aids


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.

Nondiscrimination/Equal Opportunity


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, orin 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.

Want to get involved?

Whether you are looking to become a member, get involved with programs and/or events, or support us with your contribution.

Join

Become a Max Higbee Member

JOIN NOW

Volunteer

Volunteer for Programs or Events

VOLUNTEER NOW

Donate

Contribute to our Center

DONATE NOW