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Ingram’s Lifetime of Service
Written By: Jenny King | Issue: 2017/11 - November | Photograph By: Marjorie Christiansen Photography
Franklin Ingram, a volunteer at the Friendship Center, the Food Pantry, the Literacy Council and Big Brothers-Big Sisters, spent his professional career in service to others. Now that he has retired to Highlands, he continues this work through his volunteer efforts.
Ingram, who graduated from Duke Divinity School, served as a youth minister for EIGHT years before turning his focus to substance abuse programs in which he spent the majority of his career. He started many programs throughout North and South Carolina and was a voting member of the Steering Committee of the National Institute on Drug Abuse’s Clinical Trials Network. He was invited to speak about this work to the Highlands Rotary Club in the 80s. That was his first introduction to the town.
After retiring here five years ago, he became an active member of the Episcopal Church of the Incarnation’s Outreach Committee. It was through the church that he became aware of the many needs in the Highlands Community and the many volunteer opportunities to meet those needs. His interest was immediately drawn to the Friendship Center’s sponsorship of the Food Pantry of Highlands and as he became more involved, he was asked to serve on the board. Today he acts as Treasurer for the Friendship Center and Food Pantry.
Located in the Peggy Crosby Center in Highlands, the Friendship Center does far more for our community than you might realize. Their mission is to reach out to the underserved members of the local and international communities and to facilitate access to human services. They are a group of area residents, from faith communities and area businesses, who care for their neighbors. Phone (828) 526-0890 for more information.
Ingram still uses his expertise in the drug and alcohol abuse field when asked, and encourages others to volunteer with one of the many area nonprofits that help families and individuals with humanitarian needs. The Friendship Center, the Food Pantry, the Literacy Council, Big Brothers-Big Sisters and other nonprofits all need volunteers, particularly when the seasonal residents leave for warmer weather. Of course, financial support is essential and appreciated.
