MEMBER TESTIMONIALS

Isobel Gallagher

“Alison Davidson first mentioned the IFC to me when we got to know each other through singing together in the Music in the Somerset Hills chorus. Her hiking group was what tempted me most, as I love to be outside and liked the idea of being with others on a walk. I quickly became friends with other women from the UK, and Europe and loved hearing their stories and found out how similar we all are! I found fellow lovers of handcrafting and being creative, and enjoyed trying different foods with the Lunch Bunch.

I joined the Book Club and met even more interesting people with fascinatingly different perspectives on the variety of books we read. I enjoyed the Music group and tried out many others. Coffee mornings were a great way to see many of my new friends, and meet even more in one place, and the topics and speakers were well chosen. I liked that we support different charities in an effort to help others, and hosted several meetings. Eventually, I became Board Secretary for several years until I returned to working full time. Now I have retired and am returning to a more active IFC role again. Women can be very powerful together when we celebrate our similarities, share and understand our differences, while supporting and enjoying each other's company.
Long live the IFC!"

Tammy Mohan

“IFC was a big part of my comfortable transition to living in NJ more than 20 years ago now . There were other local groups that I enjoyed near me but they were very limited in understanding what being an international transplant meant. IFC was a lively group that met that niche perfectly. I was very soon convinced to join the board and made amazing friends during that decade or so.

Life and travel have made it a bit more difficult to be a regular participant but I still love the first coffee, bookclub and whatever other activities I attend. IFC has maintained a rare ability to adapt to its current membership and the changing activities and outings are wonderful. New members of the expat and well travelled American community bring new enthusiasm, new cultural perspectives and new groups each year. IFC has avoided stagnation and I look forward to how it continues to welcome those who have wandered far from home and give them a fun social fellowship in their east coast life."

Marie Rendell

“I joined IFC 28 years ago. Upon meeting Analesa, I was immediately drawn into the passion of the club she had created. IFC was then and remains today to be a group of women who have spent part of their lives immersed in other cultures; who symbolize cultural understanding; who share in the strength that comes from needing to figure out how to fit into another culture.

This adaptability makes the women of IFC sparkle, in their personalities, life experiences and passions. Along the way I have enjoyed getting to know the members, through the larger meetings as well as the diverse and more personalized activity groups.

Over the years, IFC has been a gift in that it provides me with a group of friends with similar life-stories to share adventures with. Thank you!"

Angela Idleman

“Joining the IFC truly changed my outlook of retirement. I originally thought retirement would simply mean slowing down, but instead, it opened the door to so many new experiences, friendships, and opportunities. What makes this club so special is the incredible variety of activities available. There is truly something for everyone, and it encouraged me to step outside my comfort zone and try things I may never have explored otherwise.

One activity in particular sparked a whole new passion for me, which I now enjoy even beyond the club itself and have continued to pursue and expand on my own. Beyond the activities, the IFC creates a wonderful sense of connection and community. It's inspiring to be surrounded by people who are active, welcoming, adventurous, and open to trying new things at every stage of life. I'm genuinely grateful to have found this group, as it has added so much joy, purpose, and excitement to this chapter of my life."

Laavanya Pasupuleti

"Many people ask me how as a lifelong resident of Monmouth County I found out about IFC. It was a year after the COVID outbreak that I went online looking for women's book clubs in NJ. IFC's website showed up and after browsing through it, saw that it's mission and diverse activities aligned with mine. Even though it was mostly based out of Morris, Union and Somerset Counties, I began attending the multitude of wonderful activities offered. It has deeply enriched my life on all levels, and the community of IFC ladies are always so warm and friendly. When people ask me how is it that I can drive from so far, I usually joke and say, that it is only about an hour. It is worth every bit of effort for how much it has brought to my life. I want to thank all the IFC ladies for the community and belonging that has meant so much!"

Alison Davidson

“I have been a member of the IFC for nearly 15 years and in that time I have hiked many miles, visited many restaurants, read lots of fabulous books, learnt so much from varied and interesting presenters, and most importantly made so many friends, some lifelong, from different countries and cultures who have the shared experience of moving and living in another country. I have served on the board of the club been the Hiking Group leader for many years which has enabled me to give back to this amazing club. The most wonderful thing about the IFC is that it is entirely run by selfless volunteers willing to share their interests, and give their time to make the club what it is, the club would not exist without them and I am forever grateful to them. Thank you!”

Leslie Silver

“My connection with IFC and women from around the world has been a breath of fresh air in my life. I love the cross-cultural camaraderie and the sharing of global experiences and traditions the club inspires. In this way, IFC has offered me an ongoing cultural education, as well as opportunities along the way to explore and share my own heritage and interests. IFC has truly enriched my life. Plus, the members are friendly, fun-loving women… our gatherings always put me in a good mood! "

Mary Luthi

"I joined IFC 2 years ago & wish I’d done it sooner! I’m ever inspired by the diverse perspectives and creativity of our members. Whether we are sharing personal stories or simply celebrating our different backgrounds, this group has broadened my worldview and pushed me to grow. Thank you to everyone in this remarkable community for being a source of joy and inspiration."

Nina Wedmind

“The International friends club has given me the opportunity to meet some wonderful women who are smart, fun and love adventure. The various activities provides ways to learn about each other and to develop friendships. I am so grateful to belong to this wonderful club.”

Josephine Adams

“I have been a member for almost one year and I have already met some interesting, wonderful women. I hope to form long lasting friendships in the years to come. Joining this group is truly an honor."

Tracy Prior

"We provide support in many ways. I ran the book club many years ago. At one meeting a member told me “this book club saved my life”. There are times when I could say the same."

Sara Brown

“The IFC expanded my world. ”