Program Facets and Projects
Links are committed to serving their communities through four program facets:
- Services to Youth
- The Arts
- National Trends and Services
- International Trends and Services
The Links set a national agenda with program goals in each of the four facets. Links members and chapters are charged with providing leadership, service and resources to support Links programs and other institutions devoted to serving the African American and minority communities with excellence. National programs include the annual Walk for Health and Hunger, Boys and Girls to Work, and Project Lead: High Expectations!, a program successful in preventing drug and alcohol abuse and building self-esteem in children and families. The Links supported the United States Commission on Women, and actively participated in achieving the goals of the International Women’s Decade (1976-1985). In May 1985, The Links accepted status as a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) of the United Nations.
Summer Linkage
A program designed to improve and enhance the quality of life of inner-city children, teens, college students and senior citizens during the heat of the summer. The objective is to provide activities that will help make summer cooler, more comfortable, productive and safer for children and the elderly of our community. Structured activities, scholarships and provisions will be presented in three cool categories:
Cool Fun for Kids
- ”The Popsicle Ladies” provide popsicles and treats throughout the summer at Wesley Child Care and Emmanuel Community Center
- Camperships” for youth are provided at the Melrose YMCA
Cool Fun and Learning for Teens
- Summer “Camperships” are provided for teens at Camp Joy
- Financial assistance provided to the Inner City Tennis Project to purchase
- rackets, balls and t-shirts
- Scholarships provided for students to participate in the Academic Summerbridge Program (Walnut Hills pre-college entrance enhancement and preparation classes)
Cool Down the Elderly
- Provides funds to Mercy- St. John to purchase air conditioners and fans for elderly residents
- Adopted Alaska Acres Nursing Home (provide needed supplies and outings; helped beautify the landscape with summer flowers)
The National Underground Railroad Freedom Center - The Links' Youth
Docent Signature Program
An on-going program designed to prepare a generation of young leaders by empowering each participant with knowledge, leadership and verbal communication skills, while enabling them to share historical information within the setting of the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center. Each year's class is comprised of 20-30 sophomore students (ages 16-17) from nine Cincinnati area high schools. The students have been identified for their academic strengths and leadership roles, and have exhibited potential for future leadership opportunities. Exposure to the program will enable participating students to work with educated and informed role models. Expanded historical knowledge and enhancement of oral and written communication skills are expected outcomes of this experience. Participants in the program will:
- Make a two year commitment
- Complete 60 training hours over a 20-week period
- Provide volunteer/community service
- Receive a paid apprenticeship (during the second year)
- Participate in a graduation ceremony
Other Special Programs and Projects
Partnership with Learning Through The Arts
Link members serve as tutors at Bond Hill Elementary School with the program's "Books Alive" Project
Book Fund
for low income students at the College of Mount St. Joseph
Community Walk-A-Thon "Walking for Health and Hunger"
Proceeds go to selected health organizations (American Heart Association, Diabetes Foundation, Cancer Association)
Financial Support of Children's Hospital Youth Injury Prevention Program
Program provides bicycle helmets and infant car seats to parents with children in the inner city
College Coach Program
Program designed for inner city 1st generation college-bound high school juniors and seniors for assistance on how to navigate the college application/entrance process
Club Link Girls Conference
Program designed for girls grades 6-8 to help enrich their lives with a day of seminars and activities focusing on them.
