Arlington Chapter of the Links Incorporated

COMMUNITY OUTREACH SERVICES/NATIONAL TRENDS AND SERVICES: The vision of the Community Outreach Services and the National Trends and Services is to eliminate disparities by reducing barriers to services through advocacy, education, and service. Our mission is to empower our chapters to electively empower the communities in which we work. We aim to increase the number of sustainable and measurable programs and student scholarships, increase collaborative partnerships, and extend our existing initiatives to include communities identified as having the greatest need. Currently, Community Outreach Services and National Trends and Services encompasses various scholarship programs and committees with national partners and sponsors, each committed to the overall vision and mission of the facet. These programs serve as a catalyst for change promoting individual and community empowerment. Our key programs include award of Community Partnership Grants, 4-year student scholarships, HBCU Scholarships, Get-Out-The-Vote activities, Ready Set Vote, and Civic/Police engagement activities.

SERVICES TO YOUTH/HOLIDAY SPECIAL: The Services to Youth facet led our chapter-wide program to inspire students, especially middle and high school girls of color experiencing socioeconomic challenges by solving three problems: (1) undervaluing self-worth; (2) lack of career awareness, especially in STEAM related fields; and (3) continued logistical obstacles due to the Covid-19 Pandemic. Under the leadership of our STY facet, we once again designed and implemented an expansion program, STEAM PLUS: Pathways to a Lifetime of Unlimited Success, using virtual learning tools to fulfill our goals. We secured robot kits and scheduled Professional Shadowing opportunities for participants to explore related STEAM studies and careers.

HEALTH and HUMAN SERVICES/RED DAY DRESS EVENT: The Links, Incorporated established this facet in response to the chronic health disparities that persist in Black communities and which result in a decreased life expectancy of African-Americans. Health and Human Services programs bring greater focus, resources and coordination to health initiatives already in existence. Our signature Red Dress Health Links to Heart Health Program was established in partnership with The Links, Incorporated, federal agencies, local hospitals and community groups to increase awareness of the number one killer of women, heart disease. With ongoing forums, panels, workshops and health fairs, we provide Community Partnership Grants, educational awareness and prevention programs to high risk minority women. Our chapter also engages our community with Walk for Health Living, a walking campaign to improve heart health. In addition to our heart health programs, we plan to increase cancer prevention and awareness through our Health Equity Ambassador Links program.

THE ARTS: The Links Incorporated have a strong and rich record of support for the performing visual arts with special focus on the presentation of artists of color. You are exposed to multi-cultural experiences, art appreciation and competition. The Classics through the Ages initiative lends support to African-Americans in the arts. The engagement provides sponsorship and mentoring to promising students through 4 years of high school