| Cleveland (OH) Chapter |
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
The Links, Incorporated has a long tradition of promoting and engaging in educational, civic and inter-cultural activities that enrich the lives of members of the Black community at large. The Cleveland (OH) Chapter has had a storied history impacting the arts, culture, literacy and health. Members of the Cleveland (OH) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated provide more than 3,500 service hours to the Greater Cleveland area each year. Projects/initiatives include:
- Sponsoring exhibitions at the Cleveland Museum of Art and partnerships with the Cleveland Public Library
- Supporting Karamu House and the Sutphen School of Music at the Phyllis Wheatley Association
- Funding a scholarship for students of color at the Cleveland Institute of Music for over 20 years
- Programming and fundraising initiatives with the local chapter of the American Cancer Society, the Junior League of Cleveland, the Cleveland Job Corps Center, the Eliza Bryant Home for the Aged, and the Zelma George Center
- Hosting educational forums for both adults and children have been presented on subjects varying from AIDS awareness, Drug addition awareness, standardized test preparation for high schoolers and self-care programs.
- Donating books to improve literacy, as well as sponsoring a health fair, a modern-day quilting project, and a CPR training program for students, and opening a Computer Technology Laboratory and Andrew J. Rickoff School in Cleveland's Mount Pleasant neighborhood (2008).
- Raising funds for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), including Wilberforce University and Central State University and donating laptops to minority students starting college during the COVID 19 pandemic.
- Partnering with East Cleveland Schools to develop the Links Academy, providing Saturday morning enrichment programming for girls in grades 4-8.
Links Programming Facets
The cornerstone of our service is our five programming facets — Services to Youth, The Arts, National Trends and Services, International Trends and Services, and Health and Human Services. Through our facets, we implement programs and initiatives that address the most critical needs of underserved communities. Annually, we impact the lives of more than 3 million people at home and abroad.
The Services to Youth facet empowers Black youth to use their intellect and spirit of achievement to become successful and productive citizens. Through this facet, The Links implements transformational programs that are responsive to the academic, cultural, career development, and mentoring needs of youth.
Shown: Links Girls Academy at Mayfair Elementary School | The goal of The Arts facet is to increase and expand art activity throughout Black communities. The Links, Incorporated creates and supports art-related educational opportunities for minority youth as well as presents and supports performances by youth and accomplished professional artists in an array of disciplines.
Shown: PosiTIVity Bench at Mayfair Elementary School |
The National Trends and Services facet addresses the social inequities that persist in black communities throughout the United States. The Links, Incorporated is committed to raising awareness on economic, health, social justice, and other barriers that affect our quality of life. Our goal is to eliminate disparities in these areas for the betterment of our communities.
Shown: Holiday Toy Drive Shopping for Mayfair Elementary School families | The International Trends and Services facet provides services and delivers transformational programs to people of African ancestry globally so that they may have a better quality of life. Programs are designed and developed to service the educational, health, and cultural needs of our global communities across the African diaspora.
Shown: Links Girls Academy African Diaspora Passport activity |
The Links, Incorporated established the Health and Human Services facet in response to the chronic health disparities that persist in black communities and result in the decreased life expectancy of African Americans and other people of African ancestry. The goal of this facet is to promote and facilitate programs that support the maintenance of good health.
| The Links, Incorporated Legislative and Public Affairs advocacy priorities are considered through a lens of diversity, equity, and inclusion. The Links, Incorporated is uniquely positioned to leverage the collective strength, resources, and energy of our members to ensure that public policy being considered is reflective of our membership and the global community we serve.
Shown: Links Day at the State Capital Webinar, organized by Cleveland Chapter |
Shown: Links Walk-a-thon Day at Rockefeller Park.jpg)
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