Service

The Links, Incorporated created its first program facet, Services to Youth, to equip black youth to use their intellect and spirit of achievement to become successful and productive citizens.

The Raleigh (NC) Chapter Links fulfill this mission through a yearlong partnership at the Hope Charter Leadership Academy. Activities conducted during the 2018-2019 program year include a Teacher Appreciation Luncheon, Anti Bullying Presentation, Uniforms donation and Spanish Class.

The Links support of the arts can be traced to our cultured co-founder Margaret Roselle Hawkins. The GOAL of The Arts facet is to increase and expand art activity, and elevate our programs through arts integration and effectively create an arts renaissance within our organization and programmatic efforts.

Our chapter conducted several arts programs with the Elders Peak retirement community.  At Christmas residents created wreaths.  Another activity just prior to Easter was called Paint and Punch.  Residents were guided through an activity to paint on canvases and were served refreshments as part of the program. A Music and Movement program was also held with Hope Charter Leadership Academy to expose students to various types of music and dance.

Raleigh Links have hosted Parent Financial Session at Hope Charter Leadership Academy. Members also participated in the Links Day at the Capitol in Raleigh. This is an activity scheduled for Links throughout the state of North Carolina. Members will advocate with the state legislature on key issues of importance to Links members.

Throughout the year, the chapter has hosted two monthly International club sessions at Hope Charter Leadership Academy. This has included an International Club as well as a Spanish Club. Additionally there have been programs on learning about the specific culture and language of countries, most recently Kenya, Cape Verde, Haiti and the Philippines.

As part of our healthy lifestyles program, the chapter has hosted chair exercise activities on a monthly basis with the Elders Peak residential community to get them more active and fit. Additionally a series of 5 “Life’s Simple 7” sessions were held to further promote health awareness. One session workshop focused on active lifestyle and healthy eating education. Another sessions was a health fair which exposed residents to various health information and products. This included blood pressure checks, information on diabetes care, healthy eating tips and a smoothie station.