Western Reserve (OH) Chapter Links, Incorporated, 30th Anniversary Program 2017

History In 1985 a select group of women were invited to form an interest group to The Links, Incorporated. These women shared interests and enthusiasm for community service a commitment that the national organization embodies. For two years, this group, The Western Reserve Women’s League, set out to demonstrate, in an organized fashion, how with teamwork and determination, a small group could “make a difference” in their community. Through a program called “Color Me Learning”, a targeted group of teen mothers and their families participated in parenting classes, self-esteem workshops, inspirational seminars and experienced the shared respect and contagious enthusiasm of friendship. After the success of this program, the newly chartered Western Reserve (OH) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated continued its momentum and launched the chapter’s four facets into continuing programs that foster its ideals. Through fundraising activities, a contribution of ten thousand dollars was donated to Karamu House to aid African-American theatre and Early Childhood Education Center. Thousands of volunteer hours from Western Reserve (OH) Chapter members have been devoted to mentoring children, rap sessions with teens, workshops and clinics on health and surviving breast and cervical cancer. An international collaboration with San Salvador of the Bahamas was established to provide books and afro centric materials to school children. Links-On-Line, an internet site, the first of its kind within the organization, is now available on the web. Additionally, the enormous success of the Annual National Walk-A-Thon for Health and Hunger and collaboration with Margaret Ireland Cancer Center Survivor’s Tea are just a few of the many projects that have flourished over the years The fulfillment of our mission; which is to promote and engage in educational, civic and intercultural activities To enrich the lives of our members and the larger community by working to develop interests in common goals of achievement has included fund raising galas, benefits, and community service projects.

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