Programs

Health and Human Services

The mission of the Health and Human Services facet is to promote and facilitate programs that support the maintenance of good health and the elimination of chronic health disparities in communities of color through education, health advocacy, and optimal utilization of health resources. Community education about health risks is crucial and The Links, Incorporated can play a significant role in providing it. This new facet brings greater focus, resources, and coordination to The Links, Incorporated’s health initiatives already in existence. The facet can flourish with the expansion of partnerships with national health agencies, and more definitive structure and support for our health related signature programs.

The areas of emphasis are cardiovascular disease, breast cancer, and organ, tissue and blood donation. This includes our signature programs: HeartLinks, Linkages to Life, and Walk for Healthy Living , as well as the National Childhood Obesity Initiative, oral health, brain health initiatives, and the Susan G. Komen for the Cure national partnership. We are guided by chapter assessments of community need, Healthy People 2020 (a U.S. Department of Health and Human Services initiative), and the goals of the National Center on Minority Health and Health Disparities.

The Arts

The Links support of the arts can be traced to our cultured co-founder Margaret Rosell Hawkins. Her innate artistic talent, discovered at a young age, earned her a four-year scholarship to the Women’s School of Design later known as the Moore Institute of Art. Her passion for creative expression later led to her appointment as an art teacher, and helped give root to the establishment of the The Arts Facet in 1964, at the 14th National Assembly.

The goal of The Arts Facet is to produce and support programs to enrich the quality of life of our youth and communities through educational and engaging art experiences while “Transforming Communities, Fulfilling Our Purpose”.

National Trends & Services

The National Trends and Services Facet is committed to promoting community empowerment through programs of economic independence, political empowerment and social justice for individuals in our community. The VISION of the National Trends and Services facet is to eliminate disparities by reducing barriers to services through advocacy, education, and service. Our MISSION is to improve the quality of life for residents by empowering the communities in which we work.

International Trends & Services

The mission of the International Trends and Services facet is to expand the global platform for programs designed to service the educational, health, and cultural needs of people of African ancestry throughout the world. All programs are delivered through measurable and sustainable service delivery models that reach men, women and their children.

The Pasadena/Altadena Chapter provides our local community with opportunities to make a difference in addressing international issues and establishing connections to people of African descent within our community, particularly through our youth. The ITS facet worked directly with middle school students at the NIA Charter School in Altadena introducing them to African and other various countries and cultures of the world.

Services to Youth

This facet has been a major focus of the Links, Incorporated for over 60 years. The mission has been towards eliminating the problems of black youth and their families in seven target areas: teenage pregnancy, juvenile crime, substance abuse, mental and emotional illnesses and disorders, breakdown of the family, unemployment, and education.

The Pasadena-Altadena Services to Youth facet is focused on supporting students of African-American descent in the Pasadena-Altadena community schools by providing activities to explore, stimulate and develop their creative and intellectual potential.

Mentoring

Our Mission: Links-Up For Success: Connecting Through Mentoring is committed to providing
an ongoing mentoring program that will inspire and strengthen - critical thinking and problem-
solving skills, a commitment to academic achievement and to higher education
(academic/vocational), healthy lifestyles, strong moral character, global and cultural awareness,
community service and the foundation to success.

Our Vision: To empower young African American women to reach their full potential as self-
confident productive, conscientious and caring citizens of the community.
The Links-Up For Success Program serves 20-25 African American girls in grades 7 – 12 and their
families. In addition, through our activities and workshops, we served a total of over 400
individuals annually.

The Links-Up For Success: Connecting Through Mentoring Program was established in 2009 for
Black girls attending John Muir High School in Pasadena, CA. The goal of the program was to
provide girls in grades 9-12, one-on-one mentoring along with resources and workshops that
would enable them to reach their full potential as productive, responsible and caring citizens of
the community. In May 2017, the program evolved to include girls in all Pasadena Unified High
Schools, and middle school girls, grades 7-8 in an effort to reach them in their formative years
to help close the academic achievement gaps. In May 2020, in effort to meet the needs of
youth and families during the COVID-19 and racism pandemics, the program was expanded to
include Black girls in charter and private schools in the Pasadena.

The “Links-Up for Success” program conducts monthly group workshop sessions presented by
the five Facets: Services to Youth, The Arts, National Trends and Services, Health and Human
Services, and International Trends. These workshops are intentional, purposeful. and are in
alignment with the with National and Western Area Link initiatives