Friends Transforming Communities Through Service
PRESIDENT MESSAGE
The Toledo (OH) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated was established on October 21, 1972 by fourteen accomplished, dedicated, and civic-minded women with Laura Palmer as the first president. Installation was held at the Toledo Press Club with Fannie Wilson of the sponsoring chapter, Northern Indiana, who conducted the installation service. The fourteen charter members were Ernestine Butler, Richardene Chadwell, Faye Fenwick, Jacquelyn Gray, Mildred Harrison, Kate Jackson, Joyce Jones, Marietta Leverette (organizer), Olivia Murphy, Charlie B. Nunn, Marion Nunn, Laura Palmer (organizer), Marianne Payne, and Odessa Rowan (organizer). Today, we stand on the shoulders of our charter members and those who followed them. It is a privilege to serve as president.
Erin R. Baker
Chapter President
PROGRAM FACETS
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 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.
The Links, created its first program facet, Services to Youth, to empower black youth to use their intellect and spirit of achievement to become successful and productive citizens. Through this facet, we implement transformational programs that are responsive to the academic, cultural, career development, and mentoring needs of youth.
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 and as well as presents and supports performances by youth and accomplished professional artists in an array of disciplines... in partnership with museums, symphonies and others.
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.
INTERNATIONAL TRENDS AND SERVICES
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 community.
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.
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