Links Brochure 2014-2015 (Welcome Smile)

v The Orange County (CA),chapter of The Links, Incorporated began as an “interest” group organized by Marne Glass in 1971. The chapter was established June 2, 1973.

The Links, Incorporated is an international, not for profit. corporation established in 1946.

The membership consists of 12,000 professional women of color in 280 chapters located in 41 states, The District of Columbia and the Common wealth of the Bahamas.

It is one of the nation’s oldest and largest volunteer service organizations of extraordinary women who are committed to enriching, sustaining and ensuring the culture and economic survival of African Americans and other persons of African ancestry.

Embracing the goals, ideals and service to the community mandated from the national body, we continue to respond to the active involvement of community members in the programs and activities that contribute to the positive development and enhancement of young people, their families and underserved populations through our four Facets: Services to Youth, The Arts, National Trends and Services, International Trends and Services, and Health and Human Services

The Links, Incorporated “Linked in Friendship, Connected in Service.”

For more information, visit www.linksinc.org

Orange County (CA) Chapter Officers President Vice President Program Chair Recording Secretary Corresponding Secretary Treasurer Financial Secretary Parliamentarian

Maxine Jackson Marionette Olive Robyn Hastings∆ Shonte’ Fuller Cheryl Melton Sandra Solomon Claudia Armstead+ Donnise Mitchell

Orange County(CA) Chapter

Members Beverly Abney-Hill* Antoinette Andrews Inez Archie* Peggy Boatright +∆* Alesia Boatright-Jackson∆ Carolyn Carlisle Cynthia Dugan-Terrell∆* Connie Franks-Douglas Marne Class+∆ Angela Glover Lisa Golden Jean Granger* Iva Green∆* Linda Hammond Dorothy Harper+∆* Rosetta Hassan Yovonka Jackson Julie Johnson Jean Johnson-Bell Joann Koeller* Ruby Lee+* Cheryl Lott-Jackson

Rosalie Lyske** Carolyn Mathews Gwendolyn Mathews Janice Merriweather Pamela Middleton Joyce Norwood∆ Linda Perry Nancy Rahim Geneva Ray Doris Robinson LaRonda Rogers Jan Rooks Laura Rycraw* Audrey Smith* April Thompson Anna Titus* Karol Watson Mildred Watson+∆** Janet Webb Angela Williams Julietta Williams+∆* Linda Williams

+ Charter Member ∆Past President *Alumna **Platinum Member

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Fact Sheet Services to Youth: The primary goals of this facet are to: •Promote early literacy •Implement local mentoring programs from kindergarten through college •Close the academic achievement gaps from kindergarten through college •Introduce and support Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (S.T.E.M.) education and career readiness •Implement college readiness programs •Increase high school and college graduation rates •Award college scholarships and build educational endowments •Promote and support Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) The Arts: 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 National Trends and Services: 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 empower our chapters to effectively empower the communities in which we work. Our GOALS include increasing the number of sustainable and measurable programs; increasing collaborative partnerships; and extending our existing initiatives to include communities identified as having the greatest need.

This facet has won National and Area Awards for their programmatic approach to helping the women of WISEPlace to re-enter society as contributing and successful citizens

International Trends and Services: The mission of the International Trends and services facet is to expand the global platform for programs designed and developed to service the educational, health and cultural needs of people of African descent throughout the world.

All programmatic components of the Facet are delivered through measurable and sustainable service delivery methods that reach women and their families. The foremost goal of the International Trends and Services facet is to provide opportunities for tangible service in other countries. Our “boots on the ground” approach provides for more personalized methods for assisting and improving the lives of women, children and men worldwide through long-term programs committed to empowerment and public policy leadership in advocating for social justice. In the past 2 years, the Chapter has provided over 1,000 eye glass frames to Friends of the Children of Lascahobas, to distribute to children in Haiti.

Health and Human Services: The Links, Incorporated established the Health and Human Services facet in response to the chronic health disparities that persist in our communities and result in the decreased life expectancy of African-Americans. This new fact brings greater focus, resources and coordination to The Links, Incorporated’s health initiatives already in existence. With the expansion of partnerships with national health agencies and more definitive structure and support for our health related signature programs, our mission can flourish.

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 underserved communities through education, health advocacy, and optimal utilization of health resources. Community education about health risks is crucial and The Links, Incorporated plays a significant role in providing adequate health.

There has been an increase in the prevalence of cardiovascular disease and stroke in ethnic communities. Obesity, diabetes and physical inactivity are all risk factors that can be modified. African –American women are more likely to die from breast cancer and early detection would allow for effective treatment and cure. This facet educates its members about healthy lifestyles and disease prevention to ensure that we become models of the health behavior we ourselves hope to promote in our communities. The areas of emphasis are cardiovascular disease, breast cancer, and organ, tissue and blood donation. All healthrelated programs will find a home within this new facet. 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

The Links Incorporated, Orange County (CA) Chapter 3553 Atlantic Avenue, Suite B-1340 Long Beach, CA 90807 http://www.oclinksinc.org/ Orange County (CA) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated is on FaceBook