History Of The GAINESVILLE (FL) Chapter Of The Links, Incorporated
The Gainesville (FL) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated developed out of F.O.C.U.S. (Females Organized for the Challenges of Unity and Self Awareness), a civic organization founded in 1978, dedicated to improving the physical, emotional, intellectual and moral status of African American women. It consisted of women from the local university and the Gainesville community. The primary program was called College Admission Requirements Essentials (CARE). It was successfully launched on April 7, 1984, with a grant from the Community Instructional Service.
This program was designed to help high school students raise their SAT scores. It was successful, and the grant was renewed for the 1985-1986 academic year. This program was the chapter’s Umbrella Project. The Charter Day was May 18, 1985 with the inducting officers Link Carolyn Washington, Southern Area Director, and Link Jacqueline Robinson, National Chapter Establishment Officer attending. Our National Vice-President, Link Regina Jollivette Frazier, and National Director of International Trends and Services, Link Gwendolyn Welters were also present.
Our Vision
The Links, Incorporated will impact the quality of life for human-kind through community service. In response to an ever-changing society, The Links, Incorporated will increase its participation nationally and internationally for a stronger partnership with people of good will and good deeds.
Our Mission
The Links, Incorporated is a volunteer service organization of concerned and talented women, who linked in friendship, enhance the quality of life in the larger community. The organization is primarily concerned with enriching, sustaining and ensuring the identities, culture and economic survival of African-Americans and persons of African descent.
To contribute to the formulation of a positive, productive, and culturally diverse society, The Links, Incorporated also focuses on education, cultural enrichment, health and wellness, and civic involvement. This focus is implemented through strategies such as public information and education, economic development, and public policy.
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october, 2024
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"The success of The Links is tied to the generosity of our supporters. Please consider making a donation to our organization so that we can continue our Mission."
Our 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.
Services to Youth
The Links, Incorporated 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. GCLI created the award-winning Project Apples
The Arts
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 as well as presents and supports performances by youth and accomplished professional artists in an array of disciplines. In the GCLI, members have partnered with Alachua County Schools and the University of Florida creating Artist Not: Enriched.
National Trends and Services
The National Trends and Services facet is tasked with eliminating disparities by reducing barriers to resources through advocacy, education, and service. Our chapters are empowered to raise their voices and transform the communities in which they work. Currently, National Trends and Services serves as a catalyst for change, promoting individual and community empowerment. In the GCLI, members created the Bullying is No Joke Initiative along with Get-out-the-Vote campaigns.
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. In the GCLI, members created To Haiti with Love and Just for You program focusing on women and children.
Health and Human
Services
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. The GCLI continues to promote Linkages to Life, Walking with the Links, Heart Health Month, and Links In Pink.
Our Partner
Caring and Sharing Learning School in Gainesville
Executive Board
Florida Bridgewater-Alford
President
Dr. Kim Nisbett
Vice President for Membership
Dr. Catherine Barnes
Programs Chair
Alena Lawson
Recording Secretary & Parliamentarian
Venisha White Buchanon
Corresponding Secretary
Antwinette Battle
Treasurer
Tova Peterson
Financial Secretary
List Of Members
Gallery
Contact Us
We would love to hear from you. If you have any questions, comments, or concerns, please use the form below and someone within the organization will be in touch with you very soon.
Gainesville (FL) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated | Built by Social Change Interactive