Our Programs
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.
services to youth
Our Services to Youth facet was created 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. One such program produced by our chapter was GirlsLink. The goal of GirlsLink was to increase the number of black girls going into STEM related careers by exposing them early in their education to STEM subjects. In February 2020, we graduated a group of seventh grade girls from a six-week robotics class.
national trends & services
The National Trends and Services facet addresses the social inequities that persist in black communities throughout the United States. The Topeka (KS) Chapter 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 the Topeka community.
the arts
The goal of The Arts facet is to increase and expand art activity throughout the black Topeka community. The Topeka (KS) Chapter 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. Some of our past partner have been Kansas City Friends of Alvin Ailey, Washburn University, and ArtsConnect.
International trends & 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 Topeka (KS) Chapter has adopted a school in Kenya to which we have provided toys, books and dental hygiene kits.
health & human SERVICES
Health and Human Services facet was established 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. During the recent pandemic, COVID-19 seem to disproportionately impact African Americans. As a result, the Topeka (KS) Chapter hosted a virtual town hall on the local PBS station, KTWU, to highlight the facts about the virus and the vaccine. Speakers at the town hall were trusted community physicians of color.