Our Programs
The Orangeburg (SC) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated is guided by five transformational facets: Services to Youth, The Arts, National Trends and Services, International Trends and Services, and Health and Human Services.
Service to Youth
An integrated approach to preparing youth for the global workforce as healthy citizens. The words of the great children's advocate, Marian Wright Edelman, resonate with us today more than ever. The Links, Incorporated is committed to leading the way as champions of change, ensuring that youth are academically successful and engaged in healthy lifestyles. In 2012, more than one third of children and adolescents were overweight or obese. Research shows that active, healthy children achieve greater success in school, have greater self-esteem, and become healthy adults who lead productive lives.
The Arts
Throughout the nation today, Links chapters partner with museums, symphonies, arts councils, educational institutes and corporations in order to support art programs, especially where there is a focus on artists of color. Links are creating and supporting opportunities for educating minority youth in the arts and presenting and supporting performances by youth and accomplished professional artists in a diversity of disciplines.
The GOAL of The Arts facet is to increase and expand art activity. We recognize how art is an important foundation to good mental health and can foster healthy connections by Building A Healthy Legacy: Our Prescription for the Future. Our programming includes arts integration within our chapters and partnerships with likeminded organizations, sowing the seed of creativity deeper in our community.
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.
National Trends
and Services
“Empowering People; Transforming Lives!”
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.
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 HHS 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 plays a significant role in providing it.
National HBCU Initiative
The goal of the National HBCU Initiative is to implement and increase the retention and graduation rates of students attending HBCUs. While emphasizing the relevance of HBCUs’ past, present and future, this initiative strives to create synergy and complement program initiatives already underway at schools.
ORANGEBURG (SC) LINKS AWARD WINNING COMMUNITY SERVICE PROGRAMS
Project l.E.A.D. High Expectations
Sisters in Sync (SIS)
“The Word is Out” Youth Summit
“Linking to Success” Brookdale School Program
“Magazine Project” Brookdale School
“Healthy People 2010” – Health Disparities Program
Rosenwald Schools Project
“Project Walking Fete” Poster Art Contests
Soles for Souls – Haiti Relief Initiative
“Maama Kits” – Haiti Initiative
“A Global Investment in Women and Youth”
WIS – TV Series on Positive Parenting
“Stimulating the Whole Child” Bootstraps Program
“Links to a Healthy Lifestyle Summer Program”
Current Community Service Program
“The DREAM Circle”
Mellichamp Elementary School After-School Program
Orangeburg (SC) Chapter, The Links Incorporated Supports
Claflin University
South Carolina State University
Free Medical Clinic
Edisto Habitat for Humanity
NAACP
Orangeburg Church Ministries of Orangeburg
Orangeburg Consolidated School District Five
Project Life: Positeen
Sunlight Community Center
United Negro College Fund
Haiti Relief Fund
American Red Cross
The Filling Station
Helen Sheffield Girls Federated Club
Orangeburg Pilot Club
The Orangeburg (SC) Chapter provides an academic scholarship each year to a high school student attending
Claflin University and South Carolina State University.