The key programming initiatives of The Links, Incorporated are organized into five areas called “facets”: Services to Youth, National Trends and Services, International Trends and Services, The Arts and Health and Human Services. Through these facets, we implement programs and initiatives that address the most critical needs of our community.

Services to Youth

Recognizing the need to nurture our young people to develop their full potential, Services to Youth was the first facet adopted by The Links, Incorporated. The goals of this facet include closing the achievement gap from pre-K through college, helping children develop self-esteem and good decision-making skills, increasing literacy, promoting and supporting Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), and equipping black youth to use their intellect and spirit of achievement to become successful and productive citizens.

The Albany District Chapter has consistently supported programs to enrich the youth in our community. For more than a decade the Chapter sponsored a successful youth development program, following two cohorts from fourth-grade through graduation. This program, Believers and Achievers, received recognition and awards at our Eastern Area conferences.

Since 2014, the Chapter has refocused its efforts on supporting youth in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics education. The Math Sprints program is designed to help students improve their scores on New York State standardized testing. Students are engaged in critical thinking and team work that provide essential life skills — “Math is the Path.”

The Services to Youth facet also supports Two Together and the Hamilton Hill Arts Center. Two Together, an after-school reading enrichment/literacy program is located in the South End of Albany. Founded in 1997, this award winning program also provides homework assistance and is structured to enhance and improve students' reading, writing, academic performance, and advance their character development. The Hamilton Hill Arts Center, a 501(c)3, is Schenectady’s only African/African-American Arts Center. The center is planning to create a Sculpture Garden and we are assisting them in planning this unique project.

National Trends and Services

The mission of the National Trends and Services facet is to empower our community through advocacy, education and service. Our programming includes partnering with organizations that support women, children, teens and families as well as the broader community. 

Volunteer service under this facet includes providing a total of 88 books, which included 10 books for each grade level (K thru 5) as well as six (6) teaching manuals to support the students and staff of Troy Elementary School #2.

NTS members conducted a successful handbag and shoe drive for the local Dress for Success affiliate.

We recently developed a partnership with St. Anne Institute, a private, not for profit, secular residential and community-based preventive service agency,  and hosted a mini Spa Day featuring workshops on hair and skin care for 20 St. Anne residents. NTS members also volunteered their time and talent at the St. Anne Institute’s Bishop Howard Hubbard Homeless Shelter for Teens by painting and providing décor to update the shelter’s common room.  

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.

The facet has worked to expand the chapter’s reach and impact by partnering with an increasing number of not-for-profit and faith-based organizations including groups that address immigration issues. One such project is the MoonCatcher Project, which provides reusable, washable, menstrual pads for girls in the poorest communities worldwide in Africa, South America and Asia. Chapter members not only participate in “Moon Bees,” but also organize, schedule and host the gatherings to manufacture the pads. Donations of pads, tampons and other sanitary materials are also collected at the Moon Bees for distribution to local women shelters.

In 2018, the ITS facet launched a Global Citizen Scholarship for candidates who aspire to change the world for the greater good through their commitment to scholarship, leadership and community service. Funds are set aside to help young people develop critical skills, enabling them to be aware of their place in the world, stand up for their beliefs, and better understand international events while evaluating the ethics of their decisions.

Health and Human Services

The Health and Human Services Facet was established in response to the chronic health disparities that exist in communities of color. Through the HHS facet, the Albany chapter promotes and facilitates programs that support the maintenance of good health via education, health advocacy and promoting access and utilization of health resources.

The Albany chapter annually supports the American Heart Association through donations and promoting heart health. The chapter started a walking club and sponsors events for area youth on not only physical health, but also mental health.

Links members 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 the quality and quantity of arts programming and to elevate umbrella and integrated programs through arts integration. We recognize how art is an important foundation to good mental health and well-being which can foster healthy connections within and beyond our chapter.

Since 2008, Classics Through the Ages has been a signature program of The Links, Incorporated at the national level. The program focuses on increasing the interest, knowledge and participation of African-American youth in the classical arts.

The Albany chapter is currently supporting a local musical program called Capital District Keys for Kids, a free seasonal music program for youth ages 7-15. Other arts initiatives that we have supported that connect youth to the classics are the Macedonia Church Youth Orchestra and Tsehaya and Friends Dance Troupe.