Greater Providence RI Links Incorporated
OUR FIVE FACETS
The mission of the Links Incorporated is "Friendship through Service." The programs are implemented through strategies such as public information and education, economic development and public policy. The outstanding programming of The Links, Incorporated has five facets:
National Trends & Services
Focuses on eliminating disparities to reduce barriers to services through leadership, education and service with a mission to advocate the
membership to effectively empower the various communities served. This facet has hosted book signings, provided support to at-risk families, held voter registration drives during key political periods, organized a Go Green beautification garden project for local organization, held policing forums in communities of color, and provided "Blankets of Hope" and food baskets to under-served organizations in RI.
Services to Youth
Supports the goal of having better college preparedness, mentorship and strengthened aptitude for S.T.E.M. readiness. Our most recognized and longest running Program has been the Links "Focusing on the Future" College Fair designed to help high school students and their parents understand the academic requirements, financial aid, and college admission process, which has been a Signature Program since our chartering in 1995. This facet actively hosts multiple book drives to support the "Linked on Reading" project donating library and textbooks to students in elementary and middle schools in Providence, Rhode Island as well as preschool classrooms and early childhood development centers in Newport, Rhode Island and Fall River, Massachusetts. Has adopted preschool classrooms employing the Books Alive programs in Providence, RI and Fall River, Massachusetts to encourage reading, health and art.
Health & Human Services
Links with other organizations such as American Heart Association, Breast Cancer Research, United Healthcare, Dental Health Van, AARP (formerly known as American Association of Retired Persons), etc. to increase community awareness for all ages through active participation in annual walks, dental and health screenings, and providing educational materials and speakers for research and events. This facet brings greater focus, resources and coordination to the chronic health disparities that persist in our communities (such as heart disease, cancer, oral health, etc.) that reduces the life expectancy of African-Americans.
International Trends & Services
Seeks 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. This facet sponsored Liberian students working and living in RI, participated in "Black Dolls for Africa," and supported the Haiti commemorative to help draw awareness of the continued need. Partnering with Bryant university since 2009 for a two day Linkages in International Business and Foreign Affairs Empowerment of Youth (LIFE) Program to promote interest among high school students in international business, foreign affairs and multicultural relations. For more information, please click the link: LIFE Video The award-winning LIFE program ran for 10 years and will have a reunion in 2022 of all program years to reconnect. Stay tuned.
Arts
Helps to raise awareness about African art while making a difference in the underserved and under-represented communities. In partnership with Brown University's David Winton Bell Gallery, this facet brought the distinguished Harmon and Harriet Kelly Collection of African American Art to Rhode Island for a month long exhibit. Through our premier gala and fundraising event, "Art for a Cause" (AFAC), along with celebrating and appreciating the local artistic talents of Mary Jennings, the evening grossed over $40,000. The largest portion of the proceeds were donated to the Rhode Island Free Clinic. Our second AFAC featured work by various artists from the RI Institute for the Study of Non-Violence. Artist, Jordan Seaberry's work, along with sponsorships raised $12,000 for the Institute.