Our Programs

Meeting the academic, health, cultural, social awareness, career development, and mentoring needs of youth of African descent are the priorities of the Services to Youth Facet. This is tantamount to equipping our youth to use their intellect and spirit of achievement to become successful and productive citizens. Services to Youth (STY), The Links, Incorporated’s first program, was created in 1958 to ensure that young people are prepared to succeed as healthy citizens in the global workforce and to promote healthy lifestyles within families and communities through the integrated approach used by this facet. Areas of focus include the Links STEMReady Signature Program, Links to Success: Children Achieving Excellence Signature Program, national Mentoring Initiative, national HBCU Initiative, and Young Achievers.

The Chesapeake/Virginia Beach (VA) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated (CVB Links) works determinedly to meet the goals of the facet, which are to close the achievement gap from PreK through college, promote the integration of health and wellness programs focused on youth and families, mentoring, and expanding/supporting STEM/STEAM activities, and promoting/supporting historically black colleges and universities.

The Links, Incorporated established The Arts Facet in 1946 to produce and support programs to enrich the quality of life of our youth and communities through educational and engaging art experiences. Areas of focus include Signature Arts programs: Classics Through the Ages, National Poster Art Competition, Partner in the Arts: The Sphinx Organization, and the Young Master Writers  Competition Program. We can integrate the arts within our chapter and communities through these programs.

The Arts Facet of the Chesapeake/Virginia Beach (VA) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated (CVB Links) recognizes and supports the arts' role in developing and empowering minority youth. The Arts allow our young students to foster creativity, show expression in various media, and enhance their cultural understanding while celebrating their heritage. The CVB Links acknowledges the impact of creative expression and exploration as it can open the door to myriad possibilities. Through The Arts, minority youth can explore their leadership, become change-makers, advocates, and contribute to their communities and society.

The Links, Incorporated established the National Trends and Services Facet (NTS) in 1964 to eliminate disparities by reducing barriers to services for people of African descent through advocacy, education, and service. In this vein, the mission is to empower the communities in which we live and work effectively. This work to reduce disparities requires a collaborative and multifaceted approach involving existing organizations to leverage resources and expertise. Areas of focus include the Ally Wallet Wise Financial Literacy Program, Project LEAD: High Expectations: Responding to the Drug Epidemic, and AARP: Are You Ready? Programs.

The National Trends and Services Facet of the Chesapeake/Virginia Beach (VA) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated (CVB Links) recognizes that addressing disparities and barriers requires ongoing commitment and a collective effort from many organizations, communities, and individual sources. 

The Links, Incorporated established International Trends and Services (ITS) Facet in 1978 to provide services and deliver transformation programs to people of African ancestry globally so that they may have a better way of life. Programs were created to enrich and sustain the cultural and economic survival of people of African ancestry. Areas of focus include Education Across the Miles Signature Program, LinksHelp for Humanity, LIFE Program, and the Links at the United Nations. Through ITS, schools have been adopted in South Africa, Liberia, Ghana, and Jamaica, wells dug in Haiti, and Links Maternal Waiting Homes built in Liberia. 

The International Trends and Services Facet of the Chesapeake/Virginia Beach (VA) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated (CVB Links) recognizes that enriching the cultural and economic survival of people of African ancestry refers to a dedication and committed effort to support and empower individuals through Education and awareness, advocacy and social justice, and community development. This collective effort involves many organizations to facilitate and promote the economic and educational well-being of individuals and communities. 

In 2010, The Links, Incorporated established the Health and Human Services (HHS) facet in response to the chronic health disparities that persist in Black communities, resulting in decreased life expectancy of African Americans and other people of African ancestry. Areas of focus include the Health Equity Ambassador Program, Heart Links Signature Program, Linkages to Life Signature Program, National HIV/AIDS Initiative, National Mental Health Initiative, and the National Oral Health Initiative.

The Health and Human Services Facet of the Chesapeake/Virginia Beach (VA) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated recognizes that addressing chronic health disparities that persist in communities of people of African descent requires a comprehensive and multi-facet approach, long-term commitment and collaboration between various organizations and individuals.