The Link’s support of the arts began very early in the formation of the organization and was formally recognized as one of our facets in 1964 at the 14th National Assembly.

The GOAL of The Arts facet is to increase and expand art activity, and elevate our chapter programs through arts integration and effectively create an arts renaissance within our organization and programmatic efforts.

The Arts facet is supported nationally by all chapters through partnerships with galleries, museums, and art councils, educational and corporate entities, especially with programs that focus on artists of color. West Towns follows national and regional guidance and wholeheartedly endorses the Arts facet with diverse and culturally rich programs that educate minority youth.

Through our partnership with Lincoln Elementary school in Bellwood, the West Towns Links, Inc. Chapter advances the national goal of ensuring students have opportunities to participate in culturally rich activities across multiple disciplines.

Health and Human Services Facet is actively involved in the following National Initiatives

HeartLinks to Heart Health Signature Program: encourages Links members and our service communities to understand heart disease and the risk for heart attack and stroke. The Health and Human Services Facet has invited chapter families, friends, and recently our Umbrella Program school, Lincoln School, to walk 1 or 3 miles in the American Heart Association Heart Walk. Over the course of three Heart Walks from 2013-2015, we attracted walkers and raised nearly $4,000.00 for the American Heart Association. In addition, Let’s Move Exercise Breaks are offered during chapter meetings to foster active exercise among chapter members.

National Mental Health Initiatives: promotes mental health education and helps eliminate the mental health stigma in the black community. Health and Human Services addressed the National Mental Health Initiative by hosting a workshop for adolescent girls at “It’s Just Us Girls Health and Wellness Conference” at Benedictine University in November 2015. An expert speaker was invited to facilitate the workshop entitled “Emotional Rollercoaster”. The conference served adolescent girls, ages 10-17, who are at risk or already involved in the juvenile justice system.



National HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis C Initiatives: supports HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis C education among Links members and the communities we serve. Health and Human Services is addressed the National HIV/AIDS Initiative by inviting an expert speaker to facilitate a workshop entitled “HIV/AIDS: Safety First” for adolescent girls at “It’s Just Us Girls Health and Wellness Conference”.

National Oral Health Initiative: addresses the oral health educational needs of the adults and children we serve. Health and Human Services Facet ordered Colgate’s Bright Smiles, Bright Futures Program toothbrush kits for distribution at Lincoln School. Toothbrush kits included oral health education, a toothbrush and toothpaste. 450 toothbrush kits were issued at Lincoln School.

The National Breast Health Initiative: encourages education of chapter members and the communities we serve about breast cancer, risks, and knowing one’s family history. The Health and Human Services Facet invited a Bright Pink Educational Ambassador to address our chapter in the October meeting. The Bright Pink Ambassador delivered a lecture on Breast Cancer and Ovarian Cancer with a question and answer session. Chapter education was demonstrated by responses on a post session survey. In addition, the chapter participated in a “Pin a Sister” activity. Each chapter member received 2 breast cancer awareness pins – one pin to wear for breast cancer awareness and one pin to share with another women to ensure each member is responsible for sharing breast cancer awareness education. The chapter will continue to donate to the American Cancer Society for Breast Cancer Research.

National Childhood Obesity Initiative: prevents childhood obesity among African-American children. Health and Human services plans to provide educational literature to Lincoln School families on the government initiative: “Choose MyPlate”. By distributing MyPlate literature families will receive updated information about healthy eating habits and meal planning.

Lincoln School Umbrella Program “Committing to Academic Excellence”: Vision Screen and Back to School Physicals were offered at Lincoln School’s Back to School Rally in August 2015. Health and Human Service Facet scheduled the Loyola’s Mobile Pediatric Screening Bus to be stationed at Lincoln School to assess the student’s physical and vision needs ensuring their readiness to learn this academic year.

We look forward to continuing to monitor programs and measure our progress which encourages healthy living among our community of service, our school partner, Lincoln School, and our chapter to ultimately reduce chronic health disparities facing Africans, African-Americans, and communities of African diaspora.

Volunteer on a regular basis at Feed My Starving Children a non-profit Christian organization in Aurora, Illinois. Feed My Starving Children is committed to packaging, distributing and feeding hungry children in nearly 70 countries.

Partner with the Health and Human Services facet to support the Campaign to Stop Ebola and promote infection control to prevent the illness from spreading throughout communities and countries. Hand sanitizers and Clorox disinfectant wipes were donated to all classrooms (20) at Lincoln Elementary School in Bellwood, Illinois. The donation was presented to the school to help minimize the risk of spreading contagious diseases amongst children and adults.

Closing the Academic Achievement Gap at Lincoln Elementary School in Bellwood, Illinois by volunteering, tutoring, purchasing school supplies and a year’s subscription to National Geographic for Little Kids to assist in strengthening academic performance and achievement.

National Trends and Services is the lead facet for West Towns’ Umbrella Program “Committing to Academic Excellence” at Lincoln Elementary School in Bellwood, IL. The facet coordinates the Chapter’s activities at the school, with lead responsibilities for Family Involvement and Engagement activities and a Library Enhancement project at Lincoln.

National Trends leads the Chapter’s advocacy efforts regarding “Closing the Achievement Gap” between African-American students and their white counterparts. Following Central Area Link guidance, National Trends coordinated the Chapter’s “Closing the Achievement Gap Forum” in Fall 2014 in partnership with the Kettering Foundation.

Panel members including moderator Link Gerri Gray, parent activist and diversity specialist Sandra Charles, and University of Chicago Director of Graduate Diversity Recruitment Dr. Chinonye “Chi Chi” Nnakwe led a thought provoking discussion on the academic challenges facing children of color in the western Chicago suburbs. The program was recognized with a cash award at the 2015 Central Area Conference.

In September 2015, National Trends co-sponsored a Town Hall Forum on the importance of teacher efficacy in improving student performance with several other organizations, including local school districts, sororities and other community based organizations. With over 100 participants, the forum featured a highly engaged discussion of solutions to the academic challenges faced by students in the western suburbs of Chicago led by a distinguished panel of elected State and Local officials, educators and other professionals. Additional follow-up sessions will be held to focus on specific issues affecting teacher efficacy and student performance.

In November 2015, National Trends and Services is hosting a special session with adult participants on Black Lives Matter and Voting Rights Act at the It’s Just Us Girls Health and Wellness Conference at Benedictine University in Lisle, IL.

Program Focus: Early Childhood Literacy and STEM/STEAM

For nearly a decade, the West Towns (IL) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated has been a pillar for children in the West Suburbs of Chicago, particularly in Lincoln Elementary School in Bellwood, IL. Through its innovative programs, the chapter has made a profound impact on the lives of young people, fostering their academic growth, nurturing their curiosity, and inspiring their dreams.

Links C.A.R.E. (Children Achieving Reading Excellence)

One of the chapter's most transformational initiatives is the Links C.A.R.E. Reading Program, a collaborative effort with Lincoln Elementary School. This integrative program provides monthly reading sessions to students in grades K-2, focusing on topics such as community services, health and wellbeing, science, cultural heritage, and more. In addition to these reading sessions, the program offers tutoring support to students who require extra assistance to meet grade-level expectations. By providing books, field trips, parent literacy workshops, and other enriching experiences, Links C.A.R.E. has significantly contributed to increased reading scores among the students it serves, aligning with the Links Incorporated's Links to Success Signature Program.

NSBE Jr.: Inspiring the Next Generation of STEM Leaders

In partnership with the Hoffman Estates (IL) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated, the West Towns (IL) Chapter has launched the NSBE Jr. Program, a pilot initiative aimed at middle school students in the West Suburbs. This program exposes students to science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics, while also developing their leadership skills. By participating in hands-on activities and exploring career opportunities, students are encouraged to pursue STEM-related high schools and careers. This program aligns with the Links Incorporated's STEMREADY Signature Program.

A Commitment to Excellence

The West Towns (IL) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated is dedicated to empowering families and children to achieve their full potential. Through programs like Links C.A.R.E. and NSBE Jr., the chapter is providing the tools and resources necessary for young people to succeed academically, personally, and professionally. By nurturing young minds and fostering a love for learning, the West Towns (IL) Chapter is making a lasting impact on the communities it serves.

Latoya McRae- Service to Youth, Chair 

Mary Hawkins and Lisa Allen- Service to Youth, Co-Chairs 

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