Sacramento Chapter for the benefit of The Links Foundation, Inc.

The Links Foundation, Incorporated is the philanthropic arm of The Links, Incorporated. The Foundation was established in 1979 to enhance and expand the philanthropic endeavors of The Links, Incorporated. The Links, Incorporated is an international, philanthropic organization established in 1946. The membership includes over 15,000 professional women of color in 288 chapters located in 42 states, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of the Bahamas and the United Kingdom. Marjorie Patterson and fifteen distinguished women chartered the Sacramento Chapter of The Links, Inc., on March 15, 1952. Since then, more than 65 active and alumnae Sacramento Chapter members actively dedicate themselves, on an annual basis, to providing transformational programs to the Sacramento region. Our Chapter members contribute more than 4,000 documented hours of community service during the last two fiscal years.

The Sacramento Links' transformational programs are focused in five facet areas.
- THE ARTS programs expand and increase visual and performing art activities, which introduce, exhibit, and help to preserve the legacy of the African ancestry.
- SERVICES TO YOUTH programs educate, empower and strengthen youth to advance, improve and enable them to access resources and opportunities.
- SCHOLARSHIPS are awarded to college-bound high school seniors through our Scholarship Program. Leadership and entrepreneurial skills are developed and academic scholarships are awarded though our Achievers Program.
- NATIONAL TRENDS AND SERVICES programs eliminate disparities by reducing barriers to services through advocacy, education and service.
- INTERNATIONAL TRENDS AND SERVICES programs promote global awareness and provide activities that serve the educational, health and cultural needs of people of African descent throughout the world.
- HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES promotes and facilitates 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.

We strive to uplift aspirations and promote cultural and economic survival by encouraging strong values and a dedication to excellence. We devote our volunteer hours to encouraging and empowering youth and their families. We engage students in scholarship, leadership development, mentorship, ethics, community service and skill development.

Recent Youth & Family programs include:
- ACHIEVERS PROGRAM which has impacted over 400 male youth. This program consists of 16 development sessions with the goal of developing strong values and dedication to excellence among African American young men thereby strengthening the family unit. This program has been restructured into our BLACK ACHIEVERS CREATING CHANGE program.
- SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM which has awarded over $300,000 for educational pursuits. Scholarship recipients exemplify academic excellence, exhibit leadership potential and make a positive impact within the Sacramento region through service to others.
- BSU VOTER EDUCATION, OUTREACH AND REGISTRATION DRIVE, a partnership with Black Student Unions and other community service organizations aimed at registering first-time voters and targeting communities which have been historically disenfranchised, unengaged and therefore non-voting. Increasing participation among African American Youth is a high priority.
- EDUCATE A GIRL CHANGE THE WORLD brings awareness to challenges faced by girls at home and abroad in pursing educational opportunities. This program inspires girls to stay in school and strive for excellence.
- CHRISTMAS DINNERS FOR SCHOOL FAMILIES provides wrapped holiday food boxes containing a turkey, fresh fruit, vegetables, deserts, beverages and all the traditional sides to needy school families of six to eight people. These meals help alleviate holiday food challenges; over 100 boxes have been provided in the past five years. We engage the family on healthy eating and promote family exercise and community safety during the holiday season. Students participate in art projects and Links Achievers share strategies on being a successful student.
- Supported the Oak Park Youth Little League
- DISTINGUISHED AUTHOR SERIES in partnership with Kaiser Permanente brought prominent young African American motivational speakers to Sacramento. Featured speakers Hill Harper and Jeff Johnson educated and inspired over 300 young adults.
- Partnered with Crocker Art Museum in various endeavors to give youth exposure to the arts including appearances by Elizabeth Catlett, Ernie Barnes, Faith Ringgold, and others.
- Partnered with UC Davis, local community groups and churches to provide screening, educational workshops and training locally for more that 1,000 individuals to reduce health disparities in heart disease for African Americans.
- Provided Senior Citizens Christmas Luncheon with over 1,000 seniors served over the past twenty years.