The VISION of the National Trends and Services facet is to eliminate disparities by reducing barriers to services through advocacy, education, and service. Our MISSION is to empower our chapters to effectively empower the communities in which we work. Our GOALS include increasing the number of sustainable and measurable programs; increasing collaborative partnerships; and extending our existing initiatives to include communities identified as having the greatest need. 

Currently, National Trends and Services encompasses the following programs and committees with national partners and sponsors, each committed to the overall vision and mission of the facet. These programs serve as a catalyst for change promoting individual and community empowerment. 

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Trash Talking: It’s No Joke!

To bring awareness to the growing crisis of bullying, we are excited to introduce a comprehensive community anti-bullying program TRASH TALKING: IT'S NO JOKE! The goal of this newest National Trends and Services initiative is to empower youth with the tools and skills to address bullying in all forms. Research shows that bullying adversely affects children's mental health, academic success and ability to relate to other children according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

 

The goals for this program are:

• To enhance a child’s ability to avoid victimization

• To enhance a child’s self-esteem

• To reduce the feelings of guilt and blame associated with victimization

• To promote disclosure of abuse and victimization

• To enhance and coordinate community response

• To enhance communication between parents and children about personal safety

• To reinforce adult supervision and protection

• To deter offender behavior

 

 

AARP Links Academy

The Links, Incorporated is partnering with AARP to implement the “AARP Links Academy.” This innovative, comprehensive program provides tools and resources to support African-American women who are either preparing for life as they age or are currently dealing with the aging process. The program includes components for preventative measures during each specific life stage and provides health, wellness and financial support and services to the 50+ community. The program is being implemented in eight target markets: Chicago, IL, Dayton, OH, New York, NY, Houston, TX, Los Angeles, CA, Atlanta, GA, Miami, FL, and San Antonio, TX.

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Wallet Wise Program

Through our national sponsorship with Ally Financial, The Links, Incorporated implements the Wallet Wise financial literacy program. The Wallet Wise program is aimed at helping people make better financial decisions by providing them with information about budgeting, credit reports, and credit scoring as well as providing other tools in an effort to assist them in making informed financial choices. Chapters conduct Wallet Wise workshops using the curriculum developed by Ally Financial. The curriculum includes classroom and online modules and is being implemented in thirty-four target markets. A youth component to compliment the Wallet Wise program is under development.

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Habitat for Humanity

To address the need for affordable housing, The Links, Incorporated established a partnership with Habit for Humanity. The partnership set the groundwork for chapters to work collaboratively with local Habitat for Humanity affiliates, volunteer at Habitat sites, raise awareness about the need for affordable housing, and provide needed resources. The goal of the partnership is to engage chapters in programming that meets the priority needs of their community and is mutually beneficial to communities serviced by Habitat for Humanity and The Links, Incorporated. The Women Build program provides one of several opportunities for chapter collaboration.

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Women’s Issues and Economic Empowerment Committee

The Women’s Issues and Economic Empowerment Committee’s focus is on the education and empowerment of women. The committee plans to convene a Women’s Summit in 2012 in collaboration with other women’s organizations. This will provide an opportunity to develop a national platform and policy papers on relevant women’s issues.