Service Programs & Facet Activities
National Trends & Services
Supports heightened awareness of current national, political, economic and social trends which enhances the organization's ability to identify and meaningfully resolve issues in the community.
The Arts
Encourages appreciation of and support for cultural enrichment of the arts.
Services to Youth
Aids youth of color in America to find and fulfill their intellectual potential.
International Trends & Services
Ensures cultural awareness of international events, affairs and issues through personal involvement, commitment and enrichment enabling the organization to provide impactful global support.
Health & 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 care resources.
The New Haven Chapter (CT) of The Links, Incorporated engages our entire Chapter membership to provide programming to students who attend Saint Martin de Porres Academy (“SMPA”), as well as students from SMPA who have matriculated to high school and college. Our programs align with our National priority to deliver and sustain transformational programs which support SMPA’s mission to encourage students and their families out of the cycle of poverty. Through education, mentorship, and exposure, our programs focus primarily on healthy mental, physical, intellectual, and psychological lifestyle choices. Students are exposed to various art forms, participate in projects to stimulate interest in science, technology, engineering, math (“STEM”), and workshops that enhance communication skills. Our Chapter’s programs are transforming lives and equipping students with the tools that support sustaining meaningful and impactful communities. Noted are a few Facet programs integrated in ways that reflect the community reach over the past several years
Sustaining the Transformation of Our Community by Leading
Be an Advocate
Services to Youth
Her Story
Students met weekly to discuss affirmations, self-esteem, leadership, confidence, courage, teamwork, and active listening. The young ladies developed affirmation lists, created a goal vision board, participated in role plays, self-esteem games and activities.
National Association of Black Engineers (“NSBE Jr.”) Jr/STEM
7th grade students attended 6 weeks of STEM activities at the Eli Whitney Museum where each week focused on a specific physical science concept. The activities included creating a drawing machine in which a solution required testing, modification, and improvement. The result of this activity was the innovation of an inventive arm made of modular wooden pieces, wire and rubber bands. The students discovered the science of inertia and experimented with the concept of light utilizing a blended light prototype. High school students were awarded $1,000 scholarships.
Bullying, Trash Talking: It’s No Joke!
A program designed to teach 5th-grade students to appropriately address issues of bullying.
Book Awards
College bound students from high schools in New Haven, CT and surrounding areas are granted book scholarships for up to $1,000 per student.
National Trends and Services
SMPA students participated in Kids Speak which provided an opportunity for students to participate in group exercises, improvisations, debates, and to hear from a panel of experts on diversity issues, educational equity, and anti-bullying. Students were also enrolled in the junior chapter of the NSBE Jr and receive a magazine subscription for 1 year which highlights STEM topics and careers.
The Arts
College bound students from high schools in New Haven, CT and surrounding areas are granted book scholarships for up to $1,000 per student.
Combined Program Reach —440
Transforming Our Community by Continuing to Lead and Empower Young Minds, Bodies and Futures
The Arts
Poster Art Competition
Grade 5-8 students participated in the biennial competition, while SMPA graduates attending local high schools participated in our area’s Young Master Writers Program. The New Haven Symphony Orchestra partnered with the Arts Facet in working with the school’s orchestra for implementation of Classics Through the Ages. Student’s oratory skills and Black History Month awareness increased through poetry by Maya Angelou, W.E.B. Du Bois and Langston Hughes.
