Service Programs & Facet Activities
National Trends
and Services
The Arts
Services to
Youth
International Trends
and Services
Health and Human
Services
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 and Empowerment
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.
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.
Bullying, Trash Talking: It’s No Joke!
A program designed to teach 5th grade students to appropriately address issues of bullying.
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
Chapter volunteers assist in exposing the SMPA students to the visual, performing, and literary arts. Students attended plays and symphony performances; participated in art and writing competitions.
Combined
Program Reach
440
Transforming Our Community by Continuing to Lead and Empower Young Minds, Bodies and Futures
The Arts
National 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.
Health and Human Services
SMPA Garden Club
Students participate in activities which exposes them to healthy eating strategies and habits. Chapter members in collaboration with SMPA, the New Haven Land Trust Garden and Entrepreneurship Program, supported students by planting a school garden. This program also engages parents of the students’ and promotes health education and awareness. All Chapter members are trained as Health Equity Ambassadors.
International Trends and Services
Mother Bear Project and the International pen pal program with Freetown, Sierra Leone
SMPA were supported by Chapter members to write letters inspiring hope and comfort to children in HIV/AIDS infected countries. Students were also exposed to international women and students who addressed issues such as health, education, immigration, labor and economic equity.
National Trends and Services
Volunteer Income Tax Assistance
Through collaboration with the United Way supported SMPA families with providing tax preparation assistance.
Combined
Program Reach
338
Let's Get To Work
National Trends and Services
New Haven Public Library’s Stetson Branch (“NHPL”) Project
NHPL sought the assistance of our Chapter members to provide job search and resume writing assistance utilizing the Connecticut Works Mobile Lab’s proprietary resources as well as those available through the NHPL. This project was the result of the NPHL’s recognition that it did not have adequate digital resources to assist patrons who were seeking employment information.
Combined
Program Reach
117
Colgate Dental Van at the John C. Daniels School of International Communication
Health and Human Services
John C. Daniels School (“JCDS”) and the Colgate Dental Van
Chapter members identified the need to increase awareness of children’s oral health by providing free dental screenings, dental hygiene information and dental professional referrals for underserved children and their families. In collaboration with the JCDS, the services of the dental van as supported by the University of Connecticut Dental School dentists and dental residents and the Cornell Scott Hill Health Center dental hygienists as well as staff from the Healthy Smiles Program, Chapter members provided support to: children, 1-12 years old, with free education and screenings; families with dental referrals to dentists willing to provide services for free and/or at nominal costs; and, families to become knowledgeable on how oral health affects the body.
Combined
Program Reach
133
Learning to Love the Arts in New Haven
The Arts
African American Youth in the Arts
The Chapter partnered with educational institutions, local businesses, and other community organizations to assist with increasing our youth’s awareness in the arts and to provide them with opportunities to hone their artistic talents and skills. Partners were laser focused on enhancing the interest, knowledge, and appreciation of the arts and supporting students local and national recognition of their works.
Combined
Program Reach
10