PROGRAM & INITIATIVES
Discover the transformative work we undertake to create a better future. Our chapter is engaged in a range of impactful programs, including:
THE ARTS
Twin Rivers (OH) has donated over $28,000* in performing arts scholarships in Central Ohio to Urban Strings Scholars.
The objective of our Arts Facet is to increase, expand and advance art learning and enrichment in communities of color. Links is focused, both locally and nationally, on supporting a pipeline of talented young symphony musicians who would be underfunded and overlooked without our help. Six talented young artists with great potential, called Twin Rivers Scholars, are trained by the Columbus Urban Strings, one of our key arts partnership organizations. Our partnership with organizations such as the Columbus Urban Strings and the Columbus Symphony Orchestra enables us to nurture musicians who want to pursue careers in music. And our work in the visual and performing arts in partnership with local artists helps young creatives explore poetry, spoken word and art competitions. We are proud of work in Columbus City Schools.
Other local partners include the Columbus King Arts Complex and the Friends of Art for Community Enrichment (F.A.C.E.), which both introduce the love of art and music to students at an early age in Columbus City Schools.
*over the last 5 years
HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES
Preventing Childhood Obesity through our fun and active program called Kids Outside the Box, teaches school age children how to manage their health for a lifetime.
Our Health and Human Services Facet 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. Our chapter’s award winning Kids Outside the Box, obesity prevention program, has provided over 1,600 elementary-aged children with unconventional fitness and nutritional experiences. We also participate in the Linkages to Life program with Lifeline of Ohio, the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure, and HeartLinks.
NATIONAL TRENDS & SERVICES
Through our 11- year award winning program, My Sister’s and Brother’s Keeper: Breaking the Chains of Human Trafficking, Twin Rivers (OH) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated has educated and empowered over 4,500 teenage girls and boys to avoid human trafficking.
Our National Trends and Services Facet focuses on eliminating disparities in underserved communities, by reducing barriers. Advocacy, education, and empowerment are the tools we use to transform lives.
We deliver a human trafficking prevention program to Columbus area high schools reaching students at the vulnerable ages of 13-18-years old. Our reality-based program underscores the devastation of this destructive lifestyle and empowersthe student participants to avoid going down that path. The success of this program is made possible through our collaborations with the Columbus City Schools, City of Columbus Police Department, The Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, Survivor’s Ink, Leigh’s Legacy Foundation, New Salem Baptist Church, 100 Black Men of Central Ohio, Eta Nu Chapter of Omega Psi Phi, The Grace Haven Home and Brazil Star Self Defense. We also partner with Adelphi Bank teaching 5th grade students about financial literacy empowering them to become financially responsible as they prepare for the future.
INTERNATIONAL TRENDS & SERVICES
Globally, Twin Rivers makes its mark with transformative international work through our international trends and services program. Over the years, we have built homes, provided medical supplies and supported schools in Haiti.
The mission of our award winning International Trends and Services Facet is to expand the global reach of our transformational programs. We focus on the educational, health and cultural needs of people of African descent throughout the world. We are proud to launch our first ever water sustainability project in Africa. Our “LifePump” program in partnership with Design Outreach provides clean, sustainable water access to a community of over 300 students and their families in Malawi, Africa. The LifePump supports critical daily needs such as medical care, cooking, drinking, and hygiene. And our “ITS Clean Water Project & Global Impact” program at Berwick Elementary School in collaboration with COSI (Center of Science and Industry) engages elementary grade students in science that is fun, while educating them about water conservation, water sustainability, and how to support others across the globe. We also provide much needed supplies, including personal supplies to immigrants living in Central Ohio in partnership with ETSS Tewahedo Social Services.
Students in Global Leadership Program Session
Services to youth
Over the last 15 years, the Service to Youth's Integrated Preparing Youth for Global Leadership Program has provided college and career readiness preparation for thousands of students at Eastmoor Academy and Africentric Early College, focusing on STEM, financial planning, and health and wellness activities. In 2018, the initiative expanded to recognize freshman students who Secured the B.A.G. by meeting quarterly goals related to their Behavior, Attendance, and Grades.
Additionally, we have served more than 7,000 students and families through our National Links Love HBCU Initiative in collaboration with Columbus City Schools. We also support 5th grade students through our math-focused National LINKED UP Mentoring initiative at Berwick Alternative which is designed to strengthen attendance, math engagement, boost test-taking confidence, and improve academic achievement for long-term success.
Passionate about making a difference?
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Passionate about making a difference? 〰️
We are a sisterhood of dedicated women who are committed to creating meaningful change in Black and brown communities.
Whether you're interested in community service, leadership development or simply building lifelong friendships, the Twin Rivers (OH) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated welcomes you to partner with us to continue to impact the communities we serve.