History

The Gainesville (FL) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated developed out of F.O.C.U.S. (Females Organized for the Challenges of Unity and Self Awareness), a civic organization founded in 1978, dedicated to improving the physical, emotional, intellectual and moral status of African American women. It consisted of women from the local university and the Gainesville community. The primary program was called College Admission Requirements Essentials (CARE). It was successfully launched on April 7, 1984, with a grant from the Community Instructional Service.

This program was designed to help high school students raise their SAT scores. It was successful, and the grant was renewed for the 1985-1986 academic year. This program was the chapter’s Umbrella Project. The Charter Day was May 18, 1985 with the inducting officers Mrs. Carolyn Washington, Southern Area Director, and Mrs. Jacqueline Robinson, National Chapter Establishment Officer attending. Our National Vice-President, Mrs. Regina Jollivette Frazier, and National Director of International Trends and Services, Mrs. Gwendolyn Welters were also present.

Our Vision

The Links, Incorporated will impact the quality of life for human-kind through community service. In response to an ever-changing society, The Links, Incorporated will increase its participation nationally and internationally for a stronger partnership with people of good will and good deeds.

Our Mission

The Links, Incorporated is a volunteer service organization of concerned and talented women, who linked in friendship, enhance the quality of life in the larger community. The organization is primarily concerned with enriching, sustaining and ensuring the identities, culture and economic survival of African-Americans and persons of African descent.

To contribute to the formulation of a positive, productive, and culturally diverse society, The Links, Incorporated also focuses on education, cultural enrichment, health and wellness, and civic involvement. This focus is implemented through strategies such as public information and education, economic development, and public policy.