INTERNATIONAL TRENDS AND SERVICES

The International Trends and Services facet provides services and delivers transformational programs to people of African ancestry globally so that they may have a better quality of life. Programs are designed and developed to service educational, health, and cultural needs and to help people emerge from poverty. A primary objective of our international work is to enrich the lives of women and their families.

Members of the Austin (TX) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated participated in a humanitarian mission in Montego Bay, Jamaica in February 2020. The purpose of the trip was to support various primary schools throughout rural Jamaica by providing educational materials and healthcare items. Links members purchased and packaged school supplies and instructional materials which we donated to the schools. Our donations also included computers and tablets. Denise Davis, a member of the Austin (TX) Chapter, volunteered for two full days at four elementary schools – Mt. Carey Baptist Basic School, Mt. Zion Primary School, Watford Hill Primary School, and St. Mary’s Preparatory and Kindergarten School–providing healthcare and first aid education.

Links Help for Humanity is a National initiative centered on the belief that all people have the right to live with dignity and have access to basic life necessities. Links Help for Humanity focuses on outreach efforts that provide access to clean water; personal hygiene supplies; food; and medical attention and supplies to people of African ancestry abroad.

Sixty-six percent of Haitians living in urban settings don’t have access to improved sanitation and toilets, which has resulted in one of the most virulent cholera epidemics in the world and high rates of childhood diarrheal incidence. To address this crisis, The Links, Incorporated is working to deliver 1,000 dry toilets to Haitian residents so they may have access to toilets in their homes. In-home toilets will provide families a sense of pride as well as increased safety and security.

The Austin (TX) Chapter donates funds towards this humanitarian effort.