Embracing Service in our Community

A Welcome from President Cara L. Walker

I am excited to welcome you to the Raritan Valley (NJ) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated, website to showcase and celebrate the meaningful work of our chapter. As Chapter President, leading this remarkable sisterhood of women dedicated to making a difference in our communities is an honor and a privilege.

 

Established on April 26, 1986, our chapter has over 38 years of driving positive change, especially in the Black community. Our chapter’s service area includes the Middlesex, Union, and Somerset counties in New Jersey. Some of our incredible highlights of commitment to service and excellence in our community that are aligned with our National Facets include the following:  

 

• Health and Human Services: Health, emotional well-being, wellness, and proper nutrition are fundamental to resilience in our communities. Over the years, we've focused on addressing and providing solutions to health disparities in the Black community. To increase our efforts, we have organized health fairs and wellness workshops, supplied dental services for children, and collaborated with local healthcare providers to create positive health outcomes in our community.

• Services to Youth: Our chapter provides annual scholarships and develops impactful programs to educate and empower our youth. Mentoring and after-school programs have allowed chapter members to cultivate and encourage our youth. We are acutely aware of the need to provide opportunities to create a path for their future.

• International Trends and Services: Our dedication to uplifting our communities extends beyond our local community. The Raritan Valley Chapter remains abreast and informed of global issues, especially those that adversely affect marginalized communities. Our international initiatives, specifically those with students in Jamaica, further conversations to provide solutions to issues in global sister communities. Through dialogue and education, we better understand how to approach those challenges.

• National Trends and Services: We recognize the Black Community's challenges and steadfastly support our national trends and services initiatives. Our chapter advocates for addressing critical issues facing our nation and local communities through support of policy changes and active participation in community forums.

• The Arts: The Raritan Valley chapter supports the artistic talents of children, students, local artists, and organizations, and promotes cultural arts enrichment programs in our community. We recognize the power of arts initiatives and foster a deeper appreciation to sustain a vibrant artistic fabric in Middlesex, Union, and Somerset counties.

 

We look forward to establishing new initiatives to serve our community as we reflect on past achievements and are determined to continue positively impacting our local and global communities. We also look forward to building partnerships with other community advocates who share our values and common goals for uplifting our community as we continue to chart our course of success in service.

​

I am beyond encouraged about the future of our chapter, an organization committed to our vision of a sisterhood committed to providing positive services to our local and global communities. 

​

Committed to serving our community with excellence,

 

Cara L. Walker

Cara L. Walker, President

Raritan Valley (NJ) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated