Inspire. Connect. Engage.
As one of the nation's oldest and largest volunteer service organizations, we are committed to enriching, sustaining and ensuring the culture and economic survival of African Americans and other persons of African ancestry. The overall network is comprised of 4 areas, and Circle City is part of the Central Area.
President's
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Deborah Oatts, President
Welcome to Circle City (IN) Links!
Since its inception in 1995, this Chapter has been a part of the international network of The Links, Incorporated. Chapters can be found in 41 states across the U.S., District of Columbia and the Commonwealth of The Bahamas.
Our founding and guiding principles are Friendship and Service.
More than 14,000 professional women of color across 282 chapters serve our local communities with a specific focus on:
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Health & Human Services
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Services to Youth
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The Arts
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National Trends & Services
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International Trends & Services
In Indianapolis, the Circle City (IN) Chapter has supported programs in collaboration with The Asante Children’s Theater, Marion County Health Department, Dress for Success, Shalom Health Center, and Coburn Place, just to name a few. Now in our 20th year, we continue to collaborate with community partners and civic leaders to channel our financial resources to address specific needs. Our primary focus is helping minority women and youth through our program facets mentioned above. Our passion is rolling up our sleeves to do the work that is necessary to transform lives and make a noticeable difference in our community. Our mission is Links FRIENDS working together to plan and SERVE through our program facets.
We welcome you to this website – a glimpse into who we are and what we do. We also invite you to stay connected to the Circle City (IN) Chapter through Facebook and follow us on Twitter @CircleCityLinks.
Link Deborah Oatts,
President
ABOUT US
THE BEGINNING OF THE LINKS LEGACY:
Service Founded on Friendship
The Circle City Chapter of The Links, Incorporated was established in Indianapolis during a weekend full of celebrations in November 1995. The chartering activities were led by the National Vice President, Link Barbara Dixon Simpkins and the Area Director, Link Delores Henderson. With enthusiasm and a heart for service, 25 women embraced Linkdom to become the 5th chapter in the state of Indiana.
The charter members of the Circle City (IN) Chapter of the Links Incorporated were Links: Billie Sanders, Gail Barrett, Cynthia Bates, Marcha Bennett, Margo Blair, Barbara Boyd, Rosie Hicks, Judie Carmichael, Dorothy R. Crenshaw, Cyn-thia Desadier, Diana Daniels, Azea Davis, Jann McMillian, Annette Henderson, Delores Kennedy Williams, Marie Rahman, Edith Patterson, Yvonne Perkins, De-lorise Rainey, Debra Simmons Wilson, Deborah Hearn Smith, Betty Stewart, Mildred Varnado, Myrna Waller and Barbara Williams. Twelve of the original members remain active to date.
PROGRAMMING
The transformational programming of the Circle City (IN) Chapter is designed to address problems related to poverty in Indianapolis. African American families make up a disproportionate number of families with children under the age of 18 who are in poverty, at 19% compared to 7.6% of the general population. Compared with children from more affluent families, poor children are more likely to struggle in school and experience health, behavioral and emotional problems. These children and families need more support than ever before. We address these needs through the following five areas, or facets.
Health & Human Services
We address health disparities in communities of color through education, health advocacy, and optimal utilization of resources.
International Trends
The mission of this facet is to expand the global platform for programs designed and developed to service the educational, health and cultural needs of...
National Trends
The focus of this facet is to provide community programs that increase awareness of issues that affect the quality of life of African Americans.
The Arts
The Arts Facet was established at the 14th National Assembly in 1964. Throughout the nation, Links chapters have partnered with their local museums, symphonies, arts councils, educational...
Services To Youth
This facet provides a range of innovative, substantive and sustainable programming which contributes proven results to key educational, social and community issues...
CONNECT WITH US
Our Address
1300 E. 86th Street
Suite 14, Box#116
Indianapolis, IN 46240
Contact Us
(317) 339-5555