The Channel Islands Chapter of the Links, Incorporated was charted in 1982 and serves Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties. The Chapter is committed to empowering our members so that we can effectively empower the communities in which we serve. We strive to eliminate disparities so as to reduce barriers to services through leadership, education, and service.
About the Channel Islands (CA) Chapter
The Channel Islands (CA) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated continues to be a premier nonprofit organization in Ventura County, California. Our Chapter is composed of progressive, talented women who have the common goal of enhancing the quality of life in our communities with an increased emphasis on empowering our youth. The chapter was chartered in June 1982 by Louise Finch and Marilyn Ucok, and celebrates 40 years of service to the Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties. This chapter is one of many across the United States structured to implement programs within our organization’s five facets: (1) National Trends and Services (2) International Trends and Services (3) The Arts (4) Services to Youth (5) Health and Human Services.
Local Community Events
2021-22 Arts Facets
“Highlighting African American Artists and Activists: Celebrating Historical Figures through the Lenses of Our Children.”
In 2020, Link Michele R. Dean, Ed.D., presented a 90-minute after school “Contemporary Black Ballerinas” professional development session with three fifth grade teachers at Juan Lagunas Soria Elementary School in the Oxnard School District in Ventura County, California. In addition to Link Dean, Link Debra Bagley, Link Charlotte Gullap-Moore, and Link Doris Wells were in also attendance. The program grew to 19 teachers & Links members in 2021 via Zoom professional development sessions, including books on Paul Robeson, Josephine Baker and other notables. The 2022 program garnered 30 teaching professionals & Link members with books showcasing Melba Liston, Celia Cruz, Philip Freelon and other famous personalities. These books are read & vetted by Link Members to introduce to Ventura County middle school educators to share with their students, particularly in Black History month.
Community Service Project
Channel Islands (CA) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated participated in the 43rd National Assembly Community Service Project. The goal of the project is to donate at least 7,500 books for pre-K -3rd graders to Head Start Centers throughout the United States and comparable sites in the Bahamas and United Kingdom. The literacy program is based on the belief that reading is the key foundation enabling all children to succeed. Each chapter in The Links Incorporated was asked to donate 26 books to a local head start center. On June 8, 2022, our chapter donated a total of 34 books to the Jeff Davis Center in Oxnard, California.
Legacy of Love
The Channel Islands Chapter of The Links, Inc.’s “Legacy of Love” project supports Black Women who lack stable housing in Ventura County.
Annual Holiday Giving Program
The Channel Islands Chapter of The Links, Inc. supports the Coalition for Family Harmony through our annual holiday giving program which supports services to victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. The mission of the Coalition is to provide direct services to victims of domestic violence and sexual assault; to educate the community regarding violence against women, children, and men; and to prevent the cycle of violence. Since 1976, the Coalition has provided victims of family violence with the means to help them escape their life of abuse – and for over 30 years, we have operated a 24-hour bilingual crisis hotline to enable their first step toward a better life.
2022 Arts Facet Black Children Literature Program2022 Arts Facet Black Children Literature Program2022 Arts Facet Black Children Literature Program2022 Arts Facet Black Children Literature ProgramThe International Trends Committee made a donation to Heifer International a flock of chickens & a goat. Making a difference to families and investing in women; the key to ending hunger & poverty. The International Trends Committee made a donation to Heifer International a flock of chickens & a goat. Making a difference to families and investing in women; the key to ending hunger & poverty. The International Trends Committee made a donation to Heifer International a flock of chickens & a goat. Making a difference to families and investing in women; the key to ending hunger & poverty.February 2022 Red Dress Month to spotlight Heart Health! Services to Youth – Socks Donation to Homeless 2021 A tribute to Women’s History Month highlighted an African American woman author Lauri Fitz-Pegado’s book Dancing in the Dash.
Her story of Empowerment, Diplomacy, and Resilience.
New Member Service Project: “Awe & Wonder” presented by Karen Jackson & Karen Mims
New Member Service Project: “Awe & Wonder”New Member Service Project: “Awe & Wonder”New Member Service Project: “Awe & Wonder”New Member Service Project: “Awe & Wonder”Presented by Karen Jackson & Karen Mims.2022 Black History Film Screening: “Dark Girls 2” 2022 Black History Film Screening: “Dark Girls 2”2022 Black History Film Screening: “Dark Girls 2” 26th annual Walk-a–Thon26th annual Walk-a-Thon26th annual Walk-a-Thon26th annual Walk-a-Thon26th annual Walk-a-Thon26th annual Walk-a-Thon26th annual Walk-a-ThonLinks Installation Links InstallationLinks InstallationGifts for Coalition for Family HarmonyGifts for Coalition for Family HarmonyGifts for Coalition for Family HarmonyLinks at Oxnard Jazz FestivalLinks at training Chicos scholarship fundraiser Chicos scholarship fundraiser Chicos scholarship fundraiser Chicos scholarship fundraiser Chicos scholarship fundraiser Chicos scholarship fundraiser Get Out the Vote & Black Lives MatterGet Out the Vote & Black Lives MatterGet Out the Vote & Black Lives MatterGet Out the Vote & Black Lives MatterGet Out the Vote & Black Lives MatterGet Out the Vote & Black Lives MatterGet Out the Vote & Black Lives MatterGet Out the Vote & Black Lives MatterGet Out the Vote & Black Lives MatterGet Out the Vote & Black Lives MatterGet Out the Vote & Black Lives MatterGet Out the Vote & Black Lives MatterGet Out the Vote & Black Lives MatterGet Out the Vote & Black Lives MatterGet Out the Vote & Black Lives MatterCIC-STY (Services to Youth)National Trends activityNational Trends activityNational Trends activityNational Trends activityZoom Cooking ClassZoom Cooking ClassZoom Cooking ClassZoom Cooking ClassZoom Cooking ClassZoom Cooking ClassLinks membersLinks membersLinks Parents SeminarLinks Parents SeminarLinks Parents Seminar Lunch & Learn II- Dr. Maurice Hobson Lunch & Learn II- Dr. Maurice Hobson Lunch & Learn II- Dr. Maurice HobsonBook Club fundraiserBook Club fundraiserBook Club fundraiserBook Club fundraiserLinks ConferenceLinks ConferenceLinks ConferenceLinks ConferenceLinks ConferenceLinks ConferenceLinks ConferenceLinks ConferenceJuneteenth CelebrationLibrary DisplayLibrary DisplayLibrary DisplayLinks MembersLinks MembersCLU Youth SummitCLU Youth SummitCLU Youth SummitCLU Youth SummitCLU Youth SummitCLU Youth SummitCLU Youth SummitCLU Youth SummitMembersZoom Holiday SocialZoom Holiday SocialZoom Holiday SocialZoom Holiday SocialZoom Holiday SocialBlack History MonthBlack History MonthSupporting “Soles for Souls” projectMembers supporting Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin’s Youth ProjectMembers support CAUSE organizationMembers with National PresidentVP Kamala Harris induction into Links, Inc.Link Suzanne meets V.P. Kamala HarrisLink Nita & Michele receive awardLinks support breast cancer awarenessLinks support breast cancer awareness.Links supporting the Ventura NAACPGet Out the Vote SisterhoodMembers at ConferenceCIC Members on Mission Trip to HaitiCIC Members on Mission Trip to HaitiCIC Members on Mission Trip to HaitiCIC Members on Mission Trip to HaitiCIC Members on Mission Trip to HaitiLink Joan receives Distinguished Service AwardMembers at RetreatMembers at ConferenceThe Channel Islands Chapter of The Links, Inc.’s Health & Human Services Committee saw an opportunity to host a sneaker drive fundraiser during the 26th annual Walk for Healthy Living Walk-a-Thon. For this event, the Channel Islands Chapter of The Links, Inc. partnered with GotSneakers.com. Most people throw away their used sneakers every 125-200 days without ever thinking about recycling.
Leading With Excellence, Serving With Grace 