Community Partners
about Our community partners
Charlotte (NC) Chapter forms Partnership with Renaissance West Community and School
When the Charlotte (NC) Chapter began planning how to serve the community through its program theme “Linking Mind, Body and Spirit: Fit for Life”, members knew they wanted to work with a community where they could help to provide comprehensive services to meet the needs of women, children and families. After researching the needs throughout the Charlotte area and working through a strategic planning process, the Chapter embarked upon a long-term partnership to serve the Renaissance West Community, as well as the Renaissance West STEAM Academy – the neighborhood’s elementary school.
The Renaissance West Community is an initiative designed to transform people through high-quality mixed-income housing, community wellness initiatives and cradle-to-career educational programs and opportunities. The community is designed to create and sustain a healthy environment, strong families and academic achievement.
This “Win-Win” partnership with RWCI and Renaissance West STEAM Academy offers The Charlotte Chapter of The Links, Inc. the ideal opportunity to render high quality “service” to those in need (women, children, families) and forge relationships with this community and its families by crafting and implementing high quality transformational programs that will begin to address the interrelated factors that have the greatest impact on children and family stability that keep them in the “poverty trap.” To whom much is given, much is required.”
Overview of Programs in the Renaissance West Community and School
Our chapter programs seek to create a culture of wellness and empowerment in the Renaissance West community as a contributing solution to generational poverty. Our theme, Linking Mind, Body and Spirit: Fit for Life, specifies the three components of this program – physical, social, and emotional. Activities have been designed to address healthy eating, balanced living, stress reduction, self-esteem, self and family empowerment and anti-bullying and healthy relationships.
We are committed to helping to improve the lives of everyone who lives in the community with an emphasis on our targets, women, ages 20 -45 and children, grades 3-5. We are dedicated to offering the resources, time and energy needed to make a difference. This commitment exemplifies the core principles of The Links, Incorporated and we are proud to be part of a transformative initiative aimed at improving family stability and curtailing the cycle of poverty with a holistic approach.
The Charlotte (NC) Chapter has completed and planned several initiatives and activities for the community and school as part of its comprehensive program that focuses on mental, physical and spiritual health.
Women’s Wellness Seminar focused on self-esteem, healthy eating and mental health
Anti-bullying events – seminars, pep rallies and workshops
Girls’ Night Out at Renaissance West Steam Academy – A special night for girls in grades 3-5 focused on their developmental and social needs
Cultural educational sessions – with a focus on international foods and African dance performances
Community Health Fair vendor – providing free screenings and information on healthy living
School collection drives for supplies and school uniforms
Teacher and staff appreciation activities
Donor Sabbath observance and programs to promote the importance of organ donation; particularly among African Americans
Poster contest and arts-focused initiatives
Walk-a-Thons to support awareness of breast cancer, Alzheimer’s disease and heart health
Other Current and Past Community Partners
Charlotte-Mecklenburg County Schools
Renaissance West Community Initiative
Friendship Missionary Baptist Church
New Waves of Joy Church
Ash Shaheed Masjid Mosque
Girl Talk Foundation, Inc. – Charlotte
Lydia’s Legacy
Hope 4 Youth Charlotte
Double Oaks Outreach Family Resource Center
The Center for Community Transitions
Afro-American Cultural Center
Life Share Organ Donation
The Institute for the Advancement of Multicultural and Minority Medicine
International Children’s Ministry
Centre D’Etudes Classiques de Meyer, a non-profit school in Jacmel, Haiti
Crown Jewels (NC) Chapter, The Links, Incorporated
Wilmington (NC) Chapter, The Links, Incorporated
The Mint Museum
Mecklenburg County Park & Recreation
Second Harvest Food Bank
United Way of Central Carolinas
McCrorey YMCA
Y Achievers – YMCA of Greater Charlotte
Junior League of Charlotte
Johnson C. Smith University
University of North Carolina at Charlotte
Central Piedmont Community College