A Message From Our President
Greetings,
It is indeed an honor to serve as President of the Des Moines (IA) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated. The Links, Incorporated was founded on November 4, 1946. This year, we are celebrating seventy-five years of service. The organization is an international, non-profit corporation that is one of the nation’s oldest and largest volunteer organizations. We are committed towards enhancing the quality of life for children and families who are of African heritage.
The Des Moines (IA) Chapter was chartered on November 9,1957 with 14 charter members. Elaine Graham Estes is our only living charter member.
Sitting: Harriett Bruce, Elaine Estes, Huelette Bell, Alta Herndon, Willie S. Glanton, and Gertha Jones.
Over the past 64 years, we have implemented The Links, Incorporated goals and core values through numerous programs and projects. These include but are not limited to self-esteem and education programs for black females 11 to 16, as well as, providing comprehensive programs for students and parents for an elementary school, supported African immigrant programs, organized an Art Gala with the Des Moines Art Center featuring Black exhibits and local Black artists, curated a Black Doll Exhibit and a Black Film Festival, assisted in building a new Habitat for Humanity house and established a National Society of Black Engineers, Jr. (NSBE Jr) Chapter. The Chapter was recently awarded a Kidney Awareness, Resources and Education grant from the Baxter Corporation to increase awareness in the Black community about preventing kidney disease.
The Des Moines Chapter members have always exhibited extraordinary leadership. Willie Stevenson Glanton and Teree Caldwell-Johnson have served as Central Area Directors. Barbara Oliver-Hall has served as a regional and national parliamentarian. Other members have also shared their skills on a variety local, regional, and national leadership positions. As we move forward during this time of uncertainty, the Des Moines (IA) Chapter remains committed and dedicated to our mission and core values of service. For more detailed Chapter information, please explore our chapter website LinksDM.org.
In Service and Dedication,
Mary Lynne Jones
Mary Lynne Jones, President