WELCOME To the new home of The Altamonte Springs (FL) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated

Our History

The Altamonte Springs (FL) Chapter History

The Altamonte Springs Chapter of The Links, Incorporated was chartered as the 53rd chapter in the Southern Area on Saturday, May 31, 1986, at the Sheraton Maitland Hotel in Maitland, Florida. Established as an interest group in 1980, (NORCEFF) North Central Florida Friends, the community service organization of women was committed to programs under the following foci: Services to Youth, Freedom in the Arts, International Trends and National Trends.

 

The group of 24 professional women realized a need for service in their community and dedicated themselves to providing financial assistance as well as cultural, civic, and educational activities. NORCEFF carried out its program with emphasis on further promoting, encouraging, and recognizing all causes embraced by the national organization of The Links, Incorporated.

 

There were two organizers, Doreatha B. Orr and Elouise Sistrunk. Doreatha B. Orr became the first president of the newly chartered Altamonte Springs (FL) Chapter. The Charter members were Bettie P. Ariza, Susie H. Blackshear, Sandra M. Brown, Bonnie M. Choice, Rosemary Clossen, Lottie H. Collins, Yvonne C. Fletcher, Sherry Grace, Queen Esther Jones, Essie Mae Keith, Ernestine Moore, Gail W. Morrell, Lorraine R. Offer, Doreatha B. Orr, Adrienne M. Perry, Dorothy Ringling, Mary E. Saunders, Elouise Sistrunk, Cora J. Snead, Sylvia H. Stallworth, Mary Patterson Tubbs, Edith P. Williams, Jeanette J. Williams, and Mary Jane Williams.

 

From its inception, the Altamonte Springs Chapter has been committed to making a difference in the quality of life for others and its members. In an effort to implement the facets of Linkdom, these are but a few of the activities sponsored by the group: the purchase of a computer, software, math manipulative materials and other supplies for two elementary schools; monetary donations to Homes for Black Children, the retired Senior Volunteer Program which enabled under privileged children to purchase Christmas gifts for immediate family members, NAACP, African Relief Fund, and UNCF. The group sponsored two plays, “PEARLIE” and “JUST PEOPLE”; it also sponsored Calendar Girl, a fund raiser, which was another big success for the group; and adopted a child from Kenya, Africa, through the Christian Children’s Fund. There were visits to the Good Samaritan Home on a regular basis where numerous supplies and entertainment was provided. A charm clinic was held for fifteen (15) young ladies in the Sanford area and classes to assist high school students in raising their college entrance exam scores. The group received the Community Service Award from the Orlando Alumni Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity on January 26, 1986, for outstanding contributions to the community.

 

The Chapter continues to function under the bylaws and guidelines of The Links, Incorporated, and The Links Foundation, Incorporated. The following projects are considered part of the patchwork of the chapter’s history: Children’s Christian Fund; SAT Workshop, 1991; In The Nude- Informational Forum; Pride in My Neighborhood, Pinecrest Elementary and Sterling Park Elementary, 1992; Intercultural Enrichment Forum –Rollins College, University of Central Florida and Valencia Community College Students; Certificate of Life Membership-National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, 1999; Reception Luncheon for Academic Achievement through The Grove Center-Drop Out Prevention Program: (received a grant from The Links, Inc. for The Grove Center Drop Out Prevention Program) ; Stranger Danger Safety Program, 2003; HBCU Contributor, 2006; Youth Summit-Midway Safe Harbor, 2006-07; Walk-A- Thon/Cancer Society; Bears and Books presented to the pediatric ward for hospitalized children; Relay for Life 2005-2009; Susan G. Komen 2009-2011. “Community Link” Resource Book presented to Rollins College minority students; Boys & Girls Club of East Altamonte-Photography Club and Childhood Obesity (Southern Area of the Links Award); Sanford Manor, previously known as the Good Samaritan Home; Supporter of United Negro College Fund; Kids House, Sanford, Florida, Scholarships awarded to High School seniors in Seminole County, FL, 2004-2010.

 

The Chapter awards were: Agriculture and Labor Program Community Action Partnership Service Award, 2010; Community Service Award for the Martin Luther King Commemorative Celebration, 2011; Partnership Community Service Award from Progress Energy-Neighborhood Energy Saver Program, 2011, Battle Creek Foundation Grant Recipient (2016). 2018 Southern Area HIV/AIDS Prep Awareness ($20,000) in partnership with the Daytona Beach Links, Incorporated.

 

On May 31, 2021, the chapter celebrated 35 years of service to the Central Florida Community. To date the chapter continues to serve in significant partnerships with Seminole State College, Seminole County Health Department, Community Health Centers of Central Florida, and 12 elementary schools dispersed throughout Orange and Seminole County. An award-winning chapter in 2015 -2021 winning its first of seven (7) consecutive years First Place National Links Incorporated /Colgate Palmolive Grant Awards for child dental screenings and education providing $11,000 for this community service program entitled Bright Smiles, Bright Futures, Every Child Deserves a Smile during a time when tooth decay rated as the number one health risk for children.

 

Awards – Recognitions- Chapter Landmark Achievements (Thirty-five (35 years and beyond):

2020-2021, Southern Area Links Incorporated Healthy Homestead Grants ($2,000)

2021 Southern Area COVID 19 Pandemic Grant Chapter ($5,000)

2021 National Links, Incorporated Recognized for stellar Friendship Achievements

2021 Southern Area Links, Incorporated Health and Human Services (Colgate Palmolive) Grant $1500

Southern Area, The Links, Incorporated All-Star Chapter 2021-2022.

2022 National Award The Links, Incorporated Colgate Bright Smiles, Bright Futures Award First Place, $5000