Founded on June 12, 1977, The Fresno (CA) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated of The Links, Incorporated,

originated from three Fresno women—Mae Johnson, Poppy Booker, and Dorothy Toney—who met on March 25, 1975, to discuss chartering a local chapter. They formed “The Innovators,” a group of like-minded individuals interested in fostering civic, educational, and cultural initiatives. The chapter was officially established with Mae Johnson as President, along with other officers and charter members including Rae Mims Aldredge, Poppy Booker, Julia Brown, Doris Bugg, Diolet Cargill, Lucy Crossley, Lula Daniels, Lenore Daw, Ann Johnson, Barbara Ethridge, Debra Gallard, Elizabeth Hansen, Maude Hunter, Lafay Jay, Hycinthea Johnson, Mae Johnson, La Vera Williams, Marlon Jones, Gloria McAllister, Doris Michaux, Rose Munsey, Elma Sterling, Dorothy Toney, and Dollie Whitehead. The Western Area Director at the time was Link Julia Smith.

Inspired by The Links, Incorporated's national mission to foster friendship and service, the Fresno (CA) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated has implemented impactful programs that promote cultural appreciation, intergroup relations, and civic responsibilities. Signature initiatives include the "Taking the Sick Out of Sickle Cell" program, a partnership with Saint Agnes Medical Center and Children’s Hospital of Central California, which provides education, support groups, scholarships, and specialized camps for individuals affected by sickle cell disease. This initiative has raised over a quarter million dollars to date. Other notable programs include "Scholarships and Beyond," which awards scholarships to high-achieving graduating seniors, and the "EAT SMART, MOVE SMART" childhood obesity program, recognized at the 38th National Assembly. The chapter also engages in annual community events such as the Komen Race for the Cure and the Community Holiday Dinner and Toy Giveaway, serving over a thousand families each year.

The Fresno Chapter of The Links, Incorporated's programming spans several key facets, each dedicated to addressing specific community needs. The Health and Human Services Facet promotes health and aims to eliminate chronic health disparities in communities of color through programs like "The Heart Truth," which addressed cardiovascular health among high-risk women, and "Circle of Promise," a collaboration with the Susan G. Komen Foundation focused on breast cancer awareness. The Services to Youth Facet works to enhance educational access through the "Scholarships and Beyond" program, and has awarded over $125,000 in scholarships, and environmental education via the "Go Green – Links to Success" initiative. The National Trends and Services Facet tackled community disparities through efforts like the Community Holiday Dinner and Toy Give-Away, benefiting nearly 1,500 participants annually. Internationally, the chapter contributes through the International Trends and Services Facet by supporting global initiatives in Africa and Jamaica. The Arts Facet aims to elevate and integrate arts programs, supporting artists of color and hosting notable cultural events. 

The Fresno Chapter of The Links, Incorporated has received numerous recognitions for its exemplary service from the National and Western Area, the City of Fresno, and the State of California. Highlights include the 1999 City of Fresno Proclamation for "Fresno Links Sickle Cell Disease Awareness Week," the 2003 "Spirit of Service" Award from the Volunteer Bureau of Fresno County, the 2007 National Longevity and Leadership Program Award for "Taking the 'Sick' out of Sickle Cell," and the 2011 National Promising Practice Award for "Eat Smart - Move Smart: Links to a Healthy Lifestyle." The chapter celebrated its 25th and 40th anniversaries in 2003 and 2017, respectively, with additional awards such as the Western Area Promising Practice Award for "Links to Success-STEM." In 2021, they received the Western Area Program Award Grant for Arts Facet's Transformational Best Practice for V.O.T.E. The chapter's ongoing programs include the Holiday Community Dinner and Toy Give-Away, Breast Cancer Awareness initiatives, and the Walk for Health and Hunger.

The Fresno Chapter of The Links, Incorporated continues to be a positive force in the community, creating a legacy of friendship and service that aligns with The Links, Incorporated’s threefold aim of civic, educational, and cultural engagement.

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