"Service is the rent we pay for being. It is the very purpose of life, and not something you do in your spare time".

-Marian Wright Edelman

 

Harbor City (MD) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated (HCL) was established in 1985 as the 205th chapter of The Links, Incorporated - one of the nation’s oldest and largest volunteer organizations of women committed to enriching the lives of African Americans and other people of African ancestry. The chapter’s membership includes 58 women who are recognized as some of Baltimore’s most influential business and civic leaders, activists, role models, and volunteers. For the last 38 years, HCL has been a consistent and reliable volunteer force providing more than 3,500 service hours per year to advance local, national, and international causes that enrich the lives of African Americans in Baltimore and in communities around the country and the world. Over the years, the chapter’s signature programming has coalesced around the education, social, and career development of young people in Baltimore City. The chapter’s work with young people has been broad and impactful- from supporting science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education and the social development of middle school students who live and attend school in some of the city’s most challenged neighborhoods to its current signature program, the Harbor City Links Scholars Program, a program offering scholarships and resources to support the career development of deserving students at Coppin State University (one of the two HBCUs in Baltimore). In addition to delivering robust core programming and service to Baltimore, HCL is an active participant in collective community outreach, joining partners in clothing and food drives and civic engagement activities to help the city’s most vulnerable citizens find stability for themselves and their families. The chapter’s integrated and innovative programming is recognized by The Links, Incorporated and community partners for its impact in helping young people in Baltimore build the confidence, networks, and life skills they need to thrive and impact change in their communities.