The West Towns (IL) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated was chartered on June 13, 1976, by twenty-two visionary women from Chicago’s western suburbs who were committed to expanding opportunities for African American youth. Rooted in a passion for cultural exposure and academic excellence, they immediately made history by sponsoring a performance of The Wiz at Chicago’s Shubert Theatre (now the CIBC Theatre), setting the tone for bold, impactful service. The following year, the Chapter launched its enduring Services to Youth commitment with a Career Conference for high school students, igniting aspirations and broadening horizons.
Over the decades, West Towns has cultivated strong partnerships with arts initiatives and local schools, building an award-winning legacy that began with twenty years of tutoring in reading and math at Washington Elementary School in Maywood, Illinois. That commitment seamlessly continued at Lincoln Elementary School in Bellwood, where our dedicated tutoring program helped raise statewide reading scores and expand enrichment opportunities. Now in its twelfth year at Lincoln, we proudly provide Back-to-School supplies, behavior incentives, Reading Hour, art enrichment, and dynamic school-wide programs such as STEM Fest and International Day.
Our impact extends beyond borders through pioneering international service initiatives, including establishing water wells in Africa with AfriCare, supporting preschool students in Jamaica, building a school in Ghana, and fostering global connections through a student pen pal exchange. From hosting community health fairs and disease awareness programs to advocating annually at Links Day at the Illinois State Capitol, West Towns continues to uplift communities locally and globally—strengthened by friendship, family, and an unwavering commitment to service.
Through the Years
Since its chartering in June 1976, the West Towns (IL) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated has woven a powerful legacy of friendship and purposeful service across five remarkable decades. Each year in our history reflects women united in sisterhood — advancing transformative civic, cultural, and educational initiatives that uplift families, empower youth, and strengthen communities both locally and beyond. This visual timeline celebrates our signature programs, national recognition, and defining moments of impact — inviting you to click each image to explore the milestones that continue to shape our enduring journey of leadership, service, and legacy.