In September 2026, North Jersey (NJ) kicked off a new partnership with the Boys & Girls Club of Newark with two special events. Our most recent Meet & Greet event, was held September 24th and attended by 40 students in grades 7-12. We shared a meal and engaged in meaningful dialogue about their experiences at BGCN and future goals during our Green Table Talk segment. It was a very inspiring event, and we can’t wait to get to work with our new partner!

In September 2026, North Jersey (NJ) kicked off a new partnership with the Boys & Girls Club of Newark with two special events. Our first event coincided with their Day for Kids Community Fair which attracted over 500 people and included music, a petting zoo, farmers market and a North Jersey voter registration and giveaway table. It was a lot of fun for everyone who attended.

On July 23rd, our chapter gathered for a special evening of fellowship and celebration with the inaugural ScholarLinks recipients and their families. Scholars shared their college plans and hopes for the future, while family members and Chapter members offered encouragement and advice. ScholarLinks reflects North Jersey (NJ) Chapter’s investment in the next generation of leaders and its dedication to cheering students on as they begin their college journeys.

In April 2026, our chapter hosted a Creative Competition with local 3rd and 4th grade students who each brought their own personal flair to our poster arts contest. Prizes were awarded to top winners, two of whom will go on to compete for national recognition this summer. We are thrilled to help inspire self-expression and boost students’ confidence through this impactful arts initiative.

On April 3-4, 2026, North Jersey (NJ) Chapter came together in true sisterhood and service to prepare 200 lunches for those in need at Christine’s Kitchen. From making sandwiches and packing lunch bags to transporting and distributing meals—every step reflected our commitment to standing in the gap for those in need. A very special shout out to our Connecting Links and family members for rolling up their sleeves and serving alongside us.

March 28, 2026 was a day of uplift and self-care as North Jersey (NJ) Chapter held a very special Black Family Wellness Expo at Urban GLO, a Black-owned wellness business. Guest speakers provided enlightening information on ways to manage stress, and attendees created soothing scented candles, explored the affirmation station and selected serenity stones. Prize winners were selected from attendees who submitted their moments of joy in the Joy Jar. Attendees included members of the community and our integrated program participants from Isaiah House. Thank you to all who came out to support!

March 28, 2026 was a day of uplift and self-care as North Jersey (NJ) Chapter held a very special Black Family Wellness Expo at Urban GLO, a Black-owned wellness business. Guest speakers provided enlightening information on ways to manage stress, and attendees created soothing scented candles, explored the affirmation station and selected serenity stones. Prize winners were selected from attendees who submitted their moments of joy in the Joy Jar. Attendees included members of the community and our integrated program participants from Isaiah House. Thank you to all who came out to support!

In honor of Women’s History Month 2026, our chapter supported an impactful event at NJPAC through monetary donations and our presence. The event included a debut screening of the heart-wrenching film entitled Set Her Free, which exposes the trauma and harsh sentencing that many women face after years of abuse. The film was followed by a moving panel discussion with the film’s producers, reentry advocates and others with lived experienced. This effort is part of our National Trends and Services-led integrated program, Standing in the Gap for H.E.R. - Helping Empower Reentry.

This February 2026, our HBCU committee has been hard at work providing professional clothing and hygiene supplies in support of the upcoming DevCon, a professional development conference for HBCU students in partnership with the Thurgood Marshall College Fund.

On January 19, 2026, our chapter, in partnership with New Jersey Reentry Corporation, hosted an MLK Day of Service program titled Restoring Justice, Renewing Hope: Pathways to Reentry in Dr. King’s Legacy. The program brought together leaders from the legal and judicial system, faith leaders, public officials, and individuals with lived experience to engage in a meaningful conversation about reentry after incarceration—and what justice, dignity, and second chances look like in practice.

On November 14, 2025 North Jersey kicked off its new partnership with the New Jersey Reentry Corporation (NJRC). Aligned with the goals of our integrated program Standing in the Gap for H.E.R., chapter members donated and distributed hundreds of diapers, wipes and other hygiene products to families in need.

On October 13, 2025, North Jersey Links successfully registered dozens of voters at a local high school. In partnership with student ambassadors, we engaged students on why voting matters, how to vote, and who’s on the ballot. We left charged up by the opportunity to engage and by the students’ positive response.

September 27, 2025 was a National Day of Impact for The Links, Incorporated, marking the 30th Anniversary of the Walk for Healthy Living. North Jersey Links took to the pavement with members of the community at Watsessing Park in East Orange, and enjoyed chalk art, music and voter education.

On August 28, 2025, members of North Jersey (NJ) Chapter partnered with Chancellor Avenue School in Newark to help welcome students and their families back for a new year. The chapter provided students with school supplies and craft kits to build self esteem and foster creativity. Members also provided families and staff with a voter education table to check registration status and share key dates to know.

On August 2, 2025 the Arts Facet partnered with the NAACP ACT-SO organization to sponsor 20 Newark students for a field trip to the Amy Sherald exhibition American Sublime at the Whitney Museum of Art. Students and teachers were joined by amazing docent, Kat Cheairs who expertly led the tour, allowing the group to be inspired by this great artist.

On May 14, 2025, our National Trends & Services facet held a resume writing session with the incredible women of the Isaiah House. The workshop was a huge success, and many thanks to the chairs of our Services to Youth facet for leading the charge. Even the children of our re-entering ladies jumped in to craft their own resumes! We are making steady strides that will impact not only the women we serve, but also the next generation. Next up…mock interviews!

On March 24, 2025, North Jersey (NJ) Chapter travelled to Cheyney University to participate in their Blueprint for Success event. Chapter members helped prep students for the upcoming Internship, Job and Graduate School Fair by providing resume feedback and mock interviews.

In March 2025, our chapter visited and stocked Lincoln University’s Career Closet, ensuring students are well-prepared for the future with professional attire.

On March 24, 2025, North Jersey marked another significant milestone with a $30,000 endowment check presentation to Lincoln University. Several administrators and student leaders were on hand to commemorate this effort which will provide much needed funds for students in need.

On March 19, 2025 our chapter collaborated with University Hospital to host a day of wellness in Newark as part of the 5th Annual Women’s Health Summit. We provided yoga instruction and vision boarding, and other activities to the attendees while promoting self-care and health screenings.

On March 19, 2025 our chapter collaborated with University Hospital to host a day of wellness in Newark as part of the 5th Annual Women’s Health Summit. We provided yoga instruction and vision boarding, and other activities to the attendees while promoting self-care and health screenings.

As part of the Links, Incorporated’s national initiative, North Jersey (NJ) Chapter held its Black Family Wellness Expo on March 14, 2025 at Bethany Baptist Church in Newark. It was an incredible day dedicated to empowering seniors to take control of their physical wellness and mental well-being. Many thanks to all of our partners, especially CareSparc, Horizon Blue Cross and University Hospital, who joined us in this impactful effort.

As part of the Links, Incorporated’s national initiative, North Jersey (NJ) Chapter held its Black Family Wellness Expo on March 14, 2025 at Bethany Baptist Church in Newark. It was an incredible day dedicated to empowering seniors to take control of their physical wellness and mental well-being. Many thanks to all of our partners, especially CareSparc, Horizon Blue Cross and University Hospital, who joined us in this impactful effort.

On March 7, 2025 our chapter members joined thousands across the country for the annual Read Across America event. Our “celebrity readers” had a great time engaging with the Pre-K scholars at Chancellor Avenue School in Newark.

On February 24, 2025 we were thrilled to participate in Cheyney University’s Founders Day celebration, which honored their longstanding commitment to education and community. During this special event, we presented a $30,000 check to support the North Jersey White Rose Emergency Fund Endowment. Thanks again to our wonderful Sole II Soul event supporters!

In February 2025, our chapter visited Lincoln University and met with student leaders. We toured the campus, learned first-hand about what students need most, and discussed how we can help students get career-ready.

In January 2025, North Jersey (NJ) Chapter, in partnership with 7 other Links chapters, traveled to Jamaica to provide enriching STEAM-focused workshops and activities to the students at St. Mary’s Prep.

In December 2024, North Jersey collected donations of laundry supplies to fully furnish the chapter-sponsored laundry facilities at Chancellor Elementary in Newark.

On November 25, 2024, North Jersey Chapter came together in a heartwarming display of community spirit as we assembled 75 Thanksgiving baskets for families in need in recognition of 75 years of dedicated service to our community.

On November 17, 2024, our chapter partnered with Essex County Chapter for the National Donor Sabbath event at First Baptist Church in South Orange, NJ. We are proud to help bring awareness and participation in organ donation within the Black community.

The Nov 5th Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony for Chancellor’s Closet marked months of hard work by our STY facet to bring a new full-service laundry room to the Chancellor Ave School in Newark. The lack of clean uniforms significantly impacts student attendance and success. Several students were on hand to present their artwork which will be featured within the laundry room. And North Jersey presented dozens of uniforms and supplies to keep Chancellor’s Closet ready for students!

September 28, 2024 was a National Day of Impact for Links all over the country. North Jersey laced up our sneakers and hit the pavement for our annual walkathon featuring Zumba, hula hoops, chalk art and voter education!

North Jersey Chapter has been Linking Up The Vote at events across Essex County. From August thru November, we registered voters at an Essex County Re-entry facility, HBCUs, and at local schools in our service area.

On Aug 29, 2024 Chancellor Avenue Elementary School hosted its Welcome Back BBQ for students and families. North Jersey was on hand to register voters, raffle off prizes, and share information about our chapter's new Chancellor's Closet - a new full-service laundry room created by the North Jersey Links.

On May 17, 2024, North Jersey celebrated the grand opening of our brand new Music & Arts Center at St. Mary's Preparatory & Kindergarten in Montego Bay, Jamaica. With a full program of visiting dignitaries and student performances, it was a fantastic way to mark our 75 years of service!

On March 26, 2024, North Jersey Chapter hosted its annual Women’s History Month Celebration featuring a fireside chat with State Senator Britnee Timberlake and Essex County Commissioner and She Wins Founder A’Dorian Murray-Thomas.