Chapter History
Our organization began with the vision of lead organizer Shawanda Beale. In December 2018, Shawanda began conversations about starting a Link’s chapter in the Jersey Shore area with a dear friend, Mrs. Tammy King, President of Bergen County (NJ) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated. Mrs. King advised her to gather like-minded and service driven women to determine interest in the area, and to contact the National Headquarters of The Links, Incorporated.
Shawanda inquired with close friends to help gather compassionate and professional women with a focus on community service; and just like that, 28 women were interested and excited about the possible opportunity of chartering a chapter. A tea was held in February 2019 for the ladies to meet and greet in fellowship. Throughout the summer, informational sessions were held to solidify interest and these ladies became known as Jersey Shore Women of Purpose. Their core mission was to support communities that faced challenges, specifically involving individuals and families of African descent.
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Meanwhile, Shawanda reached out to Membership Services at The Links, Incorporated. She continuously followed up, sent friendly reminders expressing interest, and then there was COVID-19, a global pandemic! However, good things come to those who wait. On March 26, 2021, Shawanda received correspondence from the Chair of the Chapter Establishment Committee, Mrs. Anne Turner Herriott, regarding the submission of required information for “Interest Group” consideration. Dedication and commitment paid off when Jersey Shore Women of Purpose was officially granted Interest Group status on September 15, 2021.
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On October 2, 2021, the Interest Group was given a series of commitments they needed to complete to move forward to the next phase. For the remainder of 2021 through April 2022, there was growth, organization, creativity, and tenacity. Jersey Shore Women of Purpose conducted monthly executive, group, and committee meetings to achieve goals and standards outlined for them. Collectively, they set their sights and focus on chartering by developing strategic and business operating mechanisms, electing its first officers, and defining the partnership for its transformational program.
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After months of brainstorming, planning, and defining program goals with measurable outcomes, it was time! On January 13, 2022, we debuted our budget, bylaws, service projects supporting families in our local communities, and integrated program to the Chapter Establishment Committee. On March 8, 2022, we were notified that we had advanced to Chapter-Elect status!
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Our journey from Jersey Shore Women of Purpose to Chapter-Elect has taken us to our final stage of chapter establishment as we humbly became pioneering women of Jersey Shore (NJ) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated on April 23, 2022. The newly chartered Jersey Shore (NJ) Chapter is a diverse group of 32 women with a broad range of skills, assets, and interests, who look forward to continuing to build a strong network, legacy of service and transformational programming in our community.
