The Links, Incorporated, was established on November 9, 1946, as an international, not-for-profit corporation. Two Philadelphia matrons, Margaret Hawkins (1908–1963) and Sarah Strickland Scott (1901–1988), were its founders. Currently twelve thousand professional women of color compose the membership in 276 chapters located in 41 states, the District of Columbia, and the Commonwealth of the Bahamas. Its members are individual achievers, civic leaders, business leaders, mentors, activists, educators, and other volunteers who contribute annually over 500,000 documented hours of community service. The Links is now the largest black volunteer service organization. Its programs are organized into five facets: National Trends, The Arts, Services to Youth, International Trends and Services, and Health and Human Services. The home office is located in Washington, D.C.