The Claremont chapter of The Links Incorporated, one of the nation's oldest and largest volunteer service organizations, has partnered with the Bronco Care Basic Needs initiative to support students' academic success and wellbeing.

Members of the chapter volunteered at the campus' mobile food pantry in February and March, with plans to volunteer at the permanent food pantry, Poly Pantry. Additionally, the chapter recently made a donation of $1,000 to support the growing program.

"Donations to the Broncos Care Basic Needs Program go directly to students through emergency grants, emergency housing and meal assistance. These are all direct impact services that assist students ability to have their basic needs of food and housing to be met," said Judy Juarez, coordinator of the program.

"With the help of donors, we are able to work with more students in need. Based on a 2018 California State University (CSU) Basic Needs study, 10.9% of CSU students reported homelessness in the last 12 months and 41.6% of students reported food insecurity. Our program is able to provide assistance and provide holistic care to students in high need so that they not only receive services but are also equipped the skills and knowledge that are needed to get through their situation," she added.

Links hopes to extend its support of the university with a new mentoring partnership through the African American Student Center.

Bronco Care Basic Needs is a campuswide initiative hosted by the Division of Student Affairs that serves students experiencing housing instability, food insecurity and other emergency/crisis situations. Students are provided with food resources, housing support, emergency funds and case-management support.

The Links Incorporated has chapters in 42 states and Washington, D.C., consisting of more than 15,000 professional woman of color. It also has chapters in the United Kingdom and the Bahamas.

For more information about the Bronco Care Basic Needs program, or to donate, visit the website.