Our work to make a difference in the lives of homeless youth simply can’t be done alone. At YouthLink and the Youth Opportunity Center, we stand firmly on the strength of partnerships with individuals, community organizations, business, and public and private entities. We consider involvement and input from stakeholders as part of the lifeblood of the organization.

The benefits gained from the expertise, insight, and commitment of our dedicated board of directors are significant.  Their willingness to give of their time, talent, and resources is critical to us.

Besides fiduciary responsibility, this group of community leaders also commits intentional time to engage the organization, leadership, and themselves in transformative and challenging discussions about youth and community issues locally and nationally as well as to explore new opportunities for efficiency and effectiveness internally and within the broader community.  Most recently, the board and agency completed an engaging strategic planning process.  The outcome is a dynamic strategic plan designed to guide our work into the future.

To expand the depth of community engagement, the board, together with agency leadership, recently established a Community Advisory Council.  This group is charged with providing advice to the board and leadership on issues of interest to the broader community with an intentional focus on issues related to youth homelessness in our communities.

We are honored that Melvin Tennant, President & CEO of Meet Minneapolis, Robb Hall, Vice President of CSM Lodging,  Phil Davis, President of Minneapolis Community and Technical College, Susan Loyd, President of Clear Channel Outdoor, Rev. Dr. James Gertmenian, Pastor at Plymouth Congregational Church, Senator Scott Dibble, Minnesota State Senate District 60, Todd Klingel, President of the Minneapolis Regional Chamber of Commerce, and Cathy ten Broeke, Coordinator for the Office to End Homelessness, now serve on this council.

Board Chair Bruce Nerland, Senior Vice President at Morgan Stanley Smith Barney and board member Will Roach, Director of Business Development for Baker Tilly, also serve on the council. Leadership staff involved on the council includes Frances Roen, Director of Development as well as myself.

The establishment of this Advisory Council further expands the diverse perspectives, needs, and concerns related to youth homelessness within the broader community. This is critical for us as we continue to explore intervention effectiveness and efficiencies related to YouthLink and the Youth Opportunity Center.

The willingness of our board of directors and now the advisory council to join together with us to address youth homelessness deepens and fortifies our vision and mission to stop the cycle of homelessness and poverty starting with the young people we see each and everyday.

It is with great optimism, appreciation and gratitude that I acknowledge and thank the dedicated and valued community leaders serving on the board of directors and the advisory council for standing with us to make a sustainable difference in the lives of homeless youth.