Community Members Making a Difference: Meet Meredith!

We are thankful for the many moving parts that take place at YouthLink to make our wrap-around services possible and to bring youth from homeless to hopeful. Including staff and on-site community partners to groups and individuals volunteering their time to different tasks and events. 

Today we’d like to introduce you to Meredith! Meredith is a devoted volunteer who comes into YouthLink once a week, ready to tackle any task and share ideas to improve experiences for youth and other volunteers. She always does it with a smile on her face. 

“I first heard about YouthLink through my church. At the beginning of COVID, St. Paul’s on Lake of the Isles was looking for an organization that we could help remotely. For two years, we held monthly neighborhood collections for three local non-profits. I was the person designated to deliver our donations. From the first time I stopped by, I was struck by the warmth and genuineness of the staff I met. I always felt that our gifts were needed and very appreciated. After reading the website and learning more about YouthLink’s mission and the concept of a “one-stop shop,” I wanted to be a part of it. 

From my first day, I felt welcomed, and more importantly, I felt needed. My work in the clothes closet is so much more than just opening bags, sorting, and hanging clothes. I have been encouraged to add my own ideas and organizational skills. I feel part of a team that wants our youth to feel comfortable, seen, and respected. We want the clothing closet to be a welcoming place that is clean and functional for those needing clothes or hygiene products. I am proud to be a small part of the YouthLink family.” 

Without people like Meredith and her willingness to show up week after week for youth, we would not be able to keep resources like our clothing closet and hygiene closet fully stocked with items for youth to access when needed. We are grateful for individuals and groups who dedicate their time to helping us further our mission and vision at YouthLink.  

Whether it’s ongoing tasks that volunteers like Meredith support, one-off projects, on-site events, or help with our annual Stand Up for Youth fall breakfast, YouthLink is always excited to engage more community members as volunteers. If you want to get more involved with YouthLink, please email Bre, our Communications and Volunteer Coordinator, at volunteer@youthlinkmn.org to learn about current and upcoming opportunities.  

 P.S. Your employer may offer Volunteer Time Off as a benefit! Contact your employer to see if this option is available for you!