This spring, YouthLink stands at a crucial crossroads. In nearly 50 years in operation, we have faced numerous economic and societal challenges, but this moment is like nothing we have seen before, and we urgently need your help. There is good news, and we’ll get to that in a minute, but with looming reductions in…
Preventing homelessness before it starts is one of the most powerful ways to create lasting stability for young people in our community. Experiencing homelessness is profoundly traumatic and can disrupt a young person’s ability to work, go to school, and build a stable future. Preventing homelessness starts with building trust and providing the right resources…
For young people experiencing homelessness, finding and maintaining employment is often an uphill battle. The challenges they face go beyond just submitting applications—they include systemic barriers such as limited access to technology and professional networks, and lack of transportation, formal education, or job experience. At YouthLink, we understand that stable employment is a key factor…
At YouthLink, we know that youth experiencing homelessness need more than just a place to sleep. They need resources that empower them, opportunities that inspire them, and a community that sees them for who they truly are. That’s why YouthLink’s Drop-In Center is a one-stop shop—offering everything from meals and mental health services to employment…
As the year draws to a close and we gather with loved ones to celebrate the holiday season, it’s a time to reflect on the importance of family, connection, and community. For many of the youth we serve these vital support systems can be missing—but they find them here at YouthLink. YouthLink is often a…
Imagine walking into a clothing store, the racks lined with clothes, and being able to pick out exactly what you need—a warm winter coat, a cozy hoodie, or even a new pair of jeans. Now imagine that this experience is not just about finding clothes, but about reclaiming a sense of normalcy and dignity in…
The InReach Program is a vital partnership, specifically designed to support young adults ages 18 to 24 who are on probation, often as an alternative to prison time. YouthLink serves as the housing resource for these young people, providing essential advocacy and support to those who are experiencing homelessness or housing instability. We ensure youth have a stable foundation to meet their probation requirements and navigate a successful transition to independent living.
We are thrilled to announce that on July 17th, at the Minnesota United game at Allianz Field in St. Paul, our very own Shennika Sudduth, Senior Director of Programs at YouthLink, was honored with the L’étoile du Nord (Star of the North) award. This award recognizes community members who embody the core values of the…
At YouthLink, our mission is guided by Nine Guiding Principles that shape everything we do: Journey Oriented, Trauma-Informed, Non-Judgmental, Harm Reduction, Trusting Youth-Adult Relationships, Strengths Based, Positive Youth Development, Holistic, and Collaboration. These principles ensure we provide the most effective and compassionate support possible to youth experiencing homelessness. One of our most impactful collaborations is…
At YouthLink, we pride ourselves on being a youth-led organization, and the Voices of Youth Advisory Council (VOYAC) is a cornerstone of our mission and our work. VOYAC plays a critical role in collecting and utilizing feedback from youth experiencing homelessness to guide YouthLink’s leadership team in making informed decisions. Through a combination of formal…
