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…
Enter Kiki’s office – not an office with four walls, but the vibrant city landscape where compassion meets community, and every step is a journey toward making a difference in the lives of youth experiencing homelessness. Armed with kindness, resources, and an unwavering dedication to her work, Kiki’s efforts extend far beyond the boundaries of…
Welcome to the YouthLink blog, where we dive into the heart of our mission and explore the invaluable partnerships that make our work possible. Today, we’re honored to spotlight Jay Wagner, the Senior Program Officer for Holistic Grantmaking at Greater Twin Cities United Way. Greater Twin Cities United Way is one of YouthLink’s strongest allies…
In February, YouthLink celebrated a significant milestone: the two-year anniversary of Rich Melzer’s tenure as CEO. In this short period, YouthLink has experienced remarkable growth and impact, a testament to Rich’s steadfast commitment to the mission of empowering young people to transform their lives. Under Rich’s leadership, YouthLink has seen a whopping 106% increase in…
Dear YouthLink Community, As we stand at the threshold of 2024, I am filled with profound gratitude and admiration for each one of you who has made our journey at YouthLink so extraordinary. With heartfelt enthusiasm, I step into my role as the new Chair of the Board of Directors, and I am honored to…
You can help make the holidays brighter for young people experiencing or at risk of homelessness. YouthLink’s holiday party will be on Thursday, December 14. Last year, 125 young people received gifts for themselves and their children through our Santa Shop. Our goal is that each young person can get a gift card and a…