Spotlight: The Link

How It Started

The Link was founded in 1991 by two local Black leaders and former Minnesota Vikings Players, Jim Marshall and Oscar Reed to help youth on the Northside of Minneapolis who were struggling with poverty, homelessness, getting victimized by crime or recruited into criminal activity. The two leaders started the organization in a very community grounded way with a philosophy of doing “whatever it took” to help young people on the Northside.

What They Do

The Link has 22 programs across the Twin Cities area, employs over 150 adult and youth staff members, and supports over 2,000 youth and young families each year. The Link offers programming in three areas:

• HOUSING & SERVICES DIVISION: housing and supportive services for youth and young families experiencing homelessness
• JUVENILE JUSTICE DIVISION: positive alternative programs for youth in the juvenile justice system
• SAFE HARBOR DIVISION: emergency shelter, housing and supportive services for youth who have been sexually exploited

Top Needs Right Now

The Link website lists top needs right now as: hygiene, food, new clothing, and gift cards. And here is a glance at their ongoing needs on Donate Good Stuff: