James' Fundraiser for the Link

For the past 25 years, I have had the honor and privilege of working alongside many youth and young families in Minneapolis and the surrounding suburbs.  I was recently honored with The Game Changer Award from the Minnesota Vikings. It was one of the best feelings to be publicly recognized and surprised with a Bucket List trip of a lifetime. I could not be more grateful for my time with The Link. 

 

 The last 11yrs at The Link have been, by far the greatest of my career. I have seen our youth show up in so many amazing ways. Forcing me to learn and grow as a provider. Not only in my work-life, but home as well. I am a better man and father from all that I have learned from our youth. 

I’m proud to work as Chief Program Officer at The Link, where we do whatever it takes to support youth experiencing homelessness, sexual exploitation, and involvement in the juvenile justice system. 

Every day, I see the impact The Link has on young people across the Twin Cities. Our programs help youth find safety, stability, and hope through three divisions: 

• Housing & Homeless Services – street outreach, emergency shelter, and supportive housing for youth and young families experiencing homelessness.
• Safe Harbor – emergency shelter, housing, and services for youth at risk of or experiencing sexual exploitation or trafficking.
• Youth Advocacy – positive alternatives for youth involved in the justice system and support for students facing barriers to school attendance.

Please join me in supporting The Link for Give to the Max Day! Every dollar makes a difference! 

For example... 

• $25 helps provide a bus pass so a young person can get to work or a safe place to stay 
• $50 helps provide basic needs kits that Street Outreach workers distribute to youth on the streets while helping them find safety
• $100 helps provide a night of housing and intensive services to a youth or family transitioning out of homelessness or exploitation
• $250 helps provide one month of paid leadership opportunities to a young person on The Link's Youth Advisory Committees
• $500 helps provide a young person with the one-on-one support they need to attend school and work towards graduation
• $1,000 helps provide a security deposit for a young parent exiting homelessness with their children

 

Our Mission: The Link works with youth and families to overcome the impacts of poverty and social injustice

Our Vision: A community supporting all youth in having equitable access and opportunity

 I hope that you will take time to learn more about The Link and all of the amazing things we have going on, as well as other ways that you can join our efforts to make change. www.thelinkmn.org