Wendy's Fundraiser for The Link!

In August 2021 I transitioned to my new role at The Link as Bilingual Truancy Case Manager in the School Matters Program which provides Hennepin County youth with intensive one-on-one case management to identify and eliminate barriers to attendance. My heart is full and I am thrilled to be in a position where once again I can support students in their education. My eyes are opened, as well, to the economic inequalities, past and/or current trauma, racism and other forms of oppression that I rarely encountered in my 28 years of teaching in the suburbs. 

That's where The Link's programming comes into play, showing up for our youth in the fullest capacity imaginable! The Link works with youth and families to overcome the impacts of poverty and social injustice, and their 23 programs provide supportive housing, intensive case management services and skills development to youth at risk of experiencing homelessness, sex trafficking and/or involvement in the juvenile justice system. On a personal level, I have interacted with youth affected by each of these circumstances and their stories are heartbreaking. 

Now that cold weather is upon us, our homeless youth in MN are especially vulnerable. The Link has 13 housing programs. Three of the programs are culturally specific with one for African American youth, one for LGBTQ youth, and one for young families.

Your generous support makes a difference:

$50 helps provide essential outreach and basic needs supplies for a youth living outside or in a vehicle.

$100 helps provide one night of housing and support for a youth experiencing homelessness.

$250 helps provide crisis intervention for a trafficked youth.

$500 helps provide monthly individual/educational support to help a youth succeed in school.

$1,000 helps provide first month rent and start-up supplies for a young family experiencing homelessness.

I'd like to invite you to join the fight against homelessness by making a donation to The Link. We can all make a difference! Thank you!