Summary

The Link is a community-based nonprofit organization, that provides in-home and in-community truancy intervention services; family support; community outreach and trainings; affordable, supportive housing; and after-school and summer youth groups. The Link is located in Minneapolis, Minnesota

Minneapolis, Minnesota

Minneapolis , nicknamed "City of Lakes" and the "Mill City," is the county seat of Hennepin County, the largest city in the U.S. state of Minnesota, and the 48th largest in the United States...

, serves Hennepin County

Hennepin County, Minnesota

Hennepin County is a county located in the U.S. state of Minnesota, named in honor of the 17th-century explorer Father Louis Hennepin. As of 2010 the population was 1,152,425. Its county seat is Minneapolis. It is by far the most populous county in Minnesota; more than one in five Minnesotans live...

 and is expanding its services throughout the Twin Cities Metropolitan Area.

Mission

The mission of The Link is to build a supportive community network that links youth and their families to their inner strength through life skills, education, advocacy, supportive housing, and a dynamic network of social services to transform lives.

History

The Link was founded in 1991 by Jim Marshall

Jim Marshall (American football)

James "Jim" Lawrence Marshall played college football at the Ohio State University. He left school before his senior year, and played for the Saskatchewan Roughriders of the Canadian Football League. He was then drafted in the 4th round of the 1960 NFL Draft by the Cleveland Browns...

 and Oscar Reed

Oscar Reed

Oscar Reed is a former professional American football player who played running back for eight seasons for the Minnesota Vikings and Atlanta Falcons. He currently resides in Minneapolis, Minnesota....

, two former Minnesota Vikings

Minnesota Vikings

The Minnesota Vikings are a professional American football team based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Vikings joined the National Football League as an expansion team in 1960...

football players, in collaboration with the late Leonard Lindquisthttp://www.thelinkmn.org/Leonard_Biography.pdf. The Link began with the vision of bringing opportunity and positive relationships to disempowered youth living in impoverished neighborhoods. This grassroots initiative has since blossomed into an experienced youth service organization serving the community through advocacy, housing, education, and intervention services. Over the last 17 years, The Link has touched the lives of nearly 15,000 youth and their family members through our asset-based service philosophy. Today, The Link continues to build positive relationships with youth that create sustainable positive changes.