The Link operates an array of youth programs, all using a holistic, strengths-based approach to help youth achieve increased resiliency, stability, and success. Three major programs include:

Project Potential provides intensive, one-on-one youth and family case management, advocacy, resiliency coaching, and role modeling to Minneapolis youth ages 10-17 at risk for truancy, school failure, gang involvement, or delinquency. Group activities in the areas of work readiness, tutoring, youth and family resiliency training, drug use prevention, service and leadership opportunities, and gender-specific groups further support the holistic needs of youth. Youth like Darrius:

Darrius was one of the fifth graders at Olson Middle School in North Minneapolis that participated in Project Potential’s In-School Initiative. Darrius lacked grade-level reading skills and had problems interacting with his teacher and peers. He was trying to start a gang at his school. When he sat down with our staff to talk about what rewards he wanted for meeting his goals, his answer was, “I want to lead an activity with you.”

Darrius has leadership aspirations and potential. Unfortunately, he did not have a positive way to put those qualities into practice. Darrius was given that chance! After meeting his goals, Darrius helped our staff lead a group activity. Think of the impact this had on him and the different view his classmates now have of him as well. Project Potential helped meet Darrius’ need for leadership, but making it happen in a positive way. Instead of leading a gang, Darrius helped lead an educational activity for a group of his peers!

Lindquist Apartments, located in north Minneapolis, provides 24 units of permanent supportive housing for homeless and disabled youth and young adults (age 16 and up). Individualized case management plus opportunities for resiliency training, school or GED completion, employment support, help managing insurance and health needs, and independent living coaching help homeless youth and young adults complete the transition to successful and self-reliant adulthood. Young people like Tara:

Tara was an all-star athlete and earned many awards during junior and senior high playing basketball. However, during her high school years, she got involved with the "wrong crowd" and ended up couch hopping, with a criminal record for possession and distribution of drugs. She also became addicted to crack cocaine and was suffering from anxiety and depression. By the age of 17, she had hit rock bottom and ended up in Fairview inpatient treatment. Once released, she went back to her old ways. She went to treatment two more times before she finally decided to value her sobriety.

Tara moved into The Link's Lindquist Apartments with major motivation. With the support of stable housing and a dedicated staff she recently completed her GED. She has an internship with the Minneapolis Police Department and just got an interview at a local business. She is enrolled in college and will be working toward a degree in Criminal Justice. She participates in Independent Living Skills and other groups at Lindquist Apartments. Tara has a great and amazing future ahead of her thanks in part to the stability and support of The Link's Lindquist Apartments.

The Juvenile Supervision Center, located in Minneapolis City Hall, provides a prompt and effective response to youth throughout Hennepin County who are picked up for truancy, curfew violations, or low-level juvenile offenses. Safe supervision, needs assessments, intervention services, and connections to community resources help youth and families identify and solve problems leading to negative behavior so that the youth’s involvement in the juvenile justice system is halted. Youth like Elijah:

Elijah is a teen that was recently at our Juvenile Supervision Center (JSC). He was brought in by the police for a curfew violation. Elijah spent the night sleeping on the floor at JSC because we were unable to reach his parents. He told us that he wasn’t enrolled in school for the fall and really wanted to attend. One of The Link’s case managers talked with Elijah’s mom about helping enroll Elijah for the start of school. His mother was apprehensive, but Elijah really wanted to go to school! The case manager helped Elijah register for 8th grade. The Link also provided school supplies, a school uniform and other basic necessities for a successful school experience. He is excited about school and is thinking about trying out for the basketball team this winter. After seeing the success and confidence Elijah had, hi mom requested we assist in enrolling her 16 and 17-year old sons in school, as well.