YouthLink MN

YouthLink’s Voices of Youth Advisory Council (VOYAC) is leveling up YouthLink’s game room. This space isn’t just for fun—it’s a safe, welcoming place where youth can relax, connect, and recharge. ? Our goal: $1,053 to upgrade the Community Game Room with a Nintendo Switch, four controllers, a TV, coffee table, and 3 games (Mario Kart, Super Smash Bros, and Overcooked). ?? Every donation gets us one step closer to victory! Are you in? www.givebutter.com/YLGame

We were so happy to be a part of this monumental moment of the 100,000th meal served through The Vikings Table Food Truck. ?????? Last week, the food truck stopped by with QB JJ McCarthy to serve up burrito bowls for lunch at the Drop-In Center. YouthLink is proud to partner with The Vikings Table. Every week, they provide us with hundreds of pre-packaged, delicious, and healthy hot meals for our Street Outreach Team to distribute to youth in encampments and other areas where unsheltered young people are known to gather. A hot meal is an important first step to building trust as we work to connect young people to our services and housing resources. Thank you Minnesota Vikings Foundation and Xcel Energy for sponsoring this important initiative. ?? credit: Janaye Johnson + Minnesota Vikings

Every young person deserves a safe space to unwind, connect, and just have fun. The Community Game Room is a vital part of our Drop-In Center, offering a welcoming escape for youth experiencing and at risk of homelessness.? ? But our game room needs a power-up! The Voices of Youth Advisory Council (VOYAC) dreams of adding a gaming console to make the space even more engaging for youth clients.? You can help bring joy, create friendships, and reduce stress for local young people who need it the most!? Every donation gets us closer to unlocking a next-level gaming experience for youth experiencing or at risk of homelessness. ? Donate now & help us hit our goal: www.givebutter.com/YLGame ?

We’d like to recognize and thank Lindsey Phillips, CPA for her 3 years of service to the Young Professionals Board. We are so grateful for her investment of time, resources, and skills, including her leadership, project management, and organizational skills. During her time with the YP Board, Lindsey helped raise $10,790 to help local youth experiencing homelessness through fundraisers like the annual Paint & Sip and Yoga for Good. She introduced new people to YouthLink’s mission at community events such as the Minneapolis Farmer’s Market, greeted guests at the annual Stand Up for Youth breakfast, and even rolled up her sleeves to serve Thanksgiving dinner at our Drop-In Center. That is just a glimpse into all she has done for YouthLink. Thank you, Lindsey—your dedication and passion have truly made a difference. As Lindsey leaves the Young Professionals Board and we prepare for a few other members reaching their term limits, we welcome new applicants here: https://bit.ly/ypb-app

?? Last week, YouthLink staff and the Voices of Youth Advisory Council (VOYAC) took action at Homeless Day on the Hill in St. Paul! Our team joined housing advocates, service providers, and community members to call for continued investment in solutions that support youth and adults experiencing homelessness. One policy priority this year is to expand the underfunded Family Homeless Prevention and?Assistance Program (FHPAP). This funding source makes it possible for YouthLink to provide rental assistance and case management to young people and youth-led families, but we know we could help even more young people with more funding.? ? ????Thank you for all those that used their voices to fight for housing justice. For those who missed Homeless Day on the Hill, there's still time to contact your legislators! You can read more about the 2025 policy agenda from Minnesota Coalition of the Homeless here: https://lnkd.in/gW8CHhUr #HomelessDayOnTheHill #YouthLinkMN #HousingIsAHumanRight

?? We're recruiting! ?? YouthLink’s Young Professionals Board is looking for passionate, driven individuals to join us in supporting and empowering young people experiencing homelessness. We have 3 open seats and are accepting applications on a rolling basis! Ready to get involved? Apply today: https://bit.ly/ypb-app #YouthLinkMN #YoungProfessionals #GetInvolved #MakeAnImpact

?? FINAL DAY TO VOTE! ??? ? ? Voting for Minnesota’s Best Nonprofit closes at 5 PM today! We’re so grateful for your support, and this is the last chance to make your vote count.? ? ?? Vote now before time runs out: https://lnkd.in/gD8KNws (click the “Services” category and then “Nonprofit Organizations” and scroll down to find YouthLink).? ? Thank you for believing in YouthLink and the young people we serve! ?? #MNBest #FinalVote #YouthLinkMN #YouthLink #endyouthhomelessness #youthempowerment?

?? Closure Notice – Wednesday, March 12th ?? YouthLink will be closed on Wednesday, March 12th as our team joins community partners at Homeless Day on the Hill to advocate for policies that prevent and end homelessness in Minnesota. This annual event brings together advocates from across the state to meet with lawmakers and push for meaningful change. Learn more and get involved: https://lnkd.in/gKR8qhVk Thank you for your support—we’ll resume our regular hours on Thursday, March 13th! #HomelessDayOnTheHill #AdvocateForChange #EndHomelessness

?? Time is running out! Only 2 days left to vote for YouthLink as Minnesota’s Best Nonprofit!? ? Every vote counts, and you can vote once per day until March 12th at 5 PM.? ? ??? Vote now: https://lnkd.in/gD8KNws (click the “Services” category and then “Nonprofit Organizations” and scroll down to find YouthLink).? ? Let’s bring this home! ?? #MNBest #YouthLinkMN #YouthLink #endyouthhomelessness #youthempowerment?

We believe in the power of community, and your vote can help us make an even bigger impact! Vote once per day for YouthLink as Minnesota’s Best Nonprofit now through March 12th. ?? ??? Vote here: https://lnkd.in/gD8KNws (click the “Services” category and then “Nonprofit Organizations” and scroll down to find YouthLink). Thank you for supporting young people on their journey to stability! #MNBest #YouthLinkMN #YouthLink #endyouthhomelessness #youthempowerment