The Link is a Twin Cities-based, youth and adult led nonprofit with over 30 years of experience operating programs for youth who are experiencing homelessness, sexual exploitation, and/or involvement in the juvenile justice or child welfare systems. The Link was founded in 1991 by two Black community leaders and former Minnesota Vikings, Jim Marshall and Oscar Reed. Jim and Oscar began the organization out of a donated two-bedroom apartment in North Minneapolis after witnessing young people—primarily Black youth—struggling with poverty, housing instability, and involvement in the juvenile justice system. Recognizing both the vulnerability and potential of these young people, they stepped in to disrupt cycles of trauma and create pathways to safety, opportunity, and hope. From its grassroots beginnings to becoming Minnesota’s largest provider of housing for youth, The Link has upheld our founders’ “whatever it takes” spirit for more than 30 years, adapting and expanding in response to emerging community needs, particularly for BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ youth. That vision continues to guide our work today as we serve more than 2,000 youth and young families each year across the Twin Cities through innovative, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive services.