The Link Minnesota’s Post

Congratulations Justin Whitworth on receiving the Special Reach Star of Service! Justin is studying teacher education at Palo Alto College. He has worked as a donation attendant for 3 years at the Second Chances thrift shop and Helotes Humane Society. His hobbies include reading history and politics, going on walks, and making new friends. Justin says his favorite thing about Special Reach is that, "It is an uplifting place to volunteer. The staff, families, fellow volunteers and participants are kind members of the community. The energy and communication they bring helps bring out our comradery. Everyone leaves happy after each event." He adds, "Special Reach has solidified my decision to be a special education teacher. I've seen participants who were reluctant to try new activities and believe in themselves. I feel great joy being a volunteer at Special Reach events. I have made many friends and acquaintances in the community. I have learned many things from the teachers." We celebrate Justin for his outstanding contributions and thank him for his selfless dedication to improving our community! #specialneedschildren #takeabreak #sanantonio #volunteer #volunteersmakeadifference #community #communitysupport #communityimpact #makeadifference #specialeducation #disability #disabilityawareness #disabled #inclusion #autism #specialneeds #accessibility #autismawareness #autismspectrum #neurodiversity #love #disabilityadvocate #cerebralpalsy #mentalhealth #mentalhealthawareness #disabilityrights #disabilityinclusion #downsyndrome #motivation #inspiration #diversitymatters

𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗶𝘀 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗴𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗮 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗴𝗲? The answer lies in the complexities and individual needs of the youth we serve. Our Youth Transition Service (YTS) is dedicated to assisting young people aged 12-21 who are at risk of involvement with the law, as well as those already involved with the justice system.⁠ These youth face a variety of challenges that make reintegration into the community particularly difficult. ⁠ We tackle these challenges by creating customized reintegration plans for each youth, personalizing our approach to their unique challenges, goals, and interests. Whether it's guidance with schooling, support through trauma, or access to positive community involvement, we understand that each youth’s journey is different, and we're proud to support these youths in whatever ways they need.⁠ By addressing these diverse needs, we strive to help these young people successfully reintegrate into their communities, fostering a sense of belonging and encouraging positive development. ⁠ Learn more about YTS and our other programs on our site---link below. 🧡 ➡️ https://fernieyouth.ca ⁠ #fernieyouth #caringbeyondreason #scarborough #nonprofitorganization #youthadvocacy

On any given day, over 400,000 children are in the U.S. foster care system. A number of environmental and societal factors play a role in these kids being separated from their families, and while children of all races can be found in this system, a disproportionate number of these children are Black. Studies have shown that Black children in foster care experience disparate treatment and significantly higher risk for negative outcomes later in life compared to other children in the system. Learn more and join our initiative to achieve racial equity at https://lnkd.in/gjs9CG_7. 🫶🏻🫶🏽🫶🏾🫶🏿 - #CarePortal, #CareTogether #CareSharing #TechForGood, #NonprofitTech, #ChildAdvocacy, #FamilySupport, #CommunityEmpowerment, #LocalChurch, #ResourceConnection, #Tech4Change, #ChildrenInNeed, #FamilyAssistance #BlackHistoryMonth #BlackChildrenInFosterCare #RacialEquity

Veteran Housing Corp says that IF YOU ARE NOT PART OF A PERMANENT AND LASTING SOLUTION TO THE AFFORDABLE HOUSING CRISIS AND HOMELESSNESS, YOU ARE THE PROBLEM! THE AFFORDABLE HOUSING INDUSTRIAL COMPLEX IS BROKEN AND NOT WORKING FOR AMERICAN TAXPAYERS Veteran Housing Corp would ask every TAXPAYER to demand and get answers from their elected and appointed government officials the below questions as they relate to any affordable, workforce, or supportive housing project in your community! 1. How much local, state, and federal funding, tax credits, or other government benefits or incentives did the project receive? 2. What is the affordability period for each project? Is the affordability period permanent and in perpetuity? 3. What guarantees exist have your local, state, and federal government officials obtained in writing that rents will not go up or that tenants will not be displaced or evicted after the "affordability period expires? Every local, state, and federal housing authority and affordable or workforce housing stakeholder should adopt the State of Vermont's "permanent affordability" policy as a model for all future government funded or subsidized housing projects or developments, no exceptions! https://lnkd.in/eFEUC8c8 Additionally, local, state and federal housing agencies should look to the Helsinki, FINLAND MODEL of ending homelessness by providing affordable housing for all 'It’s a miracle': Helsinki's radical solution to homelessness https://lnkd.in/er9HZSQU Even the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development AGREES THAT adopting FINLAND'S MODEL OF ERADICATING HOMELESSNESS may be of great value to resolving the affordable housing and homelessness crises in America https://lnkd.in/gkSZWYRU

Big goals. Big impact. Your support helps: ✅ Children learn ✅ Adults earn ✅ Communities thrive Together we can make a difference. https://lnkd.in/dHY5XGHe

"How can I help?" I've been asked that question a lot lately. If you have signed up to volunteer for one of the eleven teams - thank you. That's what Tara would ask you to do. If you have volunteered in the past, and you plan to volunteer this year, don't drag your feet. Go sign up now. It's hard to explain the amount of pressure our Area Leads feel this time of year. Talk to people in your circle who would be a good fit for what we do. The bottom line is this: More adult role models = more kids. If you think this is important I encourage you to take action. This program brings people together. This program creates more community. Our culture is rooted in personal accountability. What we do is clear. How we do it is clear. Expectations are clear. Strive to be the best version of yourself. Help others do the same. Invest in youth. Invest in the future.

How many hours a week are you in your community? I encourage pastors to allocate 5 hours a week to be in their community, connecting with non-believers and building bridges of connection to people not a part of the church. Here are some ways to get out of your office and into your community. https://ow.ly/VY0j50QnwGY #churchgrowth #churchleadership #evangelism #outreach https://lnkd.in/gCMBbRKr?

How is Fernie Youth building safer communities, and why should you care?⁠ ⁠ At Fernie Youth, we believe in second chances and the power of transformation. Our programs have positively impacted the lives of over 6,000 justice-involved youth, guiding them onto a new path toward becoming positive, contributing, and law-abiding adults. Here’s how we’re making a difference: ⁠ 𝗥𝗲𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗴𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: We understand that reintegration can be challenging for youth who have been involved with the justice system. That’s why we offer personalized support to help them successfully transition back into their communities. 𝗘𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗼𝘆𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀: One of the biggest barriers to successful reintegration is unemployment. Our programs are designed to equip youth with essential job skills that make them competitive in the job market. 𝗔𝗰𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗰𝗲𝘀: We believe that access to resources is crucial for lasting change. Our comprehensive approach includes providing mental health services, educational opportunities, and mentoring programs. 𝗜𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗰𝘁 𝗼𝗻 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀: The benefits of our work extend far beyond the individuals we help. For our communities, this means less crime and less violence. As these young individuals transform their lives, they also contribute positively to their surroundings, mentoring the next generation to become their best selves. Communities become safer and more vibrant, fostering an environment where everyone can feel secure and supported. Caring about the work we do at Fernie Youth means caring about the future of our communities. When we invest in our youth, we invest in a safer, more prosperous society for all. By supporting our programs, you are helping to create a ripple effect of positive change that benefits everyone. Together, we can build a world where every young person has the opportunity to succeed and contribute positively to their community. For more information on our programs and their impact, hit the link below. 🧡 ➡️ https://fernieyouth.ca ⁠ #fernieyouth #caringbeyondreason #scarborough #nonprofitorganization #youthadvocacy #torontononprofit

The California Alliance of Child & Family Services represents over 165 nonprofit organizations dedicated to serving vulnerable children, youth, and families. ***We are deeply concerned about the CDSS Rate Reform proposal outlined in the May budget Trailer Bill*** Without proper review and adjustments, this proposal will negatively impact foster youth and the organizations that support them. We urge our lawmakers to: -Require a comprehensive review of the proposal and gather feedback from stakeholders in January 2025. -Analyze and adjust funding within the Tiers to meet the true costs of Foster Family Agencies (FFAs) and Short Term Residential Therapeutic Programs (STRTPs). -Develop a process to optimize Medi-Cal funding for foster youth services. -Reduce administrative burdens on service providers. -Include an annual Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) on the administrative component of the rate. -The administrative rates for both STRTPs and FFAs, as well as the care and supervision rates for STRTPs, must be increased to ensure that these programs can continue to meet the needs of the children and families they serve. Our children and families deserve better. Let's work together to ensure their needs are met. Caroline Menjivar Corey Jackson, DSW, MSW Scott Wiener Jesse Gabriel

When it comes to foster care, this is literally the only innovation to the program that makes any sense. With violent and often mentally unstable youth ending up in foster care due to state legislation, this is the least the state can do. Let’s not wait until they are homeless and addicted to drugs or trafficked to support intervention services. If First 5 funds the Effective Parenting Initiative to offer early intervention to parents, let’s not sideline the importance of adopting intervention as a strategy!