Lincoln Place Celebrates First Anniversary

20-year-old Ashley Bath doesn't know where she would be without , which provides permanent, supportive housing for young adults ages 18-24. Since moving in a year ago, Bath has purchased a car, is holding down two jobs and is working toward her GED.

Loren Lange, also 20, was couch surfing and living on the street after being kicked out of his family's home. Now, after living at Lincoln Place for the past year, he feels like he is getting his life on the right track. 

Bath and Lange were just two Lincoln Place residents who were on-hand to give tours on April 7 during an open house celebrating the first anniversary of this one-of-a-kind facility in Dakota County. 

Lange said, "It's been an amazing experience...being able to do stuff on my own, seeing how hard it is [to live independently] but finding out that I can do it."

According to Case Manager Jennifer Ernst, who works closely with each resident to develop individual goals, Lincoln Place can be their home for as long as they need. Also, it gives young adults, many of whom have aged out of the foster care system and have nowhere to go, an opportunity for a safe, supportable place to live and experience some stability in their lives. 

Lincoln Place, located at 997 Gold Trail, has 24 efficiency apartments and, with 85 people on the waiting list the day it opened it doors, has been pretty much been full ever since. 

Amanda Flynn is the program manager for The Link, which contracts with the Dakota County Community Development Agency to provide 24-hour staffing at Lincoln Place. She said the young adult residents may have mental health or developmental issues, perhaps lacking supportive relationships with their family, and may not have the skills necessary to successfully live independently. 

A full-time case manager meets with each resident weekly to establish a goal plan, with the ultimate goal being successful, independent living. While they remain at Lincoln Place, each person is required to spend a minimum of 20 hours per week in productive activity, whether at work, school, helping around the facility or volunteering in the community. 

Flynn said she has been pleased with the support Lincoln Place has received from members of the community and all the volunteers who donate time and goods to support the efforts of the residents to better their lives.

There are a number of volunteer opportunities for anyone who is interested in becoming involved, from donating household goods or food to incoming residents - who often times are coming from the streets and lack the basic necessities - to teaching life skills, hobbies or other enrichment activities. 

Interested volunteers may call The Link at 612-871-0748 or e-mail info@thelinkmn.org for more information.