Welcome to the Link | formerly Macdonald Youth Services

Generic selectors
Exact matches only
Search in title
Search in content
Post Type Selectors

We’re Here

For Families

We encourage inclusive community bonds and nurture belonging, pride and resilient families through cultural reconnection, wellness and lifelong independence skills.

The Link works to nurture strong and resilient youth and families through:

Connections

We build safe, caring, collaborative and respectful relationships between family members, families, peers and partners in the community.

Wellness

We strive to improve physical, mental and emotional wellness of our youth and their families.

Independence

We ensure youth are equipped with skills for lifelong independence including job training and school supports.

Relationships

We build safe, caring, collaborative and respectful relationships between family members, families, peers and partners in the community.

Learn More About The Link

The Link has been helping children, youth and families in Manitoba for nearly 100 years. Today our network spans four communities and includes hundreds of staff, volunteers and foster families.

Our Mission arrow_forward_ios

Change a Child or Family’s Future

The Link is part of the CanadaHelps.org network, which offers safety, security and convenience when it comes to online donations. Or donate safely and securely by mail or by phone.

Send a Donation arrow_forward_ios

Lend us Your Time and Talents

Share your expertise whether it’s in a leadership capacity on our Board of Directors (by nomination), through individual projects and programs or by organizing fundraising or awareness-building events.

Be a Volunteer arrow_forward_ios

Mission

What we do…

We walk alongside children, youth, adults and families as an inclusive community, strengthening and empowering a sense of belonging, pride and purpose.

Vision

Why we do it…

To become a community that shapes and creates opportunities for belonging, pride and purpose.

Values

How we do it…

Compassion:
through inclusivity, respect and humility.

Community:
through engagement, reciprocity and responsibility.

Well-being:
through connection, growth and balance.

Testimonials

What People Say About Our Work

From volunteers, to staff, to program participants, see what people are saying about The Link’s network of family supports.

Read Our Latest News

  • 2023-2024 Annual Report – Together Towards Tomorrow

    2023-2024 Annual Report – Together Towards Tomorrow

    We are excited to share with you The Link’s 2023-2024 Annual Report: Together Towards Tomorrow: Walking Alongside…

    Read More

  • Extreme Summer Weather – Community Response Plan – 2024

    Extreme Summer Weather – Community Response Plan – 2024

    Read More

  • Cheryl’s Journey: Advocating for Youth at the United Nations

    Cheryl’s Journey: Advocating for Youth at the United Nations

    The twenty-third session of the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues took place from 15-26…

    Read More

🌟 Flu & COVID-19 Vaccine Clinics! 🌟⁠
⁠
Protect yourself and those around you by getting vaccinated! Join us for our upcoming clinics:⁠
⁠
📅 Friday, October 18th, 2024⁠
🕘 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM⁠
📌175 Mayfair Avenue, Winnipeg⁠
⁠
📅 Tuesday, October 29th, 2024⁠
🕘 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM⁠
📌175 Mayfair Avenue, Winnipeg⁠
⁠
📍 Walk-ins are welcome, but to book an appointment, contact Nina Martin at:⁠
✉️ nina.martin@thelinkmb.ca⁠
📞 204-949-6524 / 431-294-5821⁠
⁠
What to Bring:⁠
- Manitoba Health card (or other provincial/territorial health card)⁠
- Wear a short-sleeved or loose-fitting shirt⁠
- Have something to eat and drink before your appointment⁠
- If you're feeling unwell or have COVID-19 symptoms, please reschedule⁠
⁠
Let's keep our community safe! We can’t wait to see you there! 💉✨⁠
⁠
#Winnipeg #DowntownWpg #VaccineClinic #Flu #Community
The Link's offices and Youth Hub will be closed on Monday, October 14, 2024, for the holiday.⁠
⁠
We will reopen on Tuesday, October 15th at 8:30 a.m.⁠ ⁠
⁠
If you need help while we are closed, we have a safe space for youth (under 21) at our 24/7 Emergency Youth Resource Centres (YRCs) at: ⁠
159 Mayfair Avenue in Winnipeg: 204-477-1804⁠
116 Hemlock Crescent in Thompson: 204-778-5382⁠
⁠ ⁠
Mobile Crisis Teams⁠ 204-949-4777⁠ 1-888-383-2776⁠ ⁠
Free 24-hour crisis supports for youth, families & caregivers.⁠ ⁠
⁠
Or if you want to connect with someone, you can TEXT “support” to 204-900-6010 to access immediate, confidential support.⁠
⁠
Visit our website for more info: https://thelinkmb.ca/services/⁠ ⁠
⁠
#Winnipeg #Thompson #Manitoba #Youth #Families⁠
October 4 is the National Day of Action for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and 2SLGBTQ+ people. Today we honour the lives and legacies of the victims and survivors, the women, girls and 2SLGBTQ+ loved ones impacted by this tragic and on-going violence. ⁠
 To learn more you can visit: https://tinyurl.com/t8dd6ckw⁠
⁠
#MMIWG2S #MMIWG #MMIGActionNow #SistersInSpirit #DayofAction #NationalDayOfAction
On September 30, 2024, we recognize National Truth and Reconciliation Day and observe Orange Shirt Day, standing in solidarity with survivors of residential schools, their families and communities. ⁠
Every Child Matters; we honor the lost children and those affected by this painful legacy.⁠
⁠
We encourage everyone to engage in learning about Truth and Reconciliation. Consider attending local events, listening to nationwide programming or reflecting on the Calls to Action.⁠
At 2 p.m. Central time today, you can watch “Remembering the Children” live from Ottawa on CBC or APTN.⁠
⁠
This can also be a challenging time for many; please connect with one of the resources below if you need support:⁠
⁠
Indian Residential Schools Crisis Line: 1-866-925-4419⁠
MMIWG2S+ Support Line: 1-844-413-6649⁠
Indian Residential Schools Survivors Society: 1-800-721-0066⁠
⁠
To learn more, please visit the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation: https://nctr.ca/⁠
⁠
We also have a Mobile Crisis Teams⁠ 204-949-4777⁠ 1-888-383-2776⁠, a free 24-hour crisis supports for youth, families & caregivers.⁠ ⁠
Or if you just want to connect with someone, you can TEXT “support” to 204-900-6010 to access immediate, confidential support.⁠
⁠
#OrangeShirtDay #EveryChildMatters #NDTR ⁠
Looking for Volunteer Experience?⁠ ⁠ ⁠
We have an opportunity to help youth ages 12-20 become involved in the community with our Positive Alternatives for Youth (PAY) program!⁠
⁠
The goal is to support youth to develop skills and be positively involved in the community.⁠
⁠
- Volunteer Experience to Add to your Resume⁠
- High School Credit⁠
- Experience Working in a Team⁠
- Opportunity to Contribute to the Community⁠
⁠
Contact Evan Reimer for more info:⁠ ⁠
evan.reimer@thelinkmb.ca⁠ ⁠
204-949-4834⁠ ⁠
For more info: https://shorturl.at/gIsc2⁠
⁠
#VolunteerMB #Winnipeg #Manitoba #Community #Youth #Volunteer #MBVolunteers ⁠
The Link's offices and Youth Hub will be closed on Monday, September 30, 2024, in observance of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.⁠
We will reopen on Tuesday, October 1st at 8:30 a.m.⁠ ⁠
⁠
If you need help while we are closed, we have a safe space for youth (under 21) at our 24/7 Emergency Youth Resource Centres (YRCs) at: ⁠
159 Mayfair Avenue in Winnipeg: 204-477-1804⁠
116 Hemlock Crescent in Thompson: 204-778-5382⁠
⁠ ⁠
Mobile Crisis Teams⁠ 204-949-4777⁠ 1-888-383-2776⁠ ⁠
Free 24-hour crisis supports for youth, families & caregivers.⁠ ⁠
⁠
Or if you want to connect with someone, you can TEXT “support” to 204-900-6010 to access immediate, confidential support.⁠
⁠
Visit our website for more info: https://thelinkmb.ca/services/⁠ ⁠
⁠
#Winnipeg #Thompson #Manitoba #Youth #Families⁠
⁠
Twitter:⁠
The Link's offices will be closed on Monday on Sept. 30, 2024 ⁠ ⁠
Open Oct. 1 @ 8:30am Have a safe long weekend!⁠
⁠
⁠YRC #Winnipeg⁠: 204-477-1804⁠ ⁠
YRC #Thompson: 204-778-5382⁠ ⁠
Mobile Crisis Teams⁠ 204-949-4777⁠ or 1-888-383-2776⁠ ⁠
Text 204-900-6010 for support⁠
Wa-Say Healing Centre is hosting a Healing Walk & Orange Shirt Day Pow Wow on September 30th,  at The Forks and RBC Convention Centre.⁠
⁠
This event is a time to Walk & Dance together to Honor the Residential School Survivors and Remember the Children that didn't return home.⁠
⁠
Meet at Odena Circle at The Forks at 9 am⁠
Monday, September 30⁠
⁠
Orange T-shirts given away at Odena Circle @ 9 am⁠
The healing walk will go from Odena Circle to The RBC Convention Centre.⁠
⁠
Healing Walk begins at 11 am⁠
Pow Wow - Grand Entry - 1 pm⁠
⁠
#wasayosd2024 #wasayhealingcentre #EveryChildMatters #OrangeShirtDay #Winnipeg #Manitoba #OrangeShirtDay
September 30 is Orange Shirt Day in Canada – a day when we honor the resilience and strength of Indigenous children and communities. 🧡⁠
⁠
It originated in 2013, inspired by Phylis Webstad's personal story about her experience at a residential school. Her children's book, "Phylis's Orange Shirt," tells the story of a young Indigenous girl who is excited to wear her new orange shirt on the first day of school. However, upon arrival, her shirt is taken away, symbolizing the loss of culture and identity experienced by many Indigenous children in residential schools. Orange Shirt Day promotes awareness, education and reconciliation, encouraging people to wear orange as a show of solidarity with Indigenous communities. ⁠
⁠
Phylis’s story is also featured in the documentary "Returning Home," where she shares her journey and the broader impact of residential schools on Indigenous communities, which reminds us of the importance of acknowledging the past and working towards healing and reconciliation.⁠
⁠
To learn more visit: https://orangeshirtday.org/⁠
⁠
#OrangeShirtDay #EveryChildMatters #PhylisWebstad