MN LINC is a therapeutic, non-profit organization whose mission is to partner with individuals, animals, and nature to inspire and instill human wellness. We partner with animals in our programs, workshops, and corporate trainings and through this restorative and healing partnership, we help kids who are struggling in areas of their lives, adults who have experienced trauma, and individuals who are looking to find more fulfillment and/or purpose in their lives. Essentially, instead of seeing people in an office or training type setting, we provide growth and learning opportunities by working in the barn or the great outdoors.
"Let us move into the next millennium with hope - with faith in ourselves, in our intellect, in our indomitable spirit. Let us develop respect for all living things. Let us try to replace violence and intolerance with understanding and compassion. And love."
-Jane Goodall 
Values
MN LINC's values allow us to be universally authentic with each other while sharing our interconnectedness with humans, animals, and nature.
The organization values:
- Joy and growth experienced through teaching and learning.
- Peace and wellness which comes from the interspecies connection.
- Being mindful, respectful and kind to others.
MN LINC's Vision Statement
To transform our world through the inseparable connection among humans, animals and nature.
MN LINC's Mission Statement
We partner with individuals, animals, and nature to inspire and instill human wellness.
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Board of Directors
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History
Minnesota Linking Individuals, Nature and Critters, Inc. (MN LINC) was founded in 1999 by professionals who believed that integrating animals and nature into therapeutic services for at-risk youth was an important alternative to more traditional forms of therapy and social skill-building interventions. The underlying theme was a love for children and animals and the desire to see programs created that would "link" these two with the overall goal of providing much needed services and programs for youth who were underserved, neglected, and often times discarded.
Direct Service
Through hands-on work with animals & nature, MN LINC provides individual, family and group therapy for teens and adults.
The therapy approach is strength based offering relationship building skills and empowerment.
- Individual Therapy
- Family Counseling Services
- Group Therapeutic Services - Time limited and on-going
Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT) sessions (with dogs, horses and/or chickens) are held at MN LINC's facility in Medina. In addition, AAT with a canine is also offered at a private therapeutic office in St. Louis Park.
Sessions usually last for 1-2 hours and participants pay privately for services or may seek insurance reimbursement from their health providers.
Youth Programming through Schools - MN LINC offers social emotional programs and psycho educational services for school and other youth based programs. They usually run for 12 weeks and are hosted either at the farm (horses) or at the school site (dogs).
AAT&E Consultations - MN LINC provides training for mental health and education professionals that desire to combine AAT&E into their scope of program offerings.
Education and Training
MN LINC teaches professionals at a local, national, and international level about the benefits of connecting people with animals & nature.
Professional Development Course - This one year, comprehensive course is designed for educators and mental health professionals and provides hands-on training in the application of AAT in human wellness and development programs.
Canine Class for Human Health Professionals - This 16 hour course is designed to strengthen and expand the knowledge base of professionals currently co-partnering with his or her canine.
Horse Womynship - A foundational course developed for the beginning horse owner teaching stewardship of our equine friends.
Protocols - With the commitment of training others in AAT, MN LINC developed curriculum for "Kids & Horses" and "Kids & Dogs." These can be purchased which includes training and consultation from MN LINC so that each site can tailor it to their purpose and goals.
DVD, Video & Manuals - As leaders in the AAT field, MN LINC has produced manuals, a video & DVD describing different ways animals and nature can be combined with educational, therapeutic, or life-skills goals.
Wellness
MN LINC offers workshops and seminars on topics related to the role of animals and nature in human wellness, development, and learning.
Spirit of Equus - A half-day workshop introducing the restorative power of the horse. Transform yourself by learning from our equine partners about intimacy, boundaries, emotions, balance, and being "in the now."
Equine Fusion - MN LINC is collaborating with SpaFusion, a local life spa, to provide an all-day body-mind connection through horses. This unique service is for those who seek an alternative recreational/spa adventure which also fulfills a personal emotional interest.
Workshops (EPONA, DaVinci's Horses and Women & Horses) - These one to two day interactive workshops help participants understand how our emotions give us information into authentic community building and expand our awareness of how our energy and non-verbal messages impact relationships.
Corporate Workshops - Designed for executives and/or professional work teams who want to gain insight and understanding of human behaviors through interactive work with horses.
Developmental Riding Lessons - For those desiring further understanding of how riding can Influence human thoughts, behaviors, and actions.
MN LINC in the News
Minnesota Monthly article "Talk to the Animals"
WCCO Video
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