Welcome to MN LINC: Information

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.

Historically, MN LINC has been a leader in Animal-Assisted Interactions and Therapy. When this organization first incorporated in 1999, AAT was a new therapeutic option and few professionals were trained or skilled in this area. Today, because of training opportunities and MN LINC's educational programs and consultations, many more professionals are joining the AAT field. MN LINC's staff have conducted workshops and trainings at many conferences for professional organizations including The Delta Society, NARHA (North American Riding for the Handicapped Association) and EFMHA (Equine-Facilitated Mental Health Association), IAHAIO (International Association for Human-Animal Interactions Association), Seoul Nat'l University, Tufts University Animal Expo, Penn State, Michigan State, University of Minnesota, MSPP/Argosy University, MN Department of Education, MN Corrections and many more.

Board of Directors

Thanks to Our Supporters

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, sheep, chickens) are held at MN LINC's facility in Medina, MN. In addition, AAT with a canine is also offered at a private-practice office in Minnetonka.

Sessions usually last for 1-2 hours and participants pay privately for services. MN LINC is an out-of-network provider and clients may seek insurance reimbursement from their healthcare providers.

Youth Programming through Schools - MN LINC offers social and emotional learning (SEL) programs and psycho-educational services for schools and other youth-based agencies. These programs 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 who desire the means 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 Program (PDP) - 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. This course provides 66.5 CEUs.

Canine-Assisted Intervention Program (CAI) - This 12-hour course and year-long program is designed to help school personnel become trained with their personal dog in an effort to provide education, social and emotional support for students.

"Kids and Horses" and "Kids and Dogs" Protocols - With the commitment of training others in AAT, MN LINC provides training in and the purchase of two, 12-week youth prevention programs - "Kids & Horses" and "Kids & Dogs." These can be purchased and include two days of training and consultation from MN LINC so that each site can tailor the program 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."

Workshops (EPONA, DaVinci's Horses, 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.

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