Community Champions Series, May 2026

In this series, we celebrate the individuals whose dedication, compassion, and commitment are helping young people thrive, and whose everyday actions are making a lasting difference across our community. Community Champions go above and beyond to create safe spaces, open doors, and offer steady support when it matters most.

Apple Autos

Since 2020, Apple Autos has stood beside us as our premier corporate partner, providing the foundational support necessary to offer housing, healing, and advocacy to those who need it most. Their proactive and heartfelt support has changed the trajectory of countless lives, and this year, we celebrate the remarkable six-year journey we’ve shared with this amazing team.

Please tell us a little bit about your business and team and how you are involved with supporting The Link.

Apple Auto is a family-owned automotive group in the Twin Cities community, and giving back has always been an important part of who we are. Our team believes strongly in supporting organizations that create real, lasting impact for young people and families in Minnesota. Since getting involved with The Link in 2020, we’ve been proud to support their mission through community partnerships, volunteer efforts, and ongoing advocacy for the important work they do.

How did you get introduced to The Link? 

We were introduced to The Link shortly after COVID, during a time when many organizations were seeing increased needs across the community. As we learned more about the challenges facing youth and families, especially around homelessness, exploitation, and stability, it became clear that The Link was doing critical work.

When you learned about The Link, what inspired you to get involved?

What inspired our team most was The Link’s hands-on, compassionate approach to helping young people who are often overlooked. We were especially moved by their commitment to meeting people where they are and helping create pathways toward stability, safety, and opportunity.

Do you have any stories you’d like to share that highlight why you continue to support The Link?

One story that stood out the most was that of the young man who presented at the Rise for Change breakfast in October of 2024. The courage it took for him to share such a vulnerable, personal story was incredibly impactful and enlightening. Exploitation often has a strong association with young women, so it was deeply moving and challenging to understand the harsh reality—exploitation shows no favoritism. The Link is not afraid to meet taboo topics head-on and truly expose and rescue the vulnerable. Apple Autos has always believed in investing in the next generation. The Link is doing the heavy, meaningful work of making sure we first have a healthy generation to invest in.

How would you describe The Link to a friend who has never heard of us?

We may provide the financial needs, but the Link is the boots on the ground; the front lines of the change taking place. Their focus is advocacy and empowerment of the vulnerable and overlooked. The Link offers robust, data-based programs that set our youth on the right track, and equip them by meeting both immediate and long-term resources to stay the course.