The Link operates a gender specific, trauma informed program for probation involved girls age 12 to 20 called POWER (Positive Opportunities for Women of Every Race). The POWER Program is a combination of individualized case management and structured group programming serving girls throughout all regions of Hennepin County.
The POWER Program is housed within the Juvenile Justice Division at The Link and is designed for justice-involved girls through a referral from the court or a Probation Officer. The goal of the program is to prevent further justice-involvement and to create an environment where young women can build relationships with one another, seek and give support, and discuss relevant topics around Restorative Justice, Family and Community Connections, Education and Economic Self-Sufficiency, and Health and Wellness. The POWER Program is co-designed by the young women of the RILE (Rooted in Lived Experience) Advisory Committee.
The POWER Program includes 12 weeks of individual Case Management which focuses on the goals and needs of the youth, such as finding a job, improving school attendance, repairing or developing relationships with family or peers, and connecting to hobbies or other positive activities. Programming also includes a Group portion which meets once a week for 8 weeks. Group topics are informed by the young women of the RILE Advisory Committee. Each group includes a time for content providing an opportunity to learn and grow together, a time for process which is a chance to digest and make meaning out of experiences, and a time for Community Partners to come in as guests to share their expertise and resources so we can expand the network of caring adults surrounding our young women.
Referrals for this program are received exclusively through Hennepin County Juvenile Probation.
For more information regarding the POWER Program, please contact Caalynn Schiro, Program Manager:
612-677-2522 | cschiro@thelinkmn.org