About — The Link

A brief History of The Link:

In 2007, the Ministerial Association in New London-Spicer began serious discussions about their desire to form a network to coordinate resources that would address the basic needs in the northern Kandiyohi County area. At the time, clergy were spread thin and were not knowledgeable of the myriad resources available to people in need.

By establishing a central hub from which services and resources were coordinated, The Link staff would provide a loving response to people in need while avoiding duplication of services by making referrals and using funds more efficiently.

Thrivent Financial For Lutherans funded the project for an initial 3 years through a start-up grant of $150,000 to Faith Lutheran Church, which served as the programmatic host of the organization. The Link officially began in 2008.

In 2017, The Link moved offices from Faith Lutheran Church in Spicer to New London in the old ACMC clinic building.

In January of 2018, The Link began operating as an independent 501(c)3.

Due to continued program growth, in 2021, The Link moved to it’s current space in the Midtown Plaza building in New London to better meet the needs of the community.

**The Link is funded by people like you and through the generous support of individuals, businesses, churches, civic and community groups and grantors.

By The Numbers

People living in Poverty in Kandiyohi Co:

Children living in poverty in Kandiyohi Co:

Free or Reduced Priced Lunches in Kandiyohi County:

Children Receiving SNAP Benefits in Kandiyohi County

Meet the Staff

Ashley Hanson

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Ashley was born and raised in the NL-S area. She received her Bachelors Degree in Early Childhood Education and joined The Link in 2019 as the Program Coordinator.
Ashley and her husband Trevor live in Spicer with their 3 young children. They also have 4 adult children- Noah (and Marilin), Landon, Mason and Shae. Ashley and Trevor also became first time grandparents in November of 2023 to a beautiful girl- Adaline Mae. They have been licensed foster parents since 2011.
Along with another foster mom, Ashley co-founded Foster Stitches, a clothing resource for Foster Families in Kandiyohi County.
Ashley moved into the Executive Director role in February of 2023 and is in charge of donor development, fundraising, grant writing, overseeing day-to-day operations and staff, client outreach, The Food Pantry, The Wildcat Backpack Program and The Snack Pantry.
Along with working at The Link, Ashley is also employed with Families Rising as a Parent Support Specialist, providing support to foster/adoptive parents in Central Minnesota.
Ashley has spent most of her life working in the mental health field and has always had a passion for serving others and connecting families with the resources they need to succeed.
Kristina Reuss

FINANCIAL OFFICER
Kristina moved to Spicer in 2016 with her husband and 2 daughters.
She quickly discovered The Link and knew it was something she wanted to get involved in.
She was excited to be part of the first packing of The Wildcat Backpack Program and started doing the shopping for the program along with the Outreach Coordinator.
Through the years, Kristina and her daughters have volunteered to fill multiple needs for The Link, but her true passion has always been the backpack program.
In January of 2022, Kristina joined The Link Board of Directors. In January of 2023, Kristina was presented with the opportunity to become the Financial Officer and jumped at the chance to become a part of the non-profit she had grown to love.
Kristina strongly believes in the mission of The Link and looks forward to being a part of the organization for years to come.
Shawna Roemeling

CRBT STORE MANAGER
VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR
Shawna grew up in Atwater and is a graduate of ACGC High School. After graduation, she continued her education at St. Cloud State University, where she graduated with a degree in Business Management.
In 2017, she joined The Link as Program Coordinator and worked in that position until 2019.
After taking a 2 year leave, Shawna returned to The Link in 2021 as Store Manager and Volunteer Coordinator.
Shawna has a passion for helping people and hopes to make a positive impact in the lives of those she touches. This passion is what drove her to become a volleyball coach. She has been coaching the ACGC Falcons volleyball team for the last 6 years, taking on the role of Varsity Coach for the past 3 years.
Shawna and her husband, Wade, have 3 daughters- Bailey, Erin and Elli. Bailey and her husband, Cory have been married for 3.5 years and live near Marshall, MN. Erin is pursuing her degree at Mankato State University and Elli is a senior in high school. Shawna and Wade also became grandparents in October of 2023 to a little boy named Memphis, whom they absolutely adore.
Before coming to The Link, Shawna worked for ACMC Clinics and was in charge of patient relations,. From there she went to work at United Community Action Agency as a Support Housing Counselor where she worked for 8 years.
Shawna absolutely loves this community and after their youngest daughter graduates, they are hoping to call NL-S home.
Deb Ostlund

SUPPORT STAFF
Deb was born and raised in New Ulm, MN. Deb received a degree in Liberal Arts for the Human Services from the University of Minnesota Morris. Deb and her family moved to the Spicer area in 1994. Deb worked at Kandiyohi County Health and Human Services as a social worker for 26 years. Deb worked in the areas of Child and Adult Protection as well as Child and Adult Foster Care Licensing.
Deb has two adult daughters and 6 grandchildren. Deb & her husband moved to Willmar in 2018.
Deb began working for the Link as a support staff person in June 2023. Deb loves continuing to help people through the programs of the Link, whether it is with Outreach, the Food Pantry or in the Thrift Store.