History of The Link:

The Link, Inc., a halfway house for men, began preparing to serve clients in 1978 in response to the identified need for a structured environment for newly recovering males in Northeast Nebraska.  The first year entailed forming a governing body of dedicated community leaders, acquisition of property (1001 Norfolk Ave.) and remodeling for a homelike treatment atmosphere, while also meeting the requirements of the Fire Marshall and Department of Health codes.  The program actually began serving the needs of clients in 1979 with programs including detoxification and halfway house residential treatment.  The Link is the only extended residential treatment program for adult males in rural Region IV, which serves 22 counties of Northeast Nebraska, a geographic region of 22,000 miles.  The agency was initially known as The Region IV Halfway House, d.b.a. The Link.  The corporate bylaws and articles of incorporation were later changed to The Link, Inc.  As with most agencies, many changes in the method of delivering services, the relationship with referral agencies and governmental involvement have taken place since inception.  The Link completed a major remodeling of the facility and an upgrade of offices and office equipment in the 1997 and 1998 fiscal years.  We continue to upgrade as needed when funding is available.  In January of 1999, The Link Alumni Association was formed to offer continued peer support for its members, financial support of The Link and ongoing mentoring/sponsoring of the current residents.  The Alumni Association, through its fund raising activities, has thus far helped finance replacement of all 15 beds, mattresses and bedding.  They have also purchased 15 quality oak dressers, professional quality stainless steel cookware, oak dining room tables & chairs, an underground sprinkler system, a snow-blower, a large deck for residents to relax on, remodeled the garage into a meeting room and provided monthly recreational activities for residents.  On September 1, 1999, The Link opened a 5 bed 3/4way house in the adjoining property to further serve males on a yet longer basis in a less structured environment.  On August 11, 2003, The Link celebrated our 25th Anniversary with approximately 150 alumni, staff Board members and community friends in attendance.  This event took place immediately following the 8th Annual Link Golf Tournament, a joint fund raising event of The Link and Link Alumni which had 120 participants that year.

We look forward to the future.