OUR MISSION
The purpose of EDU-LINK is to support, promote, and teach reading and comprehension skills by funding outside tutoring services to individuals and families identified as needing extra assistance. This effort creates equitable access for all students and families to specialized tutoring services, regardless of their socioeconomic position.
OUR VISION
EDU-LINK is a 501(c)3 that is designated to assist families who may need financial assistance accessing educational assistance with reading and comprehension skills, outside of a traditional school environment.
THE FULL STORY
EDU-LINK was founded on July 10th 2020 and has three areas of concentration: youth literacy, adult literacy and tutor training. Our youth literacy effort serves students in grades 1-12. The youth literacy focus, alleviates the financial burden on families who would otherwise not be able to afford to enroll their child in an intensive literacy tutoring program. Students who are approved for funding, require tutoring to improve literacy skills, outside of a traditional learning environment. This intensive program is individualized and provides them with the tools needed to improve literacy. The goal of this program is to provide an opportunity for students who are unable to meet reading goals within a structured school day. Our adult literacy effort serves learners over 19, like our founder Tim, who at 59 took on his own literacy challenges. Our adult focus serves adults, with English as their native language, who have literacy concerns, along with economic barriers. The literacy tutor training focus gives opportunity to individuals who seek to become literacy tutors in rural Minnesota. This focus enhances the workforce to fill an unmet need. We are requesting funds to upgrade technology to include one computer with Microsoft Office Suite and Zoom. This technology will help promote efforts via a contracted social media/website person and to purchase supplies for tutors as well as pay rent for student space and for contracted services with an accountant.
Timothy Elkington, Founder
Tim is a lifelong resident of Montevideo. He is married to his wife Shelly. Tim is a former business owner and currently co owns a business with Shelly. His strengths are in conflict resolution and financial management.
As an adult, Tim took on the challenge to improve his reading skills and found a world of freedom through that process. Once completing the course, he realized the financial burden the cost puts on families and individuals. With the assistance of family and friends, Tim created EDU-LINK to help make literacy tutoring available to families from all economic backgrounds.
In his free time, he enjoys watching Minnesota Gopher sports with his dog, Poppy. He has completed several home remodeling projects and landscaping. Tim is an avid model train enthusiast.
Meet the Board Members
Shelly Elkington
Shelly is from Montevideo MN. She is a Registered Nurse, certified in Public Health and Nurse Coaching. Shelly has owned and operated a personal care agency for the past 20 years and has helped many families find care assistance for physical, emotional and mental health needs. Shelly brings experience as a long term business owner with specialties in business management, human resources and payroll. Shelly has been involved in non-profit work over the years, and has been instrumental in government work, including passing significant legislation at the state level, as well as engaging with Congressional Delegates in Washington DC. Shelly enjoys spending time at their lake cabin on Big Stone Lake with her family as well as taking on projects at their home in Montevideo.
Reenie Elkington
Reenie Elkington is a former case manager having worked twenty-five years for a home health care agency. Previous to supervising Personal Care Attendants, Reenie worked for twelve years in parish ministry. Her work days were filled with people, driving to homes of clients, and supporting caregivers who worked with elders and those with special needs. Reenie retired at the end of 2019. At the same time her brother, Tim, was completing a personal project which inspired him to launch the non-profit, EDU-LINK. The timing was perfect for her to become part of the board of directors. Reenie resides in Alexandria, MN with her cats Peaches Lynn and Squash Gabriel. She enjoys time with family and friends, simple gardening, reading, writing, photography, jigsaw puzzles, and making greeting cards.
Karen Kling
Karen retired from elementary teaching in 2014 after being with the Montevideo School District for 36 years. Karen and her husband, Steven, live on a small hobby farm near Montevideo and love the country life! They have three children and six grandchildren. In her retirement, she is most interested in volunteering with groups that positively affect the lives of the Montevideo children and their families. She is honored to be a part of the EDU-LINK board.
Brenda Struck
Brenda is retired from 40 years of customer service including JCPenney Portrait Studio and Bremer Bank. She and her husband, Joe, now live in a home on a lake near Alexandria, MN. She enjoys crocheting, gardening, volunteering at church, traveling and spending time with her son and his family who live in Lakeville, MN.
Sarah Hollinger
Sarah Hollinger spent her childhood in Iowa hunting mushrooms, building forts, and playing with farm cats. Sarah has been licensed to practice law in Minnesota since 2008 and spent the early years of her career professionally negotiating on behalf of employees. Sarah now owns a licensed family childcare in which she incorporates elements of RIE philosophy and practice. She seeks to cultivate curiosity and a lifetime love of learning for the children in her program. She enjoys spending time outdoors with her partner and children.
Sarah Vonderharr
Sarah Vonderharr lives in Montevideo with her family. She has previously worked as a case coordinator for families receiving personal care services in their homes. After finishing her Master's Degree in 2019 she was hired by Pact 4 Families Collaborative and was recently named their Executive Director. She is a tremendous advocate for children and families and has seen the benefits of specialized tutoring services in her own family. Sarah enjoys baking, spending time with her kids and new grandson. She is an avid flower gardener and loves to share her talents with others.
Kevin Hein
Before retiring in 2018, Kevin worked for 35 years for several entrepreneurial family businesses, mostly serving in comptroller and property management roles. He also started two small companies of his own. Kevin has been an active member of his community and the region serving on many boards and commissions, including on the Montevideo City Council. Most recently, he is proud of the role he played on Brookside Senior Living Board as they worked on replacing their old facility with a brand new multi-million dollar facility. Kevin comes from a long line of educators. He said half his aunts and uncles were teachers or school administrators.
He has three grown children, one of which is a teacher, and he is a proud grandparent.
Kevin stays busy volunteering, visiting family and friends, and working on an occasional home improvement or business project. And he is also an avid cyclist.
Zack Schulte
Zack is originally from Montevideo and now lives in Boyd, MN with his fiance and their two children. He is currently a shift lead at Granite Falls Energy where he is able to be a part of a company that produces renewable fuels. Zack has shown strong leadership abilities throughout his life and this is evident in his work. Zack and his family have a growing hobby farm, complete with horses, cows and chickens that keeps them busy all year. In his spare time, he enjoys spending time at his parents lake home especially wake-boarding. Zack has an interest in volunteer projects of all kinds and cares about education experiences for young people and how those experiences create outcomes later in life.