About Us

HelpLink is a tech-enabled nonprofit that connects businesses, nonprofits, and communities in one space to deliver fast, dignified, and discreet help in times of need. We exist to remove barriers to work before they become missed shifts, lost income, or termination — and to make support easier to offer, easier to access, and more dignified to receive for those who are struggling.

We believe support should be fair and consistent, not based on judgment. That's why HelpLink is designed to remove shame from the process and pair dignity with transparency, so everyone involved can trust what happened and why.

Our Beginnings

HelpLink began as Spark in the Dark, a peer-to-peer Facebook group launched in 2017 in Traverse City, Michigan. The concept was simple: someone needs work boots, someone else buys them. Someone can't pay their electric bill, the community rallies.

What started with 50 members grew into more than 33,000 people, connecting over 120,000 needs to solutions. But as the movement scaled, managing needs through social media became inefficient — donations couldn't be tracked, needs couldn't be verified, and there was no way to provide tax receipts.

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A Shift We Couldn't Ignore

As the world returned to work after COVID, a clear trend emerged: people weren't just asking for help — they were asking for help getting to work. Finding scrubs, or keeping their job in car repair. New sneakers. A past-due utility bill. A full tank of gas. People were missing shifts and losing jobs over $100 barriers.

At the same time, employers were already facing staffing shortages and the ripple effects of inconsistent attendance.

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Building HelpLink

We saw the gap between urgent, practical needs and the speed it takes to solve them.

HelpLink is the solution that grew out of that reality: a tech-enabled nonprofit platform that helps businesses, nonprofits, and communities coordinate in one space to deliver fast, dignified, and discreet help before it's too late.

For businesses, HelpLink makes it possible to prioritize charitable giving in a way that directly supports staff in need first, then extends into broader community impact.

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Needs Met

Donated

Lives Impacted

What People Are Saying

"HelpLink has given me the opportunity to make a difference in people’s lives, who are simply in a rough spot and just need a little boost to make their lives easier. It’s such an easy process, and I really feel secure in knowing that the money I donate goes directly to the cause intended. Something as small as body wash or towels can really make a huge difference in someone’s life, and it’s such an easy process to help a fellow human being."

— Carissa

"I am so grateful and blessed to have this pillow it all definitely help me be able to sleep sitting up , thank you so much for your caring and kindness , God Bless you 💕"

— Uplifted in Northwest Michigan

"A big thanks to Cherry Republic for paying a community member's phone bill. This will ensure they have the ability to continue their job and housing search. I am so pleased to see a local store I frequent supporting the community. THANK YOU!"

— Uplifted in Northwest Michigan

"With deepest gratitude I would like to thank everyone for helping me with this gas card to drive to and from my chemo appointments in Tampa! I even finished radiation today!!!! I am on the road (pun intended) to recovery!!!! It means the world us!"

— Thankful in Kissimee

"HelpLink has been a gratifying way for me to connect and contribute to my community. I love the ability to choose where I can make the most impact on someone’s life with what I can afford to give. Helping others is essential in showing others they are not alone and that someone cares."

— Jeannette T.

"God Bless you Jason T. I appreciate the sheets and pillows. It has made my 1st week of recovery easier. I am healing slower than I would like but I'm Blessed 🙌"

— Uplifted in Northwest Michigan

"Thank you for your generosity my family is now in a home thank you for the help during the difficult transition"

— Supported in Northwest Michigan

"Wow!!!! Thank you so, so much for the beautiful bedding!!! The comforter is neutral and the sheets gave it a beautiful touch of color!!! Whoever does your shopping does wonderful!!! Thank you 4Front Credit Union for your continued generosity!!!"

— Supported in Northern Michigan

"At U.S. Hunger, we believe in protecting and supporting our most valuable asset—our people. Partnering with HelpLink was a natural choice because our values are so closely aligned. The setup process was seamless and informative, with expert guidance provided every step of the way. We are incredibly excited about this initiative and the positive impact it will have on our team."

— Yolanda , VP of People & Culture , U.S. Hunger

"You guys!!!! Thank you so much!! Thank you thank you 🥹 I really appreciate the thought that went into this, it was super easy to set up. Thank you again doners, you really out did yourself and we are so grateful ☺️ Big love!!!"

— Supported in Northwest Michigan

"At 4Front Credit Union, we believe strong communities are built when neighbors support each other. That’s why we proudly sponsor HelpLink; partnering with an organization that shares our values of inclusion, dignity, and financial well‑being allows us to make a real, measurable impact in our community. Together, we’re helping ensure no one faces life’s challenges alone."

— Meghan , Senior Community Relations Specialist , 4Front Credit Union

"THANK YOU 😊 MY HEART IS FULL WITH PEACE & JOY. Thank you is not enough! You saved me! Crying tears of joy!"

— Supported in Northwest Michigan

"Perhaps most impactful has been hearing directly from recipients. One message we received from a HelpLink requester expressed deep gratitude for the assistance and shared that the support had eased a difficult year and made a real difference for her family. Notes like these reflect exactly why we were so drawn to the platform."

— Lawrence , Owner , LaSusa Law Offices, PLC

"I love knowing that the company I work for cares enough about my needs to offer something like this. I don’t know if I will even need it one day since I am well paid, but I can think of times in my life that I have before and I think it’s incredible that my coworkers and I are covered just in case."

— Employee , RJG, Inc.

"Thanks so much for the gifts! Knowing we had the margin let us breathe a bit through the easter season. Thank you!"

— Thankful in Northwest Michigan

"Thank you from the bottom of my heart to everyone who helped pay off my Consumers Energy bill. Your kindness and generosity lifted a huge weight off my shoulders and helped my family during a very difficult time. We are truly grateful. ❤️"

— Grateful in Northwest Michigan

"At Cherry Republic, we're deeply committed to making a positive impact in our Northern Michigan community. Partnering with Helplink has been incredibly inspiring - watching their services' direct effect on our friends and neighbors in need is humbling and heartening. Their efficient coordination of resources and dedicated volunteer network exemplifies the spirit of community care we value."

— Sara , Human Resource Manager , Cherry Republic

Recognition & Awards

Facebook Community Accelerator

Torch of Ethics Award

Deloitte & AWS Accelerator

HelpLink in the News

How corporate giving programs are transforming retention and culture in manufacturing.

Why strategic charitable giving is a business decision, not just a nice-to-have, and how it impacts your bottom line.

What real help looks like when it's rooted in human connection instead of bureaucratic systems.

How to build a workplace culture of care that retains employees and strengthens your community.

The woman and motivation behind the movement

The story behind HelpLink's founder, what drives the mission, and where the movement is headed next.

How Spark in the Dark and HelpLink were born

The origin story of Spark in the Dark, how it evolved into HelpLink, and why helping others matters now more than ever.

Meet The Team

Dedication. Expertise. Passion.

When it comes to helping others and creating impact that lasts, there is no such thing as a one-man show. Our board of directors brings the perfect balance of compassion and expertise to every conversation so that we can continue to help innovative companies across the United States support their staff and community in times of need.

President

Abagail McKiernan

Author, Marketing, Public Relations

"Nobody should have to sacrifice their dignity and respect to get help."

CEO

Dan Mastromonaco

10x Tech Entrepreneur

"Helping others when they need it most should be easy."

Board Chair

Shannon Peck

Lead HelpLink Volunteer

"I love helping people when they need hope."

Treasurer

Andrew Castine

CPA, MS, Business Owner

"I believe in service above self."

Secretary

Zach Brown

Senior Attorney

"We all deserve help when we need it most."

Director

Bill Marsh

Business Owner, Philanthropist

"Love thy neighbors above all else."

Ready to make a difference?

If you're ready to reduce barriers to work and build a stronger safety net for your employees and your community, book a demo and we'll walk you through what HelpLink looks like in practice.

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Our Partners.

Proudly partnering with organizations making a difference.

Q100 Michigan Blarney Stone Broadcasting, Inc.