The LINK | February 2026 News and Updates from LINC, Inc.
Milestones 2026: A Night That Moved the Room and the Mission Forward
What a night.
LINC’s annual Milestones Dinner was more than a celebration—it was a powerful reminder of why LINC exists and what’s possible when a community shows up with heart. It was also an exciting introduction to the Legacy Builders Campaign for the Hisan J. Polk Transformation Academy. The room was filled with energy, generosity, and a shared belief that transformation is real.
From the moving stories of lives rebuilt to the inspiring keynote from William J. Barber III, the evening called us to remember who we are and who we can become—together. Guests leaned in. They gave generously. They stood and applauded the courage it takes to build a future with purpose and intention. And they proved, once again, that this work matters deeply.
Because of you, we are expanding opportunity, restoring dignity, and creating real pathways forward for the youth, men, and women we serve. The momentum in that room will carry us through the year ahead—and the impact will be felt far beyond one evening.
If you joined us, thank you. If you supported from afar, thank you. Milestones 2026 was a success because of this community. And we are just getting started.
Items of Note | Announcements and Updates
New Hanover County’s new STAR – Substance Treatment and Recovery – Center opened in January, with LINC and RHA ready to provide residential detoxification and addiction treatment. We are grateful for the support and advocacy that helped get us here. STAR will change lives, and that means #secondchances will happen every day.
The LINC Board of Directors is looking for enthusiastic, community-minded individuals to assume empty positions. If you are interested in being part of our important work in youth empowerment, reentry and #SecondChances, please contact Michelle Gunn, LINC co-director, for the application.
We are pleased to Welcome Korey Giordano as LINC Local Reentry Council case manager.
LINC Local Reentry Council (LRC) is a network and case management service that supports individuals transitioning from incarceration back into society. It serves as a central hub, linking returning citizens to vital services like housing, employment, and substance abuse counseling to reduce recidivism.
LINC Puts “Community” in Calendar
February 24-28, 8am-7:30pm | Last week of early voting for NC primary elections, visit NHCvote.com for voting-related information
February 27, 7:30-9am | Brewing Communities, LRC 4th Floor, Harrelson Center
March 21, 12-5pm | Mental Health Awareness Festival and Fundraiser, UNCW Amphitheater (free)
April 17 | Deadline to apply for 2026 NC Summer Policy Institute for 18-25 year olds, learn more at NCBudget.org/NCSPI
If you’ve been thinking about making a significant investment in LINC’s work, we would welcome the opportunity to sit down with you personally.
There are meaningful, customized giving opportunities available—whether you’re interested in capital improvements, naming opportunities, program expansion, or legacy support. These conversations aren’t transactional. They’re thoughtful, strategic, and centered on aligning your philanthropic goals with real, measurable impact.
We’re also offering private tours of the firestation and future Hisan J. Polk Academy campus so you can see firsthand how lives will be filled with potential day. Walking the space, meeting the team, and hearing the stories behind the mission brings the work into sharp focus.
If you’d like to explore what a deeper partnership could look like, let’s talk. The future we’re building is ambitious—and it will take visionary supporters to make it possible. Email Anne Rose, Director of Development, for more information.