The LINK | January 2025 Updates from LINC, Inc.
Cecil Collins, former LSU and Dolphins NFL star, to Keynote Milestones Gala
Set for Thursday, February 20, 2025, the 25th Anniversary Milestones Gala will celebrate turning setbacks into comebacks with a keynote talk from Cecil Collins. The evening will feature a dinner buffet prepared by James Beard-nominated Chef Keith Rhodes, a limited open bar and dazzling mocktails from MisterBartender Port City, the Darryl Murrill jazz band, and inspiring recognitions, success stories, and acknowledgements. Sponsorship and ticket details online.
We appreciate our FIRST 2025 Milestones supporters:
Diamond Sponsor
DeerwooD5
Platinum Sponsor
Reflections of Hope LLP
Gold Sponsor
Cape Fear Collective
Coastal Horizons Center, Inc.
John and Sheila Fellerath
Health & Human Services | NHC
Silver Sponsors
Evan Ashkin
Steve and Louise Coggins
James H. Faison
Katy and Worth Parker
Stephanie Fetzer and Richard Poole
Ken Weeden and Associates Inc.
Add your name to the list of LINC Milestones underwriters who believe in Second Chances! Purchase a sponsorship here.
From Eyes on the Law: a snapshot of Veterans and Justice-Involvement
One of the most important facts for justice-involved individuals who are Veterans, is that that once released from incarceration, all Veterans are eligible for reinstatement of their benefits.
VA Disability compensation payments are reduced if a Veteran is convicted of any felony and imprisoned for more than 90 days. Once incarcerated, Veterans rated 20% or more are limited to 10% disability rate, and for Veterans whose ratings are 10%, the payment is reduce by one-half. read more
L.I.T.E. Manhood Accepting Referrals
L.I.T.E. Manhood served 62 families in the summer and afterschool program last year. The program is currently accepting referrals. The youth’s name, parent/s’ name/s, and parent contact information (phone and email), can be submitted to Riahonn Rose, Community Resource Coordinator, at rrose@lincnc.org.
Program participants experience a supportive group culture, learn appropriate leadership skills, acceptable school and community behavior, gain self-confidence and self-esteem, and learn appropriate etiquette for advancement within society.
Items of Note | Announcements and Updates
We deeply appreciate LINC’s 2024 donors. Their contributions have helped support second chances and all of our efforts to turn setbacks into comebacks. Help us thank them for being part of this important work in the community: 2024 Donor Roll
- We are very pleased to welcome Catrecia McCoy-Bowman as LINC’s new Human Resources Manager. Catrecia brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to fostering a supportive and positive workplace, aligned with our mission to empower marginalized communities.
- Pathway Home 2 is planning February employer drop-in hours at CFCC to engage employers and promote second chance hiring.
- NC FIT has expanded to include NC FIT Recovery which serves individuals with Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) and on Medciation-Assisted Treatment (MAT), and NC FIT Wellness that serves individuals with severe and persistent mental health issues.
- Eyes on the Law is creating a library of resources, data-driven presentations, and trainings in the justice and advocacy space. Spearheaded by Telesa Jones and Cooper Mertens, EOL is available to talk with your group, workplace, or organization on a number of current topics. For information, contact eyesonthelaw@lincnc.org.
- Correction: The Local Reentry Council is expanding to Brunswick, Pender, and Duplin counties. We incorrectly wrote “Onslow” county in the December newsletter.
LINC Calendar
Tues, Jan 21 2pm | Expungement Workshop hosted by Legal Aid of North Carolina, free. [post-publication note: cancelled due to inclement weather]
Feb 28 8:30am | Sociology as Citizenship, Annual Conference, Wake Tech Community College – South Campus, Raleigh
Every Monday | Mental Health Mondays, 1-2pm, 801 Princess Street
For information on any of these events, send an email to info@lincnc.org
Programs at a Glance – December Stats
Thank you to Cooper Mertens for the LINC program graphics.