The LINK | January 2026 Updates from LINC, Inc.
LINC, Inc. Hosts Annual Milestones Event with Keynote Speaker Renowned Climate Justice Leader and Activist William J. Barber III
LINC, Inc. will host its annual Milestones Fundraising Dinner on Monday, February 16, at Lumina on Wrightsville Beach, bringing together community leaders, advocates, and supporters for an evening dedicated to equity, opportunity, and transformational impact. The evening will feature a keynote address by William J. Barber III, a nationally recognized leader in environmental and climate justice.
The Milestones Dinner is LINC, Inc.’s signature fundraising event, supporting our mission to advance educational, economic, and leadership opportunities for justice-involved individuals and to empower youth through mentorship and academic support. The Milestones program will include updates on LINC’s new Hisan J. Polk Transformation Academy. (read more)
We are grateful beyond measure for the incredible support of The New Hanover Community Endowment for the 2025 grant to help sustain and continue LINC’s reentry programming. We are dedicated to continuing the important work we do in assisting returning citizens find their way to a successful Second Chance.
Items of Note | Announcements and Updates
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 appreciate our social media family! If you don’t follow LINC on Facebook, click through and show us your support.
From Eyes on the Law
Across North Carolina, from the Triangle to Charlotte and beyond, federal immigration enforcement agents, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and related units like U.S. Customs and Border Patrol (CBP), have increased their presence in the recent months. These operations have brought widespread attention, community concern, and important questions about public safety, constitutional rights, and the justice system. Learn more: Understanding the ICE Presence in North Carolina.
LINC Calendar
Wednesday, January 21, 11am | Ribbon cutting, dedication, and grand opening of NHC Stabilization and Recover Center (STAR), 1605 Robin Hood Road, Wilmington
Friday, January 23, 7:30-9am | Brewing Communities, LRC at LINC, Harrelson Center, 4th floor
February 16, 6pm | LINC Milestones dinner, featuring keynote speaker William J. Barber, III. For sponsorship opportunities, including a pledge form, visit MILESTONES at the Beach.
February 2-4, noon to 2 | Employment Bootcamp – Job Readiness Training, 801 Princess Street
February 21, 11-4pm | Black History Carnival, 1101 N 4th Street, hosted by Wilmington N Color
Thank you to our dear friends at Wrightsville United Methodist Church, who hosted a holiday dinner for residents at the Marvin E. Roberts Transitional Living Campus. For another year, they delivered an awesome Italian meal, shared fellowship, and delivered Christmas stockings.
Did you know that formerly incarcerated individuals often have lower turnover rates than other employees once given a chance? As we enter 2026, businesses in Southeastern NC and beyond are increasingly adopting “Fair Chance Hiring” to combat labor shortages and reduce recidivism. It’s time to value work experience gained behind bars—like firefighting and manufacturing—as the professional skill set it truly is. Email us to find out how you can step up as a New Hanover County Second Chance Employer.
