The LINK | LINC, Inc. May 2024 Newsletter
LINC Celebrated NC Second Chance Month
We attended: 2024 NC Rehabilitation and Reentry Conference, April 22-24
LINC staff, along with more than 700 participants from across North Carolina, attended the NCDAC Reentry conference in Raleigh. Our impression? More people than ever, all supporting #SecondChances. LINC has been on this special mission for 24 years, it is rewarding to see awareness gain traction and visibility.
We represented: NC Correctional Institution Resource Fair
LINC’s Pathway Home 2 Reentry Program, spearheaded by Yolanda Bostic, Pathway Home Program case manager, participated in a resource fair at North Carolina Correctional Institution for Women in Raleigh, NC. The resource fair netted 9 potential clients for the program.
We planned: 2024 Reentry Simulation Event, April 29
Colleagues working in the healthcare, judicial, law enforcement, and reentry, along with Linda Thomas and other LINC staff, participated in a workshop that simulated reentry. Stations representing services and offices simulated common barriers to successful reintegration upon returning from incarceration.
Staff shared: LINC Talks: Reclaiming Resiliency
LINC staff – Kim Robinson, Dwight Hale, Jamir Jumoke, Rebecca Lazos, Demond Wells, and others, shared their very personal and moving stories of justice-involvement and reentry during our series “LINC Talks.” Watch some of these inspiring programs on LINC’s refreshed and relaunched YouTube channel.
We hosted: NHC Local Reentry Council Open House
The new offices of LINC’s LRC in the Harrelson Center were open on May 1, with friends, staff, supporters, and colleagues. See the LRC introduction video here.
Hisan J. Polk Transformation Academy Moves Forward
LINC Inc.’s plans to convert the decommissioned Princess Place fire station to the Hisan J. Polk Transformation Academy, a culturally and demographically-specific boarding school for at-risk African American youth in New Hanover County, moved forward with Wilmington City Council final rezoning approval in April 2024. The project had previously garnered unanimous approval from Wilmington Planning Commission to rezone the property to an office and institutional district.
The vacant Wilmington Fire Station 3, at 3933 Princess Place Drive, was previously zoned residential. Learn more and read the FAQ.
Want to learn about major gift and underwriting opportunities for the Polk Transformation Academy? Contact Anne Rose, Director of Development.
Make a Gift That Eases Reentry
Items of Note | Announcements and Updates
LINC has a number of board positions to fill this year as current board members’ terms expire. If you are interested in serving the community by sharing your skills, please email board Chair Ashley Wells with questions, or fill out the simple application at https://forms.gle/fSijzg2e3owU9Wiz9.
LINC Calendar
May 18 | Northside Food Co-Op and Voyage Casino Night Fundraiser, Hi-Wire Brewing, get tickets here
May 26, 1-4 | Fed Up Friday Festival in Chavis Park, Raleigh with Forward Justice, register at bit.ly/fedupfridayfestival
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 – April Stats
Thank you to Cooper Mertens for the LINC program graphics.