The LINK | March 2025 Updates from LINC, Inc.
Support Second Chance Hiring
| Strengthen our community’s workforce when you support Second Chance hiring. Hiring skilled, dedicated employees is a challenge in today’s job market, but have you considered tapping into an often-overlooked talent pool? Second Chance hiring—employing individuals with past justice system involvement—offers businesses a unique opportunity to gain loyal, hardworking team members while making a lasting impact on their communities. Many returning citizens have completed LINC, Inc. Employment Bootcamp, workforce training, apprenticeship programs, or trade certifications, have the on-going support of LINC case managers, and are eager to contribute. By giving them a chance, you’re not just filling positions—you’re fostering resilience, reducing recidivism, and building a stronger, more inclusive workforce. Ask Your Tradesmen & Suppliers About Their Hiring Practices Next time you work with a contractor, supplier, or tradesperson, ask a simple but powerful question: “Do you offer second chance employment?” Many skilled workers—plumbers, electricians, welders, and carpenters—struggled to reenter the workforce due to past mistakes, despite having the experience and drive to succeed. Encouraging your suppliers to embrace Second Chance hiring can create more opportunities and strengthen entire industries. A workforce that values rehabilitation and opportunity benefits everyone—ensuring businesses thrive, communities grow, and talented individuals get the fresh start they deserve. If you would like to discuss Second Chance hiring, contact Stephanie Straughn, program manager, sstraughn@lincnc.org. |
| To learn more about Second Chance hiring, join this free webinar hosted by Bob Barker Foundation. |
Interviewees Needed for Research on SNAP Program Bans
FCCJ and Ed Law Teams are working with a graduate researcher to study the impact that excluding individuals with felony drug convictions from SNAP (food stamps) on students’ ability to obtain adequate education.
The research team is looking to interview individuals who identify as one of the following:
- A person temporarily or permanently banned from SNAP benefits because of a felony drug conviction who had a child aged 5-17 years old in their household at the time
- A person who was in grade K-12 while living in a household with someone banned from SNAP in NC because of a felony drug conviction. (Must be 18+ to be interviewed)
- An expert on North Carolina’s felony drug SNAP Ban and/or the impact of food insecurity on student’s academic performance.
If you or someone you know meets one of the criteria and is willing to share their experience, please use this link to fill out the interest form at https://tinyurl.com/SNAPBanResearch.
Items of Note | Announcements and Updates
- LINC, Inc. welcomes new hires:
- Shari Tucker, case manager, Pender County Local Reentry Council
- Christopher Bryant, case manager, Brunswick County Local Reentry Council
- Catherine Jacobs, case manager, Duplin County Local Reentry Council
- The Forward Fund helps Cape Fear Community College students enrolled in the Truck Driver Program or the Electrical Lineworker Program 2025 cover the cost of attendance and living expenses. See the information flyers here.
Coming in April! | LINC Marks NC Reentry Month
LINC Calendar
Tues March 18, 2pm | Expungement Workshop, NHC Public Library, Hanover Room, 3rd floor, hosted by Legal Aid of North Carolina. Register here.
Wed March 19, noon | Virtual Panel Discussion: Community Safety Forum Lessons, featuring Sen. Warren Daniel, Frankie Roberts, and Matt Scott. Register here.
Tues March 25, 11am | Free webinar, “Second Chance Hiring & Opportunities for All” (scan the QR code in the article above to register)
April | NC Second Chance month at LINC, Inc. – see the full calendar of the month’s events online, and find registration information, at lincnc.org/linc-reentry-month-april-2025
Tues May 6 | Second Chance Lobby Day, Legislative Lawn, Raleigh
Fri May 16, 5:30-8:30 | Unchained Expression: Art Beyond Confinement, Opening Reception, Pender Arts Council, 111 S Wright St., Burgaw
Every Monday | Mental Health Mondays, 1-2pm, 801 Princess Street
For information on any of these events, send an email to info@lincnc.org
It’s always the right time to celebrate a BIG Anniversary! LINC, Inc. is marking a quarter of a century this year, and appreciates your support of the good work we continue to do in our community. Thank you for being a part of our journey!
Programs at a Glance – February Stats
| Did you miss our January program stats? Find them here. |
| Thank you to Cooper Mertens for the LINC program graphics. |