The LINK | May 2026 Updates from LINC, Inc.
Frankie Roberts Receives YWCA Trailblazer Leadership Award
The YWCA Lower Cape Fear and UNCW College of Health and Human Services hosted the fifth annual Maternal Health Summit on April 16 at the UNCW Burney Center. The event brought together healthcare providers, policymakers, researchers, advocates, and community leaders to address gaps in maternal care across southeastern North Carolina and explore solutions that improve access to safe, equitable, and compassionate care for mothers and families.
During the summit’s Salome Taylor Luncheon, the YWCA will presented Trailblazer Leadership Awards to Frankie Roberts of LINC, Inc. and Louise Coggins of Lift Up the Vulnerable in recognition of their leadership and community impact.
Items of Note | Announcements and Updates
Welcome the individuals below to the team, as we continue to make LINC a supportive and purpose-driven place to work:
- Everette “Lee” Bell – Peer Support Specialist, MER Campus
- Isaiah Ellis – Peer Support Specialist, STAR Center
- Kaleah Mosley – Youth Specialist, STAR Center
- Raus”Rick” Novoa – Peer Support Specialist, STAR Center
Join us in congratulating MER Campus residents Kevin Blango and Omari Smith on becoming North Carolina Certified Peer Support Specialists. They completed the Track A Peer Support Training, facilitated by LINC staff Dwight Hale.
LINC is HIRING! With the receipt of a Governor’s Crime Commission grant, we have open positions for Peer Support Specialist, Case Manager, and Community Health Worker. Find the job descriptions here.
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.
LINC Puts “Community” in Calendar
May 21, 3-4 pm | Expunction Workshop, Leland Library, 487 Village Road NE
May 22, 7:30-9am | 4th Friday Brewing Communities at LRC, 20 N 4th St Suite 401
May 26, 3:30pm | LINC Board Meeting, LRC, 20 N 4th St Suite 401
June 16, 11-2 | Reentry Reimagined with Hidden Voices, Plaza on Princess, Harrelson Center
If you’ve been considering a more meaningful investment in LINC’s mission, we’d love to connect with you one-on-one.
There are a range of ways to get involved at a deeper level—from supporting capital projects and exploring naming opportunities to fueling program growth or creating a lasting legacy. These aren’t one-size-fits-all contributions; they’re intentional conversations designed to align your values with tangible, lasting impact.
We’re also hosting private tours of the fire station and the future Hisan J. Polk Transformation Academy campus. Seeing the space in person—alongside the people and stories driving the work—offers a powerful perspective on what’s ahead and what’s possible.
To learn more, reach out to Anne Rose, Director of Development.