The LINK | New and Updates for July 2025
Cape Fear Endowment Awards Grant for Peaceful Pathways Collaborative
The New Hanover Community Endowment has made a 2025 Community grant supporting LINC’s Peaceful Pathways Collaborative. This was a highly competitive inaugural round of the 2025 Community grant opportunity, with more than 300 applications. The grant, in the amount of $4,528, will help fund a new initiative between LINC and community partners.
Client Success Stories
A proud moment from June 16th—Isaiah Ellis, a client of LINC/PH2, graduated from the Brunswick Christian Recovery program. Thanks to his hard work, dedication, and the ongoing support from LINC and BCR, he has been selected for an internship as the director’s personal assistant. He will undergo six months of training to become an appointed leader and peer support specialist within the organization, using his journey and insights to help others navigate successful recovery and reentry.
Back for July! Hospitality and ServSafe Classes
Hospitality/ServSafe class, in collaboration with Cape Fear Community College, is running again on July 21-22. You are encouraged to share this with your clients and encourage them to attend.
Contact Stephanie Straughn if you have questions or issues with registration.
Items of Note | Announcements and Updates
- Brenda Roberts Fong has assumed the position of chair of the LINC Board of Directors. Brenda is a native of Wilmington NC. She attended Ephesus Jr. Academy and graduated from Williston Senior High School. Brenda received her Certification as a Travel Consultant in New York City and retired from British Travel International. She received her Certification in Hospitality and Hotel Management from Cape Fear Community College. Brenda has served as First Vice President of New Hanover County NAACP, chair of the NAACP Freedom Fund Committee, and treasurer of the NHC Democratic Party.
- Katy Parker is now Vice Chair of the board. Ashley Wells’ term on the LINC Board of Directors has ended; Ashley is immediate past chair of the board.
The first day of LINC/LITE’s Youth Summer Camp program kicked off with the youth participating in an entrepreneurship workshop led by Travis Corpening at the Young Mogul Development Center. They were given a business development assignment that encouraged them to work in teams to create their own brand or business, which they later presented in a “Shark Tank” style format.
The ideas were truly impressive, spanning three different entrepreneurial sectors: social enterprise, innovation, and environmental technology. One group developed a jewelry, beachwear, and clothing company called EMAGINE, while another created a company selling hoodies with biblical scriptures. The third group came up with a window repair business. Each team crafted business plans and marketing strategies, even designing their own logos. Additionally, they had the opportunity to learn about drone technology and work towards obtaining their drone flying certifications.
LINC’s Yolanda Bostic led an informative PH2 2nd Chance Coffee Hour at Cape Fear Community College for local employers and service providers. The program highlighted the benefits of Second Chance employment and the tax credits available for hiring individuals who have been involved with the justice system.
If you are an employer and want information about becoming a Second Chance employer, contact Yolanda Bostic.
LINC Calendar
July 1 | LINC, Inc. new fiscal year starts
July 21-22 | Employment Bootcamp and Hospitality & ServSafe class at Harrelson Center
February 16 2026 | SAVE THE DATE! Annual Milestones Gala, details to come! If you would like advance information about sponsorship opportunities, contact Anne Rose.
Programs at a Glance – June Stats
Thank you to Cooper Mertens for the LINC program graphics.