The LINK | News and Updates for June 2025
Healthy Opportunities Pilot (HOP) Providers Advocated for Funding
HOP Service providers from around the state gathered in Raleigh to advocate for the program that has helped improve the health of more than 35,000 individuals while simultaneously reducing healthcare costs. Unfortunately, HOP funding appears to have been cut from the state budget; the state’s three-year investment and hundreds of millions of federal matching funds will be lost.
Despite the bleak outlook for HOP – including NC Medicaid other social safety net program – funding, it continues to be important that elected officials hear from constituents. LINC, Inc. encourages everyone to write, email, or call their representatives.
Hospitality and ServSafe Classes Offered by LINC
The next Hospitality/ServSafe and Bootcamp class begins on Monday, June 23. There is still time for folks to register so please share with your clients and encourage them to attend. Please see the flier below for registration information. The class will run Monday through Thursday, beginning at noon in Harrelson Center on the 5th floor in the mission room.
Individuals who COMPLETE the course will have the opportunity to interview on the last day of class for employment with Anne Bonny’s through LINC’s temp agency.
Contact Stephanie Straughn if you have any questions or have issues registering anyone.
Client Success Stories
It was a pleasure getting to know Asbrelle Alston, and I just want to thank you for all that you’ve done. You have encouraged me all the way through this process even when I was ready to give up. I moved into my apartment and I love it.
I’m sending you this picture that we took together in Raleigh. I definitely plan on at least making a 5 x 7 or 8 x 10 and put it in the frame close to the door as a reminder never to give up. – Wanda Campbell (pictured on the right with Asbrelle Alston)
Items of Note | Announcements and Updates
- Welcome Sylvia Bellamy-Simpson, case manager for the LRC Expansion locations in Pender and Duplin Counties.
- Frankie Roberts was featured in the “Affordable Housing Crisis in Wilmington, NC” video produced by One Christian Network. Watch it on YouTube.
- The requirements for obtaining a Real ID in North Carolina have been changed and there are new steps. Get the info here.
- LINC, Inc. has earned a “Platinum Transparency” badge on Candid (previously Guidestar). See our profile.
- LINC, Inc. staff attended the StepUp Wilmington Annual Fundraising Luncheon, helping to raise funds that impact job training, career development, and empowerment.
Correction! We apologize for our errors!
Joe Mininni has joined LINC, Inc. as Comptroller. We previously mis-spelled his name.
Isabel Tremble has been hired as Urban Farm Manager.
Dasha Charles participated in the Pender Arts Council exhibit “Unchained,” and is pictured below.
LINC Calendar
June 23-26 | Employment Bootcamp and Hospitality & ServSafe class at Harrelson Center
July 4 | LINC offices closed
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 – June Stats
Thank you to Cooper Mertens for the LINC program graphics.