The LINK | News and Updates for September 2025
Client Success Stories
From the Eyes on the Law Blog
Examining the NC Drug Tax Law: Why Reform is Necessary for Justice-Impacted Communities
In North Carolina, a little-known law continues to impose financial penalties on individuals already impacted by the justice system. Commonly referred to as the NC Drug Tax Law, or the Unauthorized Substances Tax, this policy has been in place since 1990. Despite its low public profile, it has had a significant impact on thousands of North Carolinians—particularly those from marginalized communities who are trying to rebuild their lives after contact with the justice system. Read more
Drawing Inspiration for the Hisan J. Polk Transformation Academy
LINC staff – Frankie Roberts (bottom), Jamir Jumoke (pictured below on the right), Michelle Gunn, and Erica Roberts visited the Urban Prep Charter Academy for Young Men in Chicago, Illinois. The tour and conversations are lending to strategic plans for the Hisan J. Polk Transformation Academy, currently in the pre-construction phase.
Panel Discussion: Art & Reentry
Frankie Roberts and Avery Muldrow participated in a panel discussion as part of the What Freedom Cost exhibit on August 16 at the American University Katzen Arts Center in Washington D.C. The program is a co-curated multi-part visual and performance-based project exploring the legacy of systemic violance against people of the African Diaspora.
What Freedom Cost is co-curated by Felicia Henry-Conteh’s Behind the Walls, Between the Lines (BTWBTL), and Nandi Kaye’s Nature is Balm (NIB).
Items of Note | Announcements and Updates
Welcome Urban Farm Manager Erie Clifton. We are excited to have Erie at the helm of the gardens at the MER campus, and looking forward to the first fall harvest of collards, broccoli, green beans, and summer’s last tomatoes.
Make Your Pledge to Vote
LINC, Inc. is supporting the voter registration drive of Democracy NC. Have you made your pledge yet?
It only takes a few minutes:
- Scan the QR code
- Choose LINC from the list so LINC gets credit for your pledge!
- Make your plan & pledge to vote
- Check your registration on the DMV site
MyFriendBen North Carolina is a new online tool that helps individuals identify monthly benefits and tax credits that they are qualified to receive. This site makes it simpler for community health workers to assist clients in finding assistance. It is free and available outside regular office hours, as well. Find the tool at bennc.org.
LINC Calendar
February 16 2026 | SAVE THE DATE! LINC’s annual gala, Milestones, is heading to the beach! We are excited to announce that next year’s celebration will take place at Lumina on Wrightsville Beach on Monday, February 16, 2026. This will be a special evening at a beautiful oceanfront setting. For sponsorship opportunities, including a pledge form, visit MILESTONES at the Beach.
Programs at a Glance – August Stats
LINC program statistics and graphics provided by Cooper Mertens.
