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LINC proposes regional reentry council for Duplin County, cites local prison-entry and supervision figures
Summary
Leading Into New Communities (LINC) asked the board to support creation of a local reentry council and described housing-first, case management and regional partnerships to reduce recidivism; commissioners voiced support and asked staff to consider next steps.
Leading Into New Communities Inc. (LINC) told the Duplin County Board of Commissioners on April 7 that the nonprofit intends to expand reentry services in Duplin as part of a regional effort and asked the county to help form a local task force of existing agencies, service providers and community stakeholders.
Frankie Roberts, LINC executive director, and assistant Linda Thomas outlined the organization’s “housing first” approach for people returning from incarceration, case management services, treatment partnerships and workforce supports. Roberts said LINC operates a 45-bed transitional campus in Wilmington and that the organization will hire staff to support Duplin County while the local task force coordinates services and referrals.
Roberts presented local numbers to illustrate need: 148 prison entries so far this year for Duplin County residents, 247 Duplin residents currently incarcerated elsewhere, 560 people on probation or parole, and 352 new people on supervision in the current year, figures Roberts said the group confirmed that day. LINC said the aim is to reduce recidivism and create a “resource center without walls” that connects residents with housing, employment, health and substance-use services.
Roberts and board members cited examples of partner agencies and employers that can provide training and jobs; commissioners praised the model and described second-chance efforts as an economic and public-safety benefit. Commissioner Dow said counties around Duplin (Wilmington-area counties, Brunswick, Pender and Wayne counties) have similar programs and that regional coordination will help economies of scale.
Roberts asked the board to engage its network to recruit landlords, employers and service partners and to consider participating in a local reentry task force; he said LINC will host events and trainings, including a reentry simulation and a legal-aid event for record-sealing assistance in May. The board did not vote on funding or a formal partnership at the meeting; commissioners asked staff to continue discussions with LINC about next steps.
