Frankie Roberts, a Wilmington, NC native, is the Co-founder and Executive Director of Leading Into New Communities (LINC, Inc.), a nonprofit dedicated to empowering individuals returning from incarceration and motivating youth to make positive life choices. Since its founding in 2000, LINC has reintegrated over 3,000 individuals, achieving an 85% success rate in reducing recidivism.
Motivated by personal loss due to his brother’s struggles with addiction and incarceration, Frankie co-founded LINC to address the barriers faced by individuals reentering society. Under his leadership, the organization provides housing, workforce training, and mentorship to formerly incarcerated individuals, as well as youth programs designed to foster resilience and positive decision-making.
Prior to LINC, Frankie owned a community-based barbershop for 18 years, where he gained invaluable experience in community organizing, job development, and family counseling. His dedication to social justice and systemic change has led him to serve as Chairman of the Department of Social Services Board and as a member of the Governor’s Statewide Reentry Council Collaborative.
Frankie attributes his success to the support of his parents and the Wilmington community. Beyond his professional achievements, he cherishes his roles as a husband, father, and grandfather. His leadership and vision continue to inspire LINC’s mission of creating second chances and breaking the cycle of incarceration.