LINC Initiatives

The Local Investment Commission (LINC), located in Kansas City, Missouri, exemplifies many of the ideas being discussed by the federal government and forward‐looking, innovative state governments. 

Key points about LINC:

  • Local citizens have a voice in how federal and state funds for Social Services are spent

  • Successful operation for over 25 years

  • Over 2,100 volunteers

  • More awards than any other social service agency

  • Revenue‐neutral – uses existing money

  • A LINC in each city would allow local citizens to see to it that money for those in need will be spent wisely and desired results will be achieved.

  • Dollars spent on LINC act as multipliers – every $1 spent leverages $8 in other state, federal and private funding.

Government needs new ways to accomplish agreed‐upon public policy ends.

Our work represents an effective approach to delivering federal and state‐funded social services emphasizing development of community schools (caring for the whole child).

LINC carries out four critical functions: 

  1. Engaging, convening and supporting diverse groups and communities

  2. Establishing quality standards and promoting accountability

  3. Brokering and leveraging resources

  4. Promoting effective policy measures and changes

LINC’s innovative approach to community‐level governance builds the skill and will necessary to make sustainable changes without requiring major new dollars.

There are few organizations like LINC – organizations with strong connections to central state agencies as well as deep roots in neighborhoods and the community – which is meaningful given the compelling logic and the obvious need.

​

Some of the services LINC provides

  • School‐age child care

  • Health clinics and services

  • Dental services

  • Employment and job training

  • Early child care

  • Food and emergency assistance

  • Financial counseling

  • Adult literacy classes

  • Parenting classes

  • Child abuse and neglect prevention

  • Foster youth services

  • School‐based state and city services

  • Elder services

  • Home improvement

  • Neighborhood development

  • Obesity prevention

  • Character development

  • Tutoring

  • Academic enrichment

  • Arts and other children’s programming

  • Youth and family assistance

  • Community prisoner reentry

  • Mental health services

  • Foreclosure counseling

  • Parent and neighbor involvement and decision-making

  • Community organizing

​