Kellin Foundation Seeks Sponsors for Annual Journey to Brave Event

Graves Honored By UNCG and NC Psychological Association

Kellin Foundation Executive Director and Co-Founder Dr. Kelly Graves recently received awards from the UNCG Psychology Department and the NC Psychological Association.

She was awarded the Psychology Department's NC Distinguished Alum award. Graves received her PhD under the direction of Terri Shelton.

She was awarded the Psychology Association's Sally R. Cameron Award, which honors an individual who has made exceptional contributions to the lives of those who receive psychological and mental health services. 

Kellin Foundation Awards Scholarships to Two Local Graduating Seniors

The Kellin Foundation has awarded its Amanda Ireland Ward Memorial Scholarships to two graduating Greensboro high school seniors, Malaika Siddique of Northwest Guilford High School and Kameron Andrew Austin of the Early/Middle College at NC A&T State University. Each will receive $500.

The scholarship was established in honor of Ward, a former Kellin Foundation family and child advocate and trainer who helped thousands of local families. This is the third year the foundation has awarded the scholarships to local North Carolina students who showcase Ward’s spirit of service to others, caring and connecting to all people, and demonstrated achievements.

In the fall, Siddique will attend UNC-Chapel Hill and study biology. Austin will attend UNC-Charlotte and study pre-medicine. Both plan to go into the medical field.

“We are proud to be able to extend this scholarship to two students who are considering going into medicine,” said Dr. Kelly Graves, executive director of the Kellin Foundation. “We are honored to support them in Mandy’s name.” 

The scholarships are funded by Kellin Foundation donors. To support the scholarship fund, donate now.

Dr. Kelly Graves Published in North Carolina Medical Journal

An article by Kellin Foundation Executive Director Dr. Kelly Graves was published in the May 2022 issue of the NC Medical Journal.

Her piece, “Preventing Suicide by Implementing Trauma-Informed, Resilience-Focused Strategies,” explains how a growing body of research points to the benefits of taking a trauma-informed approach when building systems and delivering services.

“Research tells us that a child who has experienced at least four adverse childhood experiences is 15 times more likely to attempt suicide, three times more likely to suffer from depression, and four times more likely to excessively use alcohol and other substances. With suicide being the third leading cause of death among youth aged 15–24 in 1999–2000, the importance of preventing and treating trauma is clear,” she wrote.

Read the full article at https://www.ncmedicaljournal.com/content/83/3/186.

Kellin Foundation and Mental Health Greensboro Merger Completed

Expansion of the Kellin Foundation enables easier access to comprehensive behavioral health services for children, teens, adults, and families. 

The Kellin Foundation, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization specializing in providing trauma-responsive services and programming, is pleased to announce the completion of a merger with Mental Health Greensboro which has had a rich history of providing services to the community for eighty-two years. The merger enables the organization to provide a broad array of free behavioral health services to children, teens, adults, and families who otherwise may not have access to these services.

“We are excited to join forces with this talented team to meet the growing behavioral health needs of our community,” said Dr. Kelly Graves, executive director and co-founder of the Kellin Foundation. “Mental Health Greensboro is known for providing peer support services and wellness programs that meet people where they are while providing education about mental illness and supportive services in a caring, healing environment. We look forward to offering and expanding these services as the team joins the Kellin Foundation.”

The merger aligns with the retirement of Donna Shelton from Mental Health Greensboro, which was announced in September, 2021.

“When we were approached with this opportunity, the Board was already exploring how we might expand peer support services to better serve clients and the community,” said Carmen Deese, president of the Kellin Foundation’s Board of Directors. “Clients recognize the value of learning from and healing alongside people who are further along in their recovery process. Through this merger, we’re delighted that the Kellin Foundation will be able to meet this growing need.”

“Mental Health Greensboro has been a strong advocate for those experiencing mental illness, creating a rich array of programs that have left a lasting footprint in Greensboro and beyond,” said Tom McKenna, a long-time supporter who will continue to be involved in the work of the Kellin Foundation. “The Boards found that the organizations shared similar values, including a deep commitment to providing free services to those who need it, to using evidence-based approaches, and to reducing stigma associated with mental health and substance use challenges. The future is brighter for the community as a result of this merger.”

The organization continues to be led by Dr. Kelly Graves. Mental Health Greensboro staff transitioned to become Kellin Foundation employees earlier this month, and the organization will continue to serve clients in two locations: the Kellin Foundation’s main clinic at 2110 Golden Gate Drive and the satellite office at 700 Walter Reed Drive, both in Greensboro. Integration of services and processes is underway, and a combined Board of Directors will meet for the first time in April.

“As the transition continues, the Kellin Foundation team will be laser focused on our original goal of ensuring that more children, teens, adults, and families are connected to free, evidence-based, comprehensive behavioral health services when they need it,” said Graves.

Kellin Foundation Offers ‘Darkness to Light’ Training April 26

This free training helps adults identify and respond appropriately to prevent child sexual abuse and protect children.

As part of its efforts to keep children well during April’s Child Abuse Prevention Month, the nonprofit Kellin Foundation and community partners will host free training to help adults who work with youth prevent, recognize, and react responsibly to child sexual abuse. Register in advance for Darkness to Light: Stewards of Children training session April 26, at 6 p.m. via Zoom.

This program is appropriate for all adults who work with children – including teachers, coaches, medical staff, clergy, and more. Participants will receive free resource materials. The program will be run by Jean Workman, a trained Darkness to Light Facilitator. Learn more about the Stewards of Children training at www.d2l.org/education/stewards-of-children.

This program is offered in partnership with the YMCA, Guilford County Child Advocacy Network, and the Junior League of Greensboro, who support children’s wellbeing all year round.