Nurturing Self-Love for the Holidays: A Vital Act during National Seasonal Affective Disorder Awareness Month

The holiday season is often portrayed as a time of joy and celebration, but for many, it can bring challenges, especially as December coincides with National Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) Awareness Month. At Kellin Foundation, we recognize the importance of addressing both the festive cheer and the emotional well-being of our community. This December, our "Self Love for the Holidays" workshop aligns perfectly with the awareness month, offering a supportive space to navigate the complex interplay of emotions during this time of the year.

Understanding Seasonal Affective Disorder:

Seasonal Affective Disorder Awareness Month sheds light on a form of depression that occurs seasonally, often in the winter months when natural sunlight exposure decreases. This condition can affect one's mood, energy levels, and overall well-being.

Why Self-Love Matters:

The holiday season, while joyful for many, can exacerbate feelings of isolation and low mood for those experiencing SAD. Our "Self Love for the Holidays" workshop provides a unique opportunity to address these challenges. By delving into mindfulness, self-reflection, and resilience techniques, participants can cultivate self-compassion and build emotional resilience.

How Self-Love for the Holidays Can Help:

1. Mindfulness Practices: Learn techniques to stay present and appreciate the current moment, fostering a positive mindset.

2. Self-Reflection: Explore personal values and set boundaries, promoting a healthier relationship with oneself and others during the holiday season.

3. Peer Support: Connect with others who may share similar experiences, fostering a sense of community and understanding.

Taking Action:

Participating in the "Self Love for the Holidays" workshop becomes an intentional act of self-care during National Seasonal Affective Disorder Awareness Month. By investing in your emotional well-being, you not only support yourself but contribute to a community that understands and values mental health.

Register Today:

Secure your spot in our Self-Love for the Holiday workshop by registering online or calling 336-429-5600. This December, let's not only celebrate the season but also prioritize the well-being of ourselves and those around us.

As we navigate the holidays together, let the spirit of self-love illuminate our paths, fostering a community that embraces mental health with open hearts.

Healing Lives: Give the Gift of Hope this Giving Tuesday

As the season of generosity approaches, the Kellin Foundation extends a heartfelt invitation to our valued community of supporters. Together, we have the power to make a profound difference in the lives of individuals navigating challenges like Kyle and Jennifer *. Middle school can be a tumultuous time for any young person, and adults too face their own unique struggles. This Giving Tuesday, (11/28/23) we implore you to join us in supporting the life-changing work of the Kellin Foundation and play a pivotal role in the success stories of countless individuals seeking recovery and resilience.

In the midst of struggles at school, battles with poor grades, and challenges at home, Kyle's grandparents found themselves at a loss. Kyle was grappling with issues that made his critical middle school years even more difficult. Recognizing the need for professional guidance, they turned to the Kellin Foundation for help.

At Kellin, Kyle found a safe space to explore his feelings of sadness, anger, and grief towards his biological parents, who were unable to provide the support he needed. Through the foundation's dedicated programs, Kyle learned to become aware of his emotions, manage them effectively, and express himself in healthy ways. The journey wasn't easy, but with the support of Kellin's compassionate team, Kyle began to transform his life.

One of the cornerstones of Kellin's approach is teaching essential life skills. Kyle, like many other children in our programs, learned how to communicate effectively, engage in healthy conflict resolution, and challenge unhelpful thoughts. These skills not only improved his mood but also empowered him to behave in ways that he could be proud of.

After participating in the program at Kellin, Kyle experienced a remarkable turnaround. The school environment, once fraught with fights and academic struggles, became a place of positive growth for him. His grades improved, conflicts ceased, and he found himself following the rules at home with newfound pride.

Yet, the impact of the Kellin Foundation extends beyond adolescence. Jennifer's story is a testament to the foundation's commitment to supporting individuals in their journey to recovery. Struggling with alcohol addiction, Jennifer attended our Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP) class and peer support programs.. Through this class, she developed a series of tools to maintain her sobriety.

In addition to the wellness tools she's learned, Jennifer utilizes the support groups at Kellin Foundation. Inspired by her own recovery journey, she is now pursuing her Peer Support Specialist Certification and actively encourages peers by sharing her wellness tools and experiences. Jennifer embodies the spirit of resilience and recovery, serving as an inspiration for others.

The Kellin Foundation is grateful for such incredible examples of individuals working towards recovery, whether it's a young person like Kyle or an adult like Jennifer. However, the demand for our services is greater than ever. The Kellin Foundation currently has a waiting list of individuals seeking help. Your donation on Giving Tuesday can help us not only continue our vital services but also grow to reach more individuals in need.

This Giving Tuesday, let's come together to make a lasting impact on the lives of individuals like Kyle and Jennifer. Your support can be the guiding light that illuminates the path toward a brighter future. Join us in fostering resilience, instilling life skills, and empowering individuals to live the life they want and deserve. Together, we can rewrite the stories of countless lives and build a community where every individual has the chance to thrive. Donate to the Kellin Foundation this Giving Tuesday and be a part of the journey towards positive change in the lives of those around us.

*Names have been changed to protect identity.

Honoring Mandy's Legacy: Applications Now Open for the Amanda Ward Ireland Scholarship

We are pleased to share that applications are now open for the Amanda Ward Ireland Scholarship—a heartfelt initiative dedicated to honoring the memory of the extraordinary Mandy. This $1000 scholarship is an opportunity for graduating seniors in Guilford County to receive recognition and support for their commitment to leadership, service, and connecting with others.

Mandy, a beacon of leadership, service, and laughter touched the lives of thousands with her unwavering dedication to making a positive impact. As a child and family advocate and trainer, Mandy exemplified values that we proudly celebrate through the Amanda Ward Ireland Scholarship.

The scholarship is open to graduating seniors in Guilford County who embody a spirit of service to others, value connecting with all people, and showcase leadership both inside and outside the classroom. The selection process includes a written essay, demonstrated academic achievements, and recommendations from mentors, teachers, and/or coaches. We believe in recognizing and supporting individuals based on their passion for making a difference.

While all eligible applicants are encouraged to apply, we extend a special invitation to students from first responder families and girls' leadership academies. Mandy had a close connection with these groups, and we are eager to continue her legacy by supporting students who share her passion for service and leadership.

The application period is now open, and we invite all eligible graduating seniors in Guilford County to seize this opportunity. The deadline for submissions is February 29th, and the scholarship recipient will be announced in the Spring of 2024. 

Mandy's legacy lives on through the Amanda Ward Ireland Scholarship, a symbol of our commitment to fostering leadership and service in the next generation. We encourage you to share this opportunity with graduating seniors who embody Mandy's spirit.

For more information about the scholarship and the application process, please visit our website here. Together, let's honor Mandy's memory and inspire a new generation of leaders.

Kellin Foundation Chosen as a North Carolina Family Resource Center in Partnership with Prevent Child Abuse North Carolina

The Kellin Foundation is proud to announce its selection as a North Carolina Family Resource Center (FRC) in collaboration with Prevent Child Abuse North Carolina (PCANC). This partnership marks a significant milestone in our ongoing commitment to strengthening families and preventing child abuse throughout our community.

The North Carolina Family Resource Center is a program initiated by Prevent Child Abuse North Carolina to provide essential resources, support, and education to families across the state. These centers serve as crucial hubs for parents, caregivers, and children to access the assistance and guidance they need to build safe, nurturing environments.

Kellin Foundation is honored to join forces with PCANC in this capacity. Kellin’s mission to strengthen resilience among children, families, adults and communities through trauma-informed behavioral health services focused on prevention, treatment, and healing aligns seamlessly with the goals of the North Carolina Family Resource Center program, which aims to create a safer, healthier future for every child in the state.

"We are thrilled to be chosen as a North Carolina Family Resource Center in partnership with Prevent Child Abuse North Carolina," says Dr. Kelly Graves, President and CEO at Kellin Foundation. "This collaboration will enable us to expand our reach and provide even more comprehensive support to families in need with a particular focus on prevention and early intervention/treatment. Together with PCANC, we will work tirelessly to support earlier and easier access to resources  and ensure that every child in our community grows up in a safe, secure and nurturing environment."

As a North Carolina Family Resource Center, Kellin Foundation offers a wide range of services and programs designed to strengthen families and promote child well-being. These services include parenting workshops, evidence-based treatment models such as parent-child interactive therapy,  support groups, child wellness educational opportunites,  and access to vital community resources.

The Kellin Foundation and Prevent Child Abuse North Carolina look forward to working together to enhance the lives of children and families and create a brighter future for North Carolina's children.

Kellin Foundation: A Walmart Spark Good Grant Winner

Achieving recognition and support from major corporations is always a moment of celebration. We are thrilled to share that the Kellin Foundation has been chosen as a Walmart Spark Good Grant winner. We are happy to celebrate our achievement and express our appreciation to Walmart for their support.

The Kellin Foundation is committed to uplifting the lives of children and families in our community. Our mission revolves around strengthening resilience within individuals and communities in order to prevent, treat and heal trauma.  We provide wraparound wellness services, counseling, and peer support to those in need. What sets us apart is not just our mission, but our integrated service approach and commitment to making a positive impact on our community.

The Walmart Spark Good Grant is an acknowledgment of our efforts and a testament to the work and dedication of the Kellin Foundation. This grant program reflects Walmart's commitment to supporting nonprofits that bring about meaningful change in their communities. The Walmart Spark Good Grant enables us to continue our vital work, making our positive impact a lasting legacy.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Walmart for recognizing the Kellin Foundation's efforts. This partnership between a corporate giant and our dedicated local nonprofit is a testament to our shared commitment to making the world a better place. As we look forward to the future, the Kellin Foundation continues to be inspired by the belief that with the support of organizations like Walmart, positive change is not just a possibility – it's a guarantee.

Empowering Our Youngest Heroes: Kellin Kids Roots of Resilience in November

At the Kellin Foundation, we believe in nurturing resilience from a young age and fostering a sense of community among our youngest heroes. Our Kellin Kids events are all about creating a safe space for elementary school-aged children to learn, grow, and discover their inner strength together. On November 4th, we invite you to join us at the Miriam Brenner Children’s Museum in downtown Greensboro for our Kellin Kids Roots of Resilience — a day filled with giving, learning, and building resilience within our children while fostering a love for community.

This Kellin Kids event will be supporting the Greensboro Urban Ministry, an organization that provides essential assistance to those less fortunate in our community. We've made it simple for our young participants to make a big impact. By donating just two food items from our list, they'll not only be helping those in need but also gaining free admission to the Children's Museum. This means families can have a great time while giving back to the community.

Resilience isn't just a trait; it's a skill that can be developed and nurtured, even at a young age. At Kellin Kids Roots of Resilience, our elementary school-aged participants will have the chance to create their very own "resilience toolbox." This toolbox will be filled with strategies and tools to help them navigate difficult emotions and find grounding during challenging times. It's an opportunity for them to equip themselves with the strength to face life's challenges with grace and determination.

To truly understand what resilience means, it's important to engage in discussions. During the event, we'll be hosting group discussions to explore what it means to be resilient. We'll delve into the factors that make our young participants feel strong, peaceful, or happy. These conversations not only educate them about the concept of resilience but also help them connect with others and build a stronger, more supportive community.

Kellin Kids Roots of Resilience is an opportunity for our youngest heroes to make a difference in the lives of those in need while simultaneously building resilience within themselves. It's a chance for them to have fun with friends and family while contributing to a great cause. We invite you to join us in empowering the next generation, supporting Greensboro Urban Ministry, and embarking on a journey to discover and strengthen the roots of resilience within our elementary school-aged children. We can't wait to see you there! Together, we can help our community's youngest heroes become stronger and more resilient. Click the button above to let us know you and your kid(s) will attend!