Parents Under Pressure: The Surgeon General’s Call to Action for Our Families

Parenting has always been a demanding role, but in today’s world, the pressures have escalated to unprecedented levels. Families across the country are feeling the strain. The U.S. Surgeon General’s recent advisory, Parents Under Pressure: The U.S. Surgeon General Advisory on the Mental Health and Well-Being of Parents, captures this reality with urgency, calling for immediate and collective action.

At the Kellin Foundation, we see these pressures firsthand. Every day, we witness the resilience of parents who are doing their best to overcome obstacles and create stable, nurturing environments for their children. But the reality is stark: parents are more stressed than ever before. According to the Surgeon General’s advisory, 33% of parents reported high levels of stress in the past month, compared to 20% of other adults. This isn’t a fleeting issue—41% of parents say they are so stressed most days that they cannot function, and 48% report their stress is completely overwhelming.

The impact of this stress is significant. Recent data from 2021-2022 reveal that among the 63 million parents with children under the age of 18, 23.9% (or 20.3 million) had mental illness, while 5.7% (or 4.8 million) had a serious mental illness. These mental health conditions don’t just affect the parents; they ripple through the family. Children of parents with mental health conditions face heightened risks, including earlier onset and recurrent symptoms of depression and anxiety, and prolonged functional impairment. One study found that children of a primary caregiver with poor mental health were four times more likely to have poor general health and twice as likely to develop mental, behavioral, or developmental disorders. These children are also more prone to cognitive, academic, and interpersonal struggles.

What’s causing this mental health crisis? The advisory identifies several key stressors contributing to the overwhelming burden on parents today:

1. Financial Strain and Economic Instability: Financial worries are a constant source of stress, with 66% of parents consumed by concerns about money. Rising costs of child care, health care, and basic needs like food and housing only add to the pressure.

2. Time Demands: Parents are working longer hours—mothers average 26.7 hours per week in paid work, a 28% increase since 1985, while fathers work an average of 41.2 hours. Despite these demands, parents are also spending more time on primary child care, leading to increased work-family conflict and burnout.

3. Children’s Health and Safety: The health challenges of children, including mental health struggles, are a significant source of stress. Nearly three in four parents worry about their child developing anxiety or depression. Additionally, concerns about children’s safety, such as the fear of school shootings, weigh heavily on parents’ minds.

4. Parental Isolation and Loneliness: Social isolation is another pervasive issue, with 65% of parents and guardians reporting loneliness, and single parents feeling particularly isolated at a rate of 77%. The lack of social support exacerbates the stress of parenting.

5. Technology and Social Media: Nearly 70% of parents believe that parenting is now more difficult than it was 20 years ago, largely due to the challenges of managing children’s use of technology and social media. Parents worry about the potential for social media to contribute to anxiety, depression, and exposure to harmful content.

6. Cultural Pressures and Expectations: Modern parenting often involves unrealistic cultural expectations, with societal norms pressuring parents to meet perceived standards of success. This intensifying culture of comparison, often fueled by social media, leaves many families feeling exhausted and perpetually behind.

One of the most troubling aspects highlighted in the advisory is the impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs). ACEs include potentially traumatic events like living with a parent who has a mental health condition or substance misuse, experiencing violence, or witnessing domestic abuse. These experiences can have a profound impact on a child’s development, leading to long-term mental, physical, and behavioral health challenges. Children who experience ACEs are at greater risk for depression, anxiety, chronic diseases, and behavioral problems. The cumulative effect of multiple ACEs can further compound these risks, making early intervention and support critical for breaking the cycle and promoting healthier outcomes.

At the Kellin Foundation, our mission aligns closely with the Surgeon General’s call to action. We offer comprehensive mental health services tailored for parents and caregivers, understanding that strong mental health is foundational to effective parenting. Our counseling services and support groups are designed to help parents manage these stressors, reducing the risk of mental health conditions and fostering healthier family dynamics.

We also recognize that mental health is deeply intertwined with basic needs. That’s why Kellin Foundation’s wraparound services are designed to connect our clients with resources for housing, food, job assistance, emergency bill pay, and more. We know that alleviating these stressors can make a significant difference in a parent’s ability to care for their family and maintain their own well-being.

The advisory emphasizes the critical need to ensure that parents and caregivers have access to comprehensive, affordable mental health care. It calls for stronger insurance coverage, expanded mental health services in community settings, and the removal of financial barriers that prevent many parents from getting the help they need. Kellin Foundation is committed to making these essential services available to our community, recognizing that when parents are supported in their mental health, they are better equipped to care for their children, leading to healthier, more resilient families.

The Surgeon General’s advisory is a call to action—a reminder that the well-being of parents and caregivers is a shared responsibility. The statistics and findings are clear: we must act now to support our families. We encourage you to read the full advisory here and to join us in supporting the parents in our community. At the Kellin Foundation, we stand ready to partner with you, offering the support and resources needed to build stronger, healthier families.

Get Ready to Send Some Love—And Support a Great Cause!

Alright, folks, let’s talk about something that’s a win-win for everyone involved—cards! But not just any cards. We’re talking about PaperPie’s Cards for a Cause, and they’re now available through the Kellin Foundation. You know what that means? It means you can stock up on some seriously stylish, high-quality greeting cards and feel good knowing your purchase is making a difference right here in our community.

Now, let’s be real for a minute. We’ve all been there—rushing to the store at the last minute to grab a card for that birthday, thank you, or sympathy message, only to be floored by the price. Seriously, who knew a piece of folded paper could cost so much? But fear not, because we’ve got a solution that’s as easy on the wallet as it is on the heart.

For just $30, you can get your hands on PaperPie’s All Occasion Box #1. What’s in it, you ask? A whopping 30 cards! That’s right—30 beautifully designed, high-quality cards for any and every occasion. Whether it’s a birthday, a thank you, a congratulations, or just a “thinking of you” moment, you’ll have the perfect card on hand. And at just $1 per card, you’re saving money and you’re making a meaningful impact.

But wait, there’s more! We know that life is full of special moments, and sometimes one box just isn’t enough. That’s why we’re excited to offer a variety of boxes to suit all your card-sending needs:

• All Occasion Box #2: If you loved the first one, you’ll definitely want to check out the sequel. Box #2 features another 30 cards with fresh designs and sentiments, perfect for those times when you want to mix things up a bit.

• Kids Birthday Box: Got little ones in your life? This box is a lifesaver! It’s packed with 30 fun, vibrant cards tailored specifically for kids’ birthdays. Never worry about finding the perfect card for your niece, nephew, or your own kiddos again.

• Thanks & Blanks Box: Sometimes, you just want to say thanks, or maybe you prefer to write your own message. This box has you covered with 30 cards that are either blank inside or filled with thoughtful thank-you messages. It’s versatile, it’s classy, and it’s a must-have.

• Holiday Box: This special collection features 50 seasonal greeting cards, perfect for celebrating all the major holidays throughout the year. From Christmas, Hanukkah, and New Year’s to Valentine’s Day, Fourth of July, Halloween, and Easter, this box has you covered. With beautifully designed cards for every festive occasion, you’ll be ready to spread holiday cheer all year long—saving time and money in the process!

Here’s the best part: Every purchase supports the Kellin Foundation’s mission to prevent, treat, and heal trauma in our community. When you buy these cards, you’re getting a great deal and you’re also helping us provide behavioral health counseling, peer support, and wraparound services to those who need it most. So, go ahead and feel good about that stack of cards on your desk—each one represents a step toward a healthier, stronger community.

So, what are you waiting for? Head over to our website, grab your PaperPie Cards for a Cause, and be ready for every occasion that comes your way. It’s never been easier to spread a little joy and do a lot of good.

Exciting Growth at the Kellin Foundation: Join Our Team!

At the Kellin Foundation, we are committed to strengthening resilience in our community by providing trauma-informed behavioral health services to children, families, and adults. As our programs continue to grow and our partnerships with schools and community organizations expand, we are experiencing a surge in demand for our services. This increased need has led to growing waitlists and the exciting opportunity to welcome new members to our dedicated team.

To meet this demand and continue making a positive impact, we are looking for passionate individuals to join us in several key positions. If you are driven by the desire to make a difference and thrive in a collaborative, mission-focused environment, we encourage you to consider the following opportunities:

1. Clinical Team Lead

This full-time position is perfect for an experienced and motivated clinician looking to step into a leadership role. As a Clinical Team Lead, you will oversee and guide our team of clinicians and interns, providing direct services while contributing to our continuous quality improvement efforts. This is an ideal opportunity for a licensed professional with a passion for both clinical work and supervision, eager to make a significant impact within our organization.

2. Clinician

We are seeking a dedicated Clinician to provide vital mental health services to clients on a grant-funded and sliding-fee scale basis. This role, available as either full-time or part-time, focuses on delivering individual and group therapy, ensuring compliance with clinical care standards, and contributing to our trauma-informed mission. If you are a licensed (or provisionally licensed) clinician looking to work in a supportive and dynamic environment, this position is an excellent fit.

3. Clinician - School Based

Join our new school-based mental health initiative as a School-Based Clinician, where you will provide essential mental health services to students within Guilford County Schools. This full-time role will primarily be based in several target schools, with some hours at our main office. You'll collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to support students in need, making a tangible difference in their lives and well-being.

4. Peer Support Specialist

We are also looking for a Certified Peer Support Specialist to provide peer support services to individuals impacted by mental health and/or substance use concerns. This role involves delivering peer support both onsite and in community locations, working closely with our Wraparound and Clinical teams to meet client needs. If you have a passion for using your lived experience to help others and are comfortable working in a team-oriented environment, this position offers a meaningful opportunity to make an impact.

Why Join the Kellin Foundation?

At the Kellin Foundation, we pride ourselves on being a community dedicated to making a difference together. As a NC Family Forward Certified employer, we offer a supportive environment where team members can grow, collaborate, and balance their professional and personal lives. We’re excited to welcome new team members who share our commitment to resilience, healing, and hope.

If one of these roles sounds like the right fit for you, we invite you to apply and join us in our mission. Together, we can continue to make a lasting impact in Guilford County and beyond.

Interested in applying? Please visit our careers page to learn more about each position and how to submit your application.

Kellin and Kendra Collaborate and Create Inspired Heart Jewelry Pieces!

The Kellin & Kendra Collab! The Ari Heart Necklace & Huggies!

Join us on August 10th for a special back-to-school shopping event at the Kendra Scott in Greensboro’s Friendly Center. Shop in-store from 1-3 PM that day and twenty percent of all proceeds will benefit the Kellin Foundation because– Kendra Scott is a where fashion meets philanthropy! Kendra Scott has all the trending jewelry and gifts, and Kellin and Kendra even collaborated to create exclusive pieces for this event–check out the Ari Heart necklace and Huggies earrings, they are SO CUTE. 

This partnership between Kendra Scott and the Kellin Foundation is a wonderful opportunity to support community health initiatives. The funds from this 2 hour shopping benefit our mission to provide trauma-informed behavioral health services that directly support children, families, and adults in the community, helping to strengthen resilience and foster healing.

Event Details:

• Location: Kendra Scott, 3334 W Friendly Ave #103, Greensboro, NC 27410

• Date: , Saturday, August 10th, 2024

• Time: 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM

Please join us for this day of shopping and help us spread the word! Thank you for helping us make a positive impact in our community through your support and style!

Celebrating Leaders in Minority Mental Health: Influential Figures and Their Impact

In observance of National Minority Mental Health Month, we honor the pioneers whose groundbreaking work has shaped the field of mental health within minority communities. Their dedication and contributions have not only advanced our understanding of mental health disparities but also paved the way for more inclusive and effective mental health care. Join us as we recognize the remarkable and lasting impacts of these visionary leaders.

Dr. Mamie Phipps Clark (1917-1983)

Dr. Mamie Phipps Clark, a pioneering African American psychologist, is best known for her work on racial identity and self-esteem among African American children. Alongside her husband, Dr. Kenneth Clark, she conducted the groundbreaking "doll experiments," which revealed the detrimental effects of segregation on African American children's self-perception. Their research was instrumental in the Supreme Court's decision in Brown v. Board of Education. In one memorable anecdote, a child participating in the doll study remarked, "That's a n***** doll," when asked to choose between a black doll and a white doll, starkly illustrating the internalized racism fostered by segregation.

Dr. Robert Lee Williams II (1930-2020)

Dr. Robert Lee Williams II was a pioneering African American psychologist known for developing the Black Intelligence Test of Cultural Homogeneity (BITCH-100) and his critique of culturally biased intelligence tests. As a founding member of the Association of Black Psychologists, his work emphasized the need for culturally relevant psychological assessments. Dr. Williams often recounted how his own experiences with biased testing in school inspired him to create the BITCH-100, providing a tool that better reflected the cultural experiences of African Americans.

Dr. Martha Bernal (1931-2001)

Dr. Martha Bernal was the first Latina to receive a Ph.D. in psychology in the United States. Her research on ethnic identity and the development of culturally sensitive therapeutic practices has been instrumental in addressing the mental health needs of minority children. Despite facing significant barriers as a Latina in academia, Dr. Bernal’s perseverance led to her becoming a role model for many. Anecdotally, she often shared stories of her early career struggles, including being one of the few women and minorities at professional conferences, which fueled her commitment to mentoring future Latino psychologists.

Dr. Joseph L. White (1932-2017)

Dr. Joseph L. White, often referred to as the "Godfather of Black Psychology," revolutionized the field by emphasizing the importance of cultural context in understanding African American mental health. His work led to the establishment of the Association of Black Psychologists, providing a platform for Black psychologists to address the specific mental health needs of their communities. Dr. White often shared a story about how he was inspired to enter the field of psychology after realizing that the existing theories did not resonate with his own experiences as a Black man, driving him to create a new paradigm.

Dr. Richard Suinn (1933-2024)

As the first Asian American president of the American Psychological Association, Dr. Richard Suinn has been a trailblazer in promoting the mental health needs of Asian American communities. His research on stress, anxiety, and acculturation has shed light on the unique challenges faced by these populations. An inspiring anecdote from his career involves his decision to pursue psychology after facing racial discrimination in the workplace, highlighting his commitment to understanding and addressing the mental health impacts of racism.

Dr. Stanley Sue (1944-2024)

Dr. Stanley Sue's extensive research on the mental health needs of Asian American populations has been groundbreaking. He has highlighted the unique challenges faced by these communities and advocated for culturally competent mental health services. An anecdote from his career involves a study where he demonstrated that Asian American clients often dropped out of therapy early due to cultural mismatches with their therapists, highlighting the need for culturally tailored mental health care.

Bebe Moore Campbell (1950-2006)

Bebe Moore Campbell was a celebrated author and mental health advocate who co-founded the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Urban Los Angeles. Her work brought significant attention to the mental health struggles within African American communities, breaking down barriers and reducing stigma. In her book "72 Hour Hold," Campbell drew on her personal experiences with her daughter’s mental illness, providing a poignant and authentic perspective on the challenges faced by families dealing with mental health issues.

Dr. Patricia Arredondo (1945-Present)

Dr. Patricia Arredondo has been a pioneering force in multicultural counseling and organizational development. Her extensive work on cultural competency has influenced guidelines and practices within the field, ensuring that mental health services are inclusive and respectful of cultural differences. Anecdotally, Dr. Arredondo often recounts her experiences growing up in a bicultural household and how this inspired her lifelong commitment to diversity and inclusion in mental health care.

Dr. Linda James Myers (1948-Present)

Dr. Linda James Myers is renowned for her work in African-centered psychology and the development of the Optimal Conceptual Theory. Her research emphasizes the importance of cultural context in understanding mental health and advocates for the integration of African-centered perspectives into psychological practice. Dr. Myers often shares how her travels to Africa deepened her understanding of cultural influences on mental health and inspired her to develop culturally grounded therapeutic approaches.

Dr. Derald Wing Sue (1942-Present)

Dr. Derald Wing Sue is a leading expert on multicultural counseling and the psychological impact of microaggressions. His influential research has brought attention to the subtle forms of discrimination that affect the mental health of minority individuals. Dr. Sue recalls an incident during his early career when he was advised to change his last name to sound less Asian, an experience that fueled his passion for addressing the insidious nature of microaggressions.

Dr. Jessica Henderson Daniel

Dr. Jessica Henderson Daniel, the first African American woman to serve as President of the American Psychological Association, has been a trailblazer in promoting diversity and inclusion within the field of psychology. Her work on the intersection of race, gender, and mental health has advanced our understanding of the unique challenges faced by minority populations. Dr. Daniel often recounts her experiences as a young Black woman in psychology, where she faced numerous barriers but used these challenges to fuel her advocacy for change.

Dr. Lillian Comas-Díaz

Dr. Lillian Comas-Díaz is a clinical psychologist known for her work in multicultural and ethnopolitical psychology. Her research on the mental health needs of Latino populations has advanced the field of cultural competence. One compelling anecdote from her career involves her work with a community affected by political violence, where she used culturally relevant therapeutic techniques to help individuals process their trauma and heal.

Dr. Alfonso Martínez Taboas

Dr. Alfonso Martínez Taboas has focused his research on trauma and dissociation, particularly within Latino populations. His work has highlighted the importance of culturally competent mental health care and the need for effective interventions for trauma within cultural contexts. Dr. Martínez Taboas often shares stories of his clinical practice, where he has seen firsthand the transformative power of culturally sensitive therapy in helping trauma survivors rebuild their lives.

The contributions of these minority mental health pioneers have helped shape and improve the field, ensuring that mental health care becomes more inclusive, culturally sensitive, and effective for all communities. Their dedication to addressing disparities and promoting equity has laid the foundation for ongoing progress in mental health. As we honor their legacies, we are reminded of the importance of continuing their work to achieve mental health equity for future generations.

A Full Circle of Hope: Kellin Foundation at Lindley Park Baptist Church

Greensboro News & Record newspaper clipping from 1962 found in the Greensboro Mental Health Society anthology.

You know how sometimes, you find a thread from the past that suddenly makes everything click into place? That happened to us here at the Kellin Foundation when we stumbled upon an old newspaper clipping from 1962. It was like a whisper from the past, hinting at the journey that years later would come full circle.

The article, titled "Mental Health Program to Begin," detailed a meeting at Lindley Park Baptist Church hosted by the Greensboro chapter of the Mental Health Society, a nonprofit that had been in operation in the area since 1940. They showed a film on shyness, followed by a talk from Dr. R.W. Whitener, a local psychiatrist. The aim was simple yet profound: to educate the community about mental health. This little event planted the seeds of awareness in our community, right there in the halls of Lindley Park Baptist Church.

Over the years the Mental Health Society became the longest running mental health non-profit in Greensboro – growing and evolving, first into the Mental Health Association of Greensboro,  before rebranding as Mental Health Greensboro in 2018.  Fast forward to 2022. That’s when we, the Kellin Foundation, merged with Mental Health Greensboro, combining our missions to provide comprehensive mental health support to our community.

And then, in a twist of fate that felt almost destined, Lindley Park Baptist Church, the very place where those first seeds were sown, decided to close its doors in 2023. But instead of just closing up shop, they gifted their building to us at the Kellin Foundation. This act of generosity brought everything full circle, connecting our past with our present in a powerful way.

When we found that 1962 newspaper clipping in a historical scrapbook, it was like a sign. Our President and CEO, Dr. Kelly Graves said it best: "I teared up and got goosebumps, like the world was telling me this was meant to happen". It was as if the universe was affirming our path and connecting the dots in the most meaningful way.

Today, that very church has become our new home, the Hope Hub. Here, individuals of all ages will be able access mental health services and a comprehensive support system under one roof. From housing assistance to employment resources, once renovated,  the Hope Hub will be a sanctuary of healing and hope, continuing the tradition of caring that began within the walls of Lindley Park Baptist Church over six decades ago.

As we carry forward this torch of service and compassion, we’re reminded of the fated connections between past and present. The caring spirit of Lindley Park Baptist Church lives on, not just in memory, but in the tangible acts of support and healing that define our mission at the Kellin Foundation. This is our story, a story that has come full circle, woven together by the threads of community and the its historical commitment to mental health.