Kellin Foundation Receives $50,000 Grant from Positive Childhood Alliance NC

We’re excited to share that the Kellin Foundation has been awarded a $50,000 grant from Positive Childhood Alliance North Carolina (PCANC). As one of 38 organizations chosen for this funding, we’re honored to be part of a statewide initiative aimed at strengthening family support services. This generous grant will allow us to continue expanding our work to build stronger, more resilient communities for families across Guilford County and North Carolina.

We know that healthy, connected families are key to a thriving community. With this funding, we will focus on two key project goals that align with our mission:

1. Supporting Our Wraparound Services
   We will use the grant to enhance our wraparound services, which play a crucial role in helping families navigate complex systems and access the resources they need. Our wraparound services ensure that families receive personalized support and guidance as they face life’s challenges, providing them with the tools and resources they need to move forward and thrive.

2. Strengthening Organizational Practices and Exploring New Services
   In addition to supporting our wraparound services, the grant will enable us to begin researching the potential for a drop-in childcare service at the Hope Hub. While this is not currently a service we offer, the funding will allow us to consult with experts to understand the requirements and best practices for establishing this service. This careful planning will help us ensure that, when ready to be implemented, the service is safe, effective, and aligned with our mission.

We are deeply grateful to Positive Childhood Alliance NC for this incredible acknowledgment of the work we are doing. Their commitment to empowering organizations like ours strengthens the entire network of family services across the state. “By investing in these organizations, PCANC is helping to build a stronger, more resilient prevention ecosystem of family support services,” said Andrea Clark, Prevention Networks Manager at PCANC. We’re excited to work alongside them to create lasting, positive change for children and families in North Carolina.

Over the next several months, we’ll participate in training, consultation, and community-building activities through PCANC to ensure our programs continue to meet the needs of the families we serve.

As we move forward, our focus remains the same: providing essential services that promote mental health, resilience, and well-being for all. We look forward to sharing more updates as we expand our reach and deepen our impact on families in our community. Together, with partners like PCANC, we are building a brighter future for every child and family we touch.

Stride for Life: Shea’s Chase and the Role of Suicide Prevention

September is National Suicide Prevention Month—a time to pause, reflect, and honor the lives lost to suicide. It’s a month when we embrace those who have faced the dark abyss of suicidal thoughts and stand with families and communities that bear the weight of this profound loss. It's about renewing our commitment to raising awareness, extending compassion, and providing support with both urgency and empathy.

One story that stands as a poignant reminder of our mission is that of Shea McKenna. Shea, with his brilliant humor and philosophical spirit, was a young man of remarkable depth. Yet, despite his many gifts, Shea grappled with mental health challenges that led to his untimely death by suicide in June 2014, just shy of his 28th birthday.

In the aftermath of this heart-wrenching loss, Shea’s parents, Tom and Dianne McKenna, transformed their grief into action. They established Shea’s Chase, a 5K run and walk that has become a day dedicated to bringing people together to honor those we’ve lost, support those in need, and raise funds for suicide prevention and mental health services.

The numbers surrounding suicide are stark and urgent. Between 2000 and 2022, suicide rates surged by approximately 36%. In 2022 alone, suicide was the cause of 49,476 deaths—about one every 11 minutes. The figures are even more staggering when we consider the number of people who think about or attempt suicide. That year, 13.2 million adults seriously contemplated suicide, 3.8 million made plans, and 1.6 million attempted to end their lives.

The proceeds from Shea’s Chase support the Kellin Foundation’s work, which includes providing free counseling, peer support, and community outreach to children, adults and families. Kellin Foundation’s quality and accessible evidence based, trauma-informed services are fundamental to combating suicide and supporting mental wellness.

In our ongoing effort to equip the community, we’re offering free QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) Suicide Prevention Certification Training on October 22nd and November 14th. These workshops are designed to teach how to recognize the signs of suicide, offer support, and connect individuals to help. Additionally, we’re providing a free Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training on November 7th.

These training opportunities are a chance to learn how to respond effectively to someone in a mental health crisis. Whether you’re participating in Shea’s Chase or simply someone committed to mental health and caring for the community, we encourage you to sign up to join these life-saving programs.

As September progresses, let’s commit to our role in preventing suicide. By participating in Shea’s Chase on October 5th, attending our free trainings, or simply starting a conversation about mental health, you’re helping to build a community where no one struggles alone. There is hope, and together, we can shine a light for those in need.

Honor the memory of those we've lost, support those still here, and work toward a future where suicide is no longer a leading cause of death.

Be a part of the change on October 5th by joining us for Shea’s Chase. Empower yourself and others by signing up for our free QPR and MHFA trainings. For more details and to register, click the buttons below.

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!