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.

Child Abuse Prevention Month Begins with Pinwheel Planting on April 4

The Guilford County Division of Public Health (GCDPH), the Kellin Foundation, and other community partners have joined to provide various events and initiatives to promote the safety and well-being of children in Guilford County during National Child Abuse Prevention Month. 

The month’s activities begin on April 4 with Community Pinwheel Planting Day. Residents, nonprofit organizations, schools, agencies, and businesses are invited to plant pinwheels – the national symbol for child abuse prevention.

To get a pinwheel to plant and a yard sign, you can sponsor Kellin Foundation’s work to support children and families by visiting www.kellinfoundation.org.  Nonprofit organizations including schools can still get pinwheels without sponsorship by contacting Melissa Burkes (GCDPH) at (336) 641-6253 or mburkes@guilfordcountync.gov.

Dr. Iulia Vann, Guilford County Public Health Director said, ‘We take our role to protect children and families in Guilford County very seriously. This month, we are proud to support the work Kellin Foundation and other community organizations do to raise awareness and decrease child abuse cases locally and beyond.”

Kellin Foundation Executive Director Dr. Kelly Graves said “In 2020, there were 22,400 child abuse victims in North Carolina. By our count, that's 22,400 too many. Our staff works hard to help children thrive every day. This April, we’re asking Guilford to join us in this nationwide effort. It is time to plant a pinwheel. Then join our parent talk, learn the signs of child abuse, or meet with other community partners who are working to keep children well.”

National Child Abuse Prevention Month Free Community Events:

•       Friday, April 1: Wear Blue Day - Show your support for the essential work needed to ensure a better, safer future for all children by wearing blue. Take a selfie and post on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok with #WearBlueDay2022.

•       Monday, April 4: Community Pinwheels for Prevention Planting Day - Get your pinwheels and place them in your home or business as a symbol of your commitment to children.

•       Tuesday, April 5, 6:30 pm: Let's Talk Tuesday: A Focus on Families with the Kellin Foundation - A parent-focused virtual discussion providing coping strategies. Part of the Guilford County Partnership for Children's Week of the Young Child.  

•       Wednesday, April 6, 11 am: The Partnership for Children's Virtual Resources Fair, showcasing local agencies that offer services for children.

•       Wednesday, April 6, 11:30 am: Resilient Guilford Network Collaborative Meeting - A coalition of community members and service providers working to build a more resilient community. •   Friday, April 8, 10 am: Stewards of Children Training - This in-person Darkness to Light Community Training teaches adults how to recognize, prevent and react responsibly to child sexual abuse.

•       Tuesday, April 26, 6 pm: Stewards of Children - Virtual training opportunity.

•       Saturday, April 30, 10 am to 1 pm: Healthy Kids Day at Barber Park - In partnership with the YMCA of Greensboro, this event will feature food trucks, community resources, a Smiles 4 Miles family fun run, bounce house, yard games, giveaways and more.

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