Observing National Minority Mental Health Month

National Minority Mental Health Month, observed every July, is a time dedicated to raising awareness about the unique mental health challenges faced by racial and ethnic minority groups. In the quest for justice and equality, we must not overlook the silent struggles within our minority communities.  Established in 2008, National Minority Mental Health Month illuminates the disparities and barriers that persist in mental health care for these communities. It calls upon us to confront these issues head-on and strive for a more equitable and inclusive mental health care system.

History and Significance

The roots of National Minority Mental Health Month are deeply entwined with the legacy of Bebe Moore Campbell, a fierce advocate for mental health awareness within the Black community and beyond. Campbell’s unwavering dedication to this cause culminated in the formal recognition of this month, providing a platform to confront the disparities and inequities that minority communities face in accessing mental health care.

The significance of this month cannot be overstated. It is a call to action, a reminder that the struggle for justice extends beyond the visible and tangible, reaching into the very fabric of our mental and emotional well-being. The barriers that minority communities face—stigma, cultural misunderstandings, inadequate access to care, and socioeconomic disparities—are not just obstacles but manifestations of a deeper, systemic failure. By addressing these issues, we move closer to a society where mental health care is a right, not a privilege.

The Importance of Mental Health Awareness in Minority Communities

The importance of mental health awareness in minority communities is multifaceted and profound:

1. Reducing Stigma: In many minority communities, mental health is shrouded in silence and stigma. This silence is a powerful adversary, preventing individuals from seeking the help they desperately need. Increased awareness can break this silence, offering a lifeline to those who suffer in isolation.

2. Improving Access to Care: Awareness is the key to unlocking access to mental health resources. By highlighting the availability of services, we can guide minority individuals toward the care they need, paving the way for healing and recovery.

3. Cultural Competence: Mental health care must be attuned to the unique cultural and linguistic needs of diverse populations. Awareness initiatives promote cultural competence among mental health professionals, ensuring that care is both respectful and effective.

4. Advocacy and Policy Change: Awareness fuels advocacy, driving the push for policy changes that address the systemic issues underpinning mental health disparities in minority communities. It is through this advocacy that we can dismantle the barriers to equitable care.

Kellin Foundation's Impact and Commitment to Racial Equity

The Kellin Foundation is dedicated to supporting the mental health needs of minority communities. Our commitment to racial equity is reflected in our comprehensive programs and services designed to provide inclusive and culturally competent care.

We offer a wide range of services, including individual and group therapy, community outreach, and educational workshops, all tailored to meet the unique needs of minority populations. 

Our commitment to racial equity permeates every aspect of our work. This includes continuous training for our staff on cultural competence, advocating for policies that tackle mental health disparities, and forging partnerships with community organizations to ensure our services are aligned with the needs of the communities we serve.

Through our efforts we strive to build a mental health care system that is both inclusive and equitable, one that acknowledges and honors the unique experiences of minority communities. We are dedicated to improving mental health outcomes for all, fostering a society that is healthier, more just, and more resilient.

National Minority Mental Health Month shines a light on the urgent need for mental health awareness and support in minority communities. The Kellin Foundation is proud to be at the forefront of this effort, working to ensure that every individual has access to the mental health care they deserve.

Registration Now Open for the 9th Annual Shea's Chase 5K!

Registration for the 9th annual Shea's Chase 5K is now open! Take advantage of our early bird registration rates now! Mark your calendars for October 5, 2024, at The Stacks at Revolution Mill in Greensboro, NC, and join us for a day of community, awareness, and family fun in support of community mental health services. 

By participating in Shea's Chase, you're joining a community movement to break the stigma surrounding mental illness and to bring awareness to the cause of suicide prevention. Shea’s Chase was begun in 2015 by Tom and Dianne McKenna to honor and remember their son, Shea McKenna, who completed suicide the year before. We encourage all participants to run or walk in honor or memory of someone they’ve known who has struggled with mental illness or been affected by suicide. Your participation is a heartfelt way to show support and remember those who have faced these challenges. All proceeds benefit the Kellin Foundation’s free community mental health, substance use, and wraparound services.

This year, we’re making the event even more family-friendly with the Smiles For Miles Fun Run starting at 10 AM, followed by the Shea's Chase 5K at 10:15. The Smiles For Miles Fun Run is perfect for kids and those who want to participate but aren't ready for a full 5K. Don't feel like running? No problem—walk the course at your own pace. Enjoy breakfast and coffee before the race to kickstart your day. After you cross the finish line, stick around for an after-party featuring free pizza, adult beverages, a silent auction and live music with Dear Sister! 

For more information and to register, visit our new Shea's Chase website. You’ll find all the details about the race, including course maps, event schedules, and ways to get involved.

Sign up today, and be part of an event that brings our community together in support of mental health. Your involvement matters, and we look forward to seeing you there.

Kellin Foundation Welcomes Lisa Duck as Director of Strategic Partnerships & Wraparound Services

It is with great pleasure that the Kellin Foundation announces the appointment of Lisa Duck as our new Director of Strategic Partnerships & Wraparound Services.

Lisa brings with her a wealth of experience and a passion for creating positive change in our community. With over a decade of dedicated service in healthcare administration and community advocacy, Lisa has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to improving the lives of those in need.

Previously, as Executive Director of Guilford Community Care Network, Lisa played a pivotal role in ensuring access to essential healthcare services for underserved populations. Her leadership and vision were instrumental in establishing vital programs such as the Orange Card and the Guilford Adult Dental Access Program, which continue to make an impact on the health and well-being of individuals and families in Guilford County.

In 2008, Lisa began her tenure as Project Manager for the Guilford Community Care Network (part of Guilford Adult Health, Inc.), focusing on providing access to care for uninsured residents of Guilford County. In 2011, she was promoted to Executive Director of Guilford Adult Health, overseeing both the Guilford Community Care Network and the Guilford Dental Access Program. For over 16 years Lisa facilitated collaborative efforts among the community's safety net providers to implement indigent care initiatives and secure financial and other resources for the patient population.

Lisa holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a Master of Public Health from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. She is a certified health education specialist at the master's level.

An active community volunteer, Lisa serves on the board of the Interactive Resource Center (IRC), is a member of Women to Women at the Community Foundation of Greater Greensboro, and previously served on the board of Hospice and Palliative Care of Greensboro (now Authora Care) for 10 years, as well as on the Steering Committee for the Guilford NonProfit Consortium. Prior to her work with GCCN, she was the Executive Director of the Guilford Coalition on Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention for four and a half years.

Guilford Adult Health was named the 2016 Nonprofit of the Year for Guilford County. In 2021, Lisa received the inaugural Journey to Healthcare Award from the Kellin Foundation for GCCN's work.

As our new Director of Strategic Partnerships & Wraparound Services, Lisa will leverage her expertise to forge meaningful collaborations and partnerships that will further our mission of supporting children and families in crisis. She will lead efforts to strengthen our network of community partners, develop innovative strategies to address complex social challenges, and ensure that our wraparound services meet the evolving needs of those we serve.

We are confident that Lisa's passion, dedication, and leadership will enhance our organization's impact and empower us to make an even greater difference in the lives of vulnerable children and families.

Please join us in extending a warm welcome to Lisa Duck as she embarks on this new journey with the Kellin Foundation.  She is such a wonderful asset to our team and we look forward to making big waves of change as we grow our mission,  building stronger, healthier, and more resilient communities.

Major Developments in play for the Hope Hub

The Kellin Foundation is excited to announce several major advancements in its mission to provide earlier and easier access to mental health and substance use services with three major initiatives. The foundation has received an additional grant of $400,000 from the Tom and Marilyn Moyer Foundation, renowned for its philanthropic support of health equity and support for those unable to pay for services, which will play a pivotal role in supporting the renovation of the Hope Hub. 

"We are grateful to the Tom and Marilyn Moyer Foundation for their generous support of our vision for the Hope Hub. This contribution enhances our capability to serve the community,” said Kelly Graves, President and CEO of the Kellin Foundation.

The Hope Hub is a place for people of all ages to have earlier and easier access to a wide array of integrated services that they need to be safe and well. A place for hope. A place for healing. It employs a comprehensive approach to prevention and treatment, and will feature state-of-the-art trauma-informed architecture, counseling rooms, educational spaces, community kitchens, and gathering areas. Additional integrated services provided by vital community partners and nonprofits will co-located at the Hope Hub to ensure an integrated, one-stop-shop approach. 

In addition to the grant, the Kellin Foundation has launched the Hope Hub Cabinet, a diverse and influential group dedicated to realizing the vision of a thriving, inclusive community resource center in Guilford County. The Cabinet comprises leaders from various sectors, including education, healthcare, finance, and community development.

"The Hope Hub Cabinet brings together a wealth of experience, expertise, and passion for supporting children, families, and community development," stated Dr. Graves. "Their combined expertise and commitment will drive forward the Hope Hub's mission of creating a brighter future for all residents in Guilford County."

Members of the Hope Hub Cabinet include:

• Margaret Bourdeaux Arbuckle - Former executive director of Guilford Education Alliance.

• Robin Britt - Former NC congressman and CEO of Guilford Child Development.

• Michie Dew, Ph.D. - Retired psychologist.

• Michael Diamond - Senior vice-president in banking and community leader.

• Rick Dutch - Financial advisor and community advocate.

• Barbara Frye - Veteran leader in children's initiatives and community development.

• Shirley T. Frye - Educator, civil rights leader, Order of the Long Leaf Pine, retired vice president of community relations at WFMY News 2 (Emmy Award winner)

• Marian F. Earls, MD, MTS, FAAP - Developmental pediatrician, Clinical Professor, and national leader in pediatric programming.

• Paul Jeffrey - Healthcare executive and CEO of the Community Care Center.

• Yvonne Johnson - Mayor Pro Tem of Greensboro, civil rights leader, and community advocate.

• Pilar Powell - Real estate consultant and community leader.

• Tara Sandercock - Philanthropic leader with a deep history of supporting community partnerships and initiatives.

• Debra Vigliano - President of Win Win Resolutions, dedicated to promoting conflict resolution and anti-bullying efforts in schools.

After completing phase one and phase two of initial renovations since last year, the Kellin Foundation is excited to share that the first Hope Hub partner, Beyond Sports The NC Fusion Foundation joined us at the Hope Hub at the beginning of June!

Beyond Sports NC provides intentional opportunities through sports to positively impact people for life by breaking down barriers through access to programming and funding that address equity and unity in the Triad.

"We love the vision of the Hope Hub and are honored to be the first organization to move into the newly renovated space. This space will allow us to impact more Title 1 schools and underserved communities with sports equipment to allow every child the opportunity to play." Micheala Amidon, Co Founder.

The natural links between health equity, sports equity, and the importance of physical activity in supporting mental health provide natural intersections for the Kellin Foundation and Beyond Sports NC to partner on initiatives moving forward.

Together, these developments mark significant steps forward in the Kellin Foundation's commitment to bringing the vision of the Hope Hub to reality and providing essential mental health services and building a stronger, more resilient community in Guilford County and beyond.

Congratulations to Brendon Morton: 2024 Amanda Ireland Ward Scholarship Winner

Amanda Ireland Ward

Brendon Morton

Kellin Foundation would like to congratulate Brendon Morton, the recipient of the 2024 Amanda Ireland Ward Scholarship. Brendon, a graduating senior from Northwest High School and GTCC Middle College, stood out for his dedication to leadership, service, and academics.

The Amanda Ireland Ward Scholarship, created in memory of the late Mandy Ward, honors individuals who demonstrate a commitment to community involvement and making a positive impact. Mandy made a significant impact through her work with the Kellin Foundation and as the lead advocate for the Greensboro Child Response Initiative. Her dedication to helping children and families earned her the 2016 Chief's Award from the Greensboro Police Department and the 2014 Lindy Beauregard Champion for Children Award.

Mandy was beloved by all who knew her. Born on December 3, 1982, in Winston-Salem, she received her bachelor's degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and her master's degree in sociology with a focus on criminology from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. She was a passionate baker, an avid runner, and a lover of the outdoors. Her warm presence and infectious smile could light up any room.

Brendon's achievements reflect the values Mandy embodied. Throughout his academic journey, Brendon has demonstrated leadership skills and a commitment to serving others. Brendon will be attending the University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW) in the upcoming academic year, where he plans to major in Business. He expressed his enthusiasm for UNCW, citing its vibrant, hometown atmosphere and the unique opportunity to live near the beach. Additionally, Brendon is excited to join his sister, who is currently a second-year student at UNCW, and to meet new people and embrace new experiences.

We congratulate Brendon on this well-deserved achievement and wish him continued success as he embarks on this new chapter.

Kellin Foundation Earns Family Forward NC Certification

Good news! The Kellin Foundation has recently been named a Family Forward NC Certified Employer by the North Carolina Early Childhood Foundation’s Family Forward NC initiative.

Family Forward NC is an initiative aimed at improving the health and well-being of children while keeping North Carolina’s businesses competitive. Launched in 2018, this employer-led program encourages companies to adopt research-based, family-friendly practices that enhance workplace productivity, recruitment, and retention. By doing so, businesses contribute to a stronger economy and support the healthy development of children. To date, Family Forward NC has engaged with over 6,900 employers across the state.

Being Family Forward NC Certified means that the Kellin Foundation is recognized for our commitment to policies and practices that support the health and well-being of working families and their children. To achieve this certification, we had to demonstrate our dedication to several key areas:

• Paid leave and wages

• Accommodations for pregnant and breastfeeding workers

• Child care supports

• Health and wellness benefits

• Scheduling practices

We are honored to receive this recognition. It reflects our commitment to creating a supportive and nurturing workplace for our employees and their families. By fostering a family-friendly environment, we enhance the well-being of our team and contribute positively to the broader community.

To learn more about Family Forward NC and the certification process, we invite you to explore their website.