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!

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.

Resilience: From the Founding Fathers to Our Everyday Lives

As we celebrate the Fourth of July, it's a fitting time to reflect on the concept of resilience—both in our nation's history and in our personal lives. The journey to American independence was fraught with challenges that required immense strength and perseverance. Similarly, maintaining good mental health today demands a comparable resilience in the face of life's adversities.

The American Revolution vividly illustrates the fortitude of those who fought for independence. Consider George Washington, whose leadership was indispensable during the harrowing winter at Valley Forge. In December 1777, Washington led his weary and beleaguered army to this desolate encampment. The conditions were appalling: soldiers lacked adequate clothing, many were barefoot, and provisions were scarce. In letters to the Continental Congress, Washington described the soldiers’ suffering and pleaded for supplies. Despite these dire circumstances, Washington's steadfast resolve and unyielding spirit were evident. One notable instance of Washington instilling hope was his decision to have Thomas Paine’s pamphlet "The American Crisis" read aloud to the troops. Paine’s words, “These are the times that try men's souls,” resonated deeply, reinvigorating the soldiers’ commitment to the cause. Washington’s ability to inspire his men, even as they endured freezing temperatures and near-starvation, exemplifies the resilience needed to overcome profound adversity.

Abigail Adams, wife of John Adams, provides another compelling example of resilience. Living in an era when women had limited rights and roles, Abigail managed the family farm and raised their children amidst the turmoil of war. Her extensive correspondence with John reveals her intellectual prowess and emotional fortitude. Abigail was not merely a passive observer; she was an active participant in the revolutionary dialogue. In one letter, she famously advised her husband to “remember the ladies” when drafting new laws, warning, “Do not put such unlimited power into the hands of the husbands.” Her letters convey a sense of determined resilience and a profound commitment to the revolutionary cause. Abigail’s ability to maintain the household, provide political counsel, and support her husband’s endeavors reflects a strength that was as crucial to the war effort as the soldiers' battles on the front lines.

Equally significant, though often overlooked, are the contributions of Black individuals to American independence. Crispus Attucks, a sailor and escaped slave who had evaded capture for 20 years, played a pivotal role in the events leading up to the Revolution. On March 5, 1770, Attucks was at the forefront of a confrontation between colonial protests and British soldiers, resulting in the Boston Massacre. Attucks was the first to fall, and his death became a rallying point for those seeking independence. His ability to evade capture and live as a free man for two decades before making the ultimate sacrifice highlights his resilience and courage. Attucks’ story parallels the modern struggle against systemic oppression and the fight for justice, showing how resilience is essential in confronting and overcoming deeply entrenched societal challenges.

Peter Salem, an enslaved man emancipated by his owner so he could join the Black Minutemen, is another figure whose resilience is noteworthy. Salem is most famous for his valor at the Battle of Bunker Hill, where he is credited with firing the shot that killed British Major John Pitcairn. Salem continued to serve throughout the war, participating in key battles such as Saratoga and Stony Point. Despite his significant contributions, Salem died in a poorhouse at age 66, his heroism and humanity never fully acknowledged. His story exemplifies the resilience and courage of Black soldiers who fought for a nation that had yet to recognize their full rights. Salem's journey mirrors the ongoing fight for recognition and equality faced by many today, emphasizing that resilience involves both personal courage and the relentless pursuit of justice and dignity.

The resilience of these individuals and countless others during the Revolutionary era cannot be understated. Drawing parallels between these historical figures and modern-day mental health journeys illuminates the enduring nature of resilience. Just as George Washington faced and overcame immense challenges at Valley Forge, individuals today navigate their own battles for mental well-being. Washington’s leadership in dire times is reminiscent of the inner strength needed to confront personal mental health struggles. His relentless efforts to procure resources and maintain morale can inspire individuals to seek help and build support systems when facing their own difficulties.

Similarly, Abigail Adams’ resilience in managing her family and contributing to the revolutionary cause mirrors the strength required in contemporary life to balance personal responsibilities and mental health. Her ability to persevere and provide support, despite overwhelming challenges, highlights the importance of a robust support network and the courage to endure.

The resilience demonstrated by these figures during the American Revolution serves as a powerful reminder of the strength and perseverance required to overcome challenges. As we celebrate the Fourth of July, let us draw inspiration from their stories and apply these lessons to our own mental health journeys. Just as our founders faced their battles with courage and determination, we too can cultivate resilience and emerge stronger from our personal struggles.

At the Kellin Foundation, we are committed to supporting individuals on their path to mental well-being. Seeking help to foster resilience is an act of strength. This Independence Day, let's celebrate our nation's freedom and also the personal victories of resilience in our lives.