February 2025 Newsletter
With February well underway, we’re focused on expanding support and opportunities for our community. This month, we’re offering free math tutoring to help students build confidence and skills, and we’re gearing up for Journey to Brave, our annual fundraiser that fuels essential behavioral health services. Inside, you’ll find important updates, ways to get involved, and what’s ahead for the months to come. Thank you for being part of this work—your support makes a real difference.
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January 2025 Newsletter
Welcome to Kellin Foundation’s first newsletter of 2025! As we step into the new year, we’re filled with gratitude for the incredible support that helped us close out 2024 on a high note. This year, we’re excited to continue building connections, sharing impactful stories, and working together to strengthen our community. In this issue, we’ll highlight upcoming events, new programs, and the ways your involvement makes all the difference. Here’s to a year of hope, growth, and resilience—together, we’re creating brighter tomorrows.
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Hands of Hope: 84 Years of Community, Connection, and Care
This holiday season, Hands of Hope, the Kellin Foundation’s annual gift drive, made its mark once again, bringing warmth and joy to 31 children in our community, their caregivers, and patients at Central Regional Behavioral Health Hospital. With over 500 gifts donated, the drive continued an 84-year tradition of neighbors helping neighbors during the holiday season.
The Hands of Hope Gift Drive began in 1940 as Operation Santa Claus, an initiative started by Mental Health Greensboro to bring holiday cheer to those in need. When Mental Health Greensboro and the Kellin Foundation merged in 2022, Kellin proudly took over this cherished tradition, continuing its legacy of giving and expanding its reach to serve even more individuals and families.
Among those touched by this effort was a Kellin Foundation client, a mother of three young children, who shared her heartfelt gratitude:
"I wanted to take the time to share my thoughts on the Holiday Gift Giving. I have been completely overwhelmed with emotions since I left there on Wednesday. The amount of gratitude I feel is beyond words at this time. The Kellin Foundation has been a blessing to me in many ways than one. I have been through so many things over the course of my life that I don’t know where I would be if I hadn’t been able to get services from the foundation. Thank you all from the depths of my heart. I am a firm believer that God makes no mistakes while directing paths!"
Her words capture what Hands of Hope is all about: creating moments of relief and connection during a time of year that can feel isolating or overwhelming for so many.
For some, these gifts are a bright spot during an otherwise challenging time. For others, they serve as a tangible reminder that someone cares. From toys and games for children to essentials like blankets and winter wear, every item donated carried a piece of the community’s spirit.
This year’s drive was organized by Erin Hanes, Kellin Foundation Youth Peer Support Specialist and Hands of Hope coordinator, whose dedication helped ensure the success of this beloved tradition.
A special thanks goes out to Jazzercise, Novant Health Salem Surgical Associates, High Caliber Hot Shots, Treasure Chest Ladies, John Reganess & Reganess Wealth Management Group, Joan Landreth, St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church, and many other community members for their generosity and support.
To those who contributed, thank you for making this holiday brighter for so many. Hands of Hope is only possible because of the generosity of people like you—people who understand that even the smallest act of kindness can make a big difference.
As we wrap up this year’s drive, we’re reminded of the importance of community and the strength found in coming together. Thank you for being part of this tradition and helping us make this season a little more hopeful for those we serve.
Here’s to a new year filled with compassion, connection, and continued support for one another.
Kellin Foundation Holiday Schedule
Check out Kellin Foundation’s 2024/2025 Holiday schedule.
The holiday season is here, and we want to share our schedule to ensure you know when we're available.
Closed: December 23rd through December 27th.
Open: December 30th and 31st.
Closed: January 1st and 2nd, 2025.
Remote Operations: Friday, January 3rd.
We’ll resume regular in-person operations on Monday, January 6th, 2025.
We wish you a peaceful and joyful holiday season and look forward to serving our community in the new year!
Free Certification Courses: Equip Yourself to Make a Difference
The Kellin Foundation invites you to join our free certification courses designed to equip individuals with the knowledge and tools to support mental health, protect children, and create safer, stronger communities. These trainings provide practical skills for real-world challenges and are open to everyone in the community.
The Kellin Foundation invites you to join our free certification courses designed to equip individuals with the knowledge and tools to support mental health, protect children, and create safer, stronger communities. These trainings provide practical skills for real-world challenges and are open to everyone in the community.
Click the dates below to sign up for the certification courses.
Mental Health First Aid (MHFA): Learn to identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental health challenges.
Stewards of Children: Darkness to Light: Gain tools to prevent, recognize, and respond to child sexual abuse effectively.
Youth Mental Health First Aid (Y-MHFA): Equip yourself to support youth facing mental health or substance use challenges.
Upcoming Dates:
Thank you for taking the time to join these efforts and strengthen our shared community!
Partnering for Youth Mental Health: Kontoor Brands Foundation & Kellin Foundation
Addressing the mental health needs of our youth requires dedication, collaboration, and unwavering support. We are proud to spotlight the Kontoor Brands Foundation and their commitment to our shared vision of building resilience in Guilford County schools and across the state. Their recent 2024 Cycle I grant is bolstering initiatives like Teens Gotta Talk!, designed to equip high school students with healthy coping strategies, early warning signs awareness, and an open approach to mental health conversations.
Addressing the mental health needs of our youth requires dedication, collaboration, and unwavering support. We are proud to spotlight the Kontoor Brands Foundation and their commitment to our shared vision of building resilience in Guilford County schools and across the state. Their recent 2024 Cycle I grant is bolstering initiatives like Teens Gotta Talk!, designed to equip high school students with healthy coping strategies, early warning signs awareness, and an open approach to mental health conversations.
Kontoor’s dedication to supporting local nonprofits focused on education, food security, and housing aligns perfectly with the need to promote comprehensive wellness for the youth in our community. Their feature article shares insights into how this partnership is broadening our impact and making preventive mental health care more accessible.
We invite you to read more about this partnership and the work happening at the Kellin Foundation.
Thank you, Kontoor Brands Foundation, for standing with us and bringing hope to our community.
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