The majority of us lead hectic lives, balancing personal and professional commitments. This certainly applies to Dr. Kelly Graves, the Executive Director of the Kellin Foundation. Her tireless efforts have resulted in the non-profit entity, which she helped establish in 2013, witnessing a staggering 500% growth over the past five years!
The Kellin Foundation, in case you’re unaware, is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization rooted in Guilford County. Its mission is to enhance resilience in children, families, adults, and communities by providing trauma-informed behavioral health services aimed at prevention, treatment, and healing. It enjoys the distinction of being recognized as a National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN) clinic – one of only two in North Carolina.
United for a Better Future: The Kellin Foundation
A significant recent development for the Kellin Foundation was its amalgamation with Mental Health Greensboro. For several years, Mental Health Greensboro had expressed interest in expanding its resources by including clinical services. The Kellin Foundation already had a robust clinical section but was lacking in peer support, a field it sought to develop. When the idea of a merger was proposed in the summer of 2021, it appeared as an excellent chance to synergize the strengths of both entities.
Upon the retirement announcement of Donna Shelton, the Executive Director of Mental Health Greensboro, the time was ripe to proceed with the merger. Both boards concurred, and the merger was formally completed on April 1, 2022. The outcome is a comprehensive mental health organization that offers scientifically validated treatments to the Greensboro community members who otherwise might lack access to high-quality mental health care.
A Triumph to Remember
Besides the merger, the Kellin Foundation recently bagged a $20,000 prize in the Future Fund of Greensboro competition. This competition, similar in format to Shark Tank, pits non-profits against each other and is organized by The Community Foundation of Greater Greensboro. Initially slated for 2020, the final live event of the Future Fund, like many other events, was postponed due to COVID-19 until May 2022.
Graves had to deliver a compelling three-minute live pitch during the competition, explaining why the Kellin Foundation is so passionate about its work and aiming to spark enthusiasm among the audience. The live audience had the final say in choosing a winner from the nine finalists.
In her presentation, Graves emphasized the urgency of mental health support for many community members. The ongoing pandemic has caused the waiting list for services to grow. Despite the high demand for help, affordable services remain inaccessible for many. The Kellin Foundation seeks to aid individuals before they find themselves in a crisis that often leads to a visit to a crisis center or hospital.
Highlighting Mental Health
May marks the Mental Health Awareness Month. Graves hopes to assure those in need that they are not alone in their struggles. One in five individuals in the Greensboro community grapple with mental health problems, including suicidal thoughts, affecting children, adolescents, and adults alike. Dr. Graves reinforces a message of hope and the availability of resources. “Everyone experiences difficult days,” observes Dr. Graves. When these days turn into a consistent pattern, and you feel “overwhelmed,” it’s a cue to seek help.
Despite the numerous problems caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, from health to economic issues, Graves believes there are silver linings to the crisis. “One of the unintended outcomes of all of us enduring the COVID-19 crisis,” Graves notes, “is that individuals who may not have previously comprehended the significance and burden of mental health issues now have a better awareness and understanding of those with ongoing mental health struggles. We can now have collective discussions about stress and its effects on us.”
The Kellin Foundation’s Contribution
Regrettably, people often face the dilemma of choosing between feeding themselves or paying their bills. They often forego seeking mental health support due to the costs involved. Dr. Graves labels her organization a “gap-filler,” adeptly collaborating with entities that can accept insurance and prevent individuals from slipping through the cracks. If you or someone you know requires mental health support but may be uninsured or underinsured, the Kellin Foundation stands as a valuable resource.
