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.

Fox 8 Spotlight: Dr. Kelly Graves Discusses Kellin Foundation with Bob Buckley

Fox 8 News recently featured Dr. Kelly Graves in the Buckley Report, highlighting her journey from UNCG faculty to co-founding Kellin Foundation. Learn how Kellin provides vital mental health support to thousands, focusing on those who face financial barriers. Click below to read the full story and watch the interview with Bob Buckley to see how we're making a difference.

WQMG Girl Power Podcast: A Conversation on Mental Health Awareness with Dr. Kelly Graves

In a recent installment of the Girl Power Podcast hosted by Shilynne Cole on WQMG radio station, Dr. Kelly Graves, CEO and President of the Kellin Foundation, offered  insights into the Kellin Foundation's mission and what we offer to our community.

To gain a deeper understanding of the Kellin Foundation's vital work, we encourage you to listen to the full interview. Click the link below to hear Dr. Graves discuss the foundation’s initiatives and learn about the difference Kellin Foundation and our supporters make in the lives of children, adults, and families in our community.

Investing in Teen Mental Wellness: Announcing Our Summer Workshops!

Prevalence of mental health disorders by age according to the CDC.

As summer approaches, the Kellin Foundation is excited to announce our upcoming workshops tailored for adolescents and teens. We recognize the challenges young people face, especially concerning their mental health. Research by the CDC reveals that about one in five children and adolescents experience a mental disorder annually, highlighting the urgent need for tailored support.

Our summer lineup features two workshops: "Connections" for grades 6-8 and "Teens Gotta Talk" for grades 9-12. These workshops address mental health issues and empower teens with essential life skills, fostering resilience in a supportive environment.

Why "Connections" and "Teens Gotta Talk" are Essential for Teen Mental Wellness:

• Addressing the Mental Health Crisis: The prevalence of mental health disorders among teens underscores the urgent need for safe spaces where they can express themselves and receive guidance and support.

• Building Skills for Life: Both workshops focus on crucial life skills such as self-esteem, social skills, stress management, and effective communication—essential for navigating adolescence and beyond.

• Supportive Environment: Led by experienced mentors and mental health professionals, these workshops offer a safe, non-judgmental space where teens can learn, grow, and connect with peers facing similar challenges.

• Empowering Teens: By participating, teens gain insights, tools, and strategies to cope with mental health challenges, enhance well-being, and build resilience for the future.

Why Parents Should Invest in Their Teen's Mental Wellness:

Investing in your teen's mental wellness is crucial for their overall health and future success. Our workshops offer online and in-person options for convenience. Enroll your teen in "Connections" or "Teens Gotta Talk" today and let's make this summer a season of growth, connection, and well-being for our youth.

CLICK THE IMAGES BELOW TO LEARN MORE AND REGISTER FOR KELLIN FOUNDATIONS SUMMER ADOLESCENT AND TEEN WORKSHOP OFFERINGS

TEENS GOTTA TALK IS FOR TEENS GRADES 9-12 and begins June 18, 2024

CONNECTIONS IS FOR KIDS GRADES 6-8 and begins June 20, 2024

Understanding the Economic and Societal Toll of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs): A Call to Action for Prevention and Hope

Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) cast a long shadow on adult health and well-being, shaping lives long after the events have passed. A recent study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association has unveiled a staggering economic burden carried by adults in the United States, estimated at $14.1 trillion annually.

These experiences often lead to harmful behaviors and health issues in adulthood, manifesting physically in chronic illnesses, disabilities, and shortened lifespans. The study aimed to quantify the economic consequences of ACE-related health conditions across the nation, revealing a stark reality: nearly two-thirds of American adults have faced at least one ACE in their lifetime. This statistic paints a vivid picture of widespread trauma ingrained in society.

The economic weight of ACEs is immense– with a  loss of healthy life years valued at $13.9 trillion dollars annually. Costs per affected adult range from $1.3 million to $4.3 million over their lifetime. Notably, North Carolina bears a substantial share, with an annual cost of $552 billion attributed to ACE-related health conditions.

The societal impact is profound as well, with individuals burdened by ACEs struggling to contribute fully to the workforce and community, leading to productivity losses and increased healthcare spending. These numbers, depict a narrative of struggles, underscoring the importance of investing in preventive strategies.

Amidst these daunting statistics, there is hope. We know that ACEs are preventable, and by focusing on preventive strategies, we can significantly reduce their impact on individuals and society as a whole.

The CDC has identified key strategies that can prevent ACEs and mitigate their long-term effects:

Prioritizing funding focused on the prevention and treatment of ACES: Allocate resources that go upstream to address the root causes of ACES to prevent and treat the impact of ACES, including programs that allow access to needed supports and services such as counseling, wellness, tutoring, mentoring, parent support programs, and job placement programs.

Strengthen economic support to families: Enhancing household financial security and advocating for family-friendly work policies can reduce financial stress, creating a protective shield against ACEs.

Promote social norms that protect against violence and adversity: Through public education campaigns, legislative approaches to reduce corporal punishment, bystander approaches, and engaging men and boys as allies in prevention efforts, we can foster environments that discourage harmful behaviors.

Ensure a strong start for children: Early childhood home visitation programs, high-quality child care facilities, and preschool enrichment programs emphasizing family engagement are crucial in laying a solid foundation for children's well-being and resilience.

Teach essential skills: Initiatives focusing on social-emotional learning in schools, safe dating, and healthy relationship skill programs, along with parenting skills and family relationship approaches, empower individuals and families to navigate challenges effectively.

Connect youth to caring adults and activities: Mentorship programs and after-school programs play a pivotal role in providing support, guidance, and positive experiences for young individuals, fostering healthy relationships and a sense of belonging.

Intervene to lessen immediate and long-term harms: Enhanced primary care practices, victim-centered services, targeted treatments to reduce ACE-related harms, and family-centered treatment for substance use disorders are vital interventions to mitigate the impact of ACEs.

As we confront the stark realities produced by ACES, we're presented with an opportunity—a chance to rewrite narratives, invest in brighter futures, and build a society where ACEs are not destinies but challenges to overcome. It's imperative that we prioritize preventive strategies and interventions aimed at creating safe, nurturing environments for children and families. By doing so, we not only alleviate the economic strain but also unlock human potential, foster resilience, and pave the way for a brighter future free from the shadows of early adversity. Together, we can turn this daunting reality into a catalyst for positive change and collective well-being.