Greensboro Nonprofit Earns National Distinction For Child Trauma Treatment

A Guilford County nonprofit recently received national distinction for its work in treating children and families who experience traumatic events.

The Kellin Foundation is now designated as a National Child Traumatic Stress Network Community Treatment and Services Center. It's only the second center in the state to receive the honor.

It means the Greensboro-based organization will have access to research and best practices used across the country, training opportunities with national experts, and technical assistance.

The foundation will also receive $2 million in federal grant money over the next five years to grow local programs. Founder Kelly Graves says those may address bullying at school, the loss of a loved one, and exposure to domestic violence. 

“We were really excited when we were selected not only for us but for our community because I think this will help build on the prevention side in terms of raising awareness but also on the intervention side for kids and families that need it,” says Graves.

Graves says about one in four children will be exposed to a traumatic event before they are 18.

“Research shows that exposure to violence in the home actually has significant developmental impacts for children. Studies also show links with exposure to childhood trauma to life long health issues,” says Graves.

Some of the grant money will also be used to provide more services to help first responders and military families in Guilford County.

The Kellin Foundation opened in 2016. It provides free and low cost mental health and substance abuse counseling and victim advocacy among other things.

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