Lena Pope

🎮 It's National Video Game Day! 🎮

Video games can bring joy and creativity into our lives. From epic adventures to incredible storytelling, games have a way of uniting us and sparking our imaginations. Unfortunately, video games can also bring power struggles, safety concerns, and more. Navigating how to help the kids in your life in their relationships with video games can be tough. Check out our blog post about how to create new patterns with video games, which includes how to create boundaries around games. This post focused on what one of therapists had seen with clients, boys specifically, but the tips provided apply to children in general.

Creating New Patterns with Boys and Video Games - LENA POPE Have you ever told a young boy it’s time to turn off his video game and he responds with anger […]

Today is World Su***de Prevention Day. Su***de affects people of all ages and all backgrounds. If you've noticed a change in someone lately or think they might be struggling:

- ask them directly if they are considering su***de
- listen without judgement or trying to fix the situation
- identify a next step like calling or texting 988 or seeing a therapist
- continue checking in to see how they are doing

988 is the National Su***de Helpline, available to call or text 24/7. Locally, MHMR has an iCare line also available 24/7; simply call or text 800.866.2465.

Read more about how you can help someone feel less alone: https://hubs.ly/Q02PnqyV0

Picture yourself here on October 7th playing a fun round of golf, enjoying some delicious food all over the course, and supporting Lena Pope's counseling, education, and behavior intervention programs.

There are still a few teams available - reserve yours today!
https://hubs.ly/Q02NpM4m0

The Surgeon General’s recent advisory on parental stress brings attention to a need in our society – parents are feeling overwhelmed and alone. It is difficult to parent alone; we need each other and need to know we aren’t the only one struggling.

There are resources to navigate supporting your child and their mental health. And tools to help you create boundaries for screens and social media use for your child and for yourself as a caregiver.

Read more here: https://hubs.ly/Q02NpyHb0

Lena Pope's offices will be closed today, Monday, September 2nd, in observance of Labor Day. We will return to normal operating hours tomorrow.

If this is a crisis, please call the iCare line at 817.335.3022. It's open 24/7/365.

Our Lena Pope team visited Quince Riverside FW for DFW Restaurant Week for Fancy Hour and for lunch this week. We also visited with Tyrie Johnson, Restaurant Manager and Lena Pope Early Learning Center (ELC) Dad.

Tell us about participating in DFW Restaurant Week as both a restaurant manager and an ELC Dad.
"I'm proud to say I'm a Lena Pope Dad. My kids have been at Lena Pope Early Learning Center for their whole early childhood and we've had a great experience. Being able to participate in DFW Restaurant Week has been a win-win and great opportunity for people to learn about Quince and what we have to offer and we're also able to give back to Lena Pope and support their work with youth of all ages. After learning about DFW Restaurant Week and how it works our staff have had a lot of pride talking with customers about that and offering our specially curated Restaurant Week menu."

What would you say to someone considering supporting Lena Pope?
"Supporting Lena Pope would be the best decision you'd make. Your support is bigger than just your family. It supports the families that encompass the community. I think it's important to be part of something bigger than yourself."

There's still time to celebrate DFW Restaurant Week and at Quince Riverside FW and other participating restaurants through Monday! https://hubs.ly/Q02N9L6C0

📣 Exciting news! 🎉 Lena Pope is featured in West Fort Worth Lifestyle's August issue! Dive into the article to learn more about the impactful work we’re doing in the community and how we're making a difference together. 🙌✨ Check it out and share the love! ❤️

Local Non-Profit Continues to Be a Champion of Child Advocacy If the name Lena Pope sounds familiar, it’s for good reason. The Fort Worth resident’s legacy has long been tied to helping those most in need. Starting with a tragedy of her own, Mrs. Pope took her pain and turned it into a strength, and to this day, almost a century later, the organization she...

Kids are naturally curious about the world around them. There is an appropriate level of risk-taking behavior and curiosity that is good for children and adolescents. But how do you know when behaviors are too risky, or the curiosity is no longer age appropriate? We talked with Shana Hazzard, LCSW-S, Director of Counseling and Substance Use Services about how caregivers can navigate these kinds of issues with young kids or teenagers. Read more: https://hubs.ly/Q02MCcq70

Lena Pope has several programs to help children and their families navigate risky or problematic behaviors. Learn more at https://hubs.ly/Q02MC3cW0.

When is behavior considered risky or problematic? - LENA POPE Supporting families through difficult behavioral challenges Many kids struggle with impulse control, thinking through consequences, or knowing how to set […]

✍️ August is National Make-A-Will Month, and we’re sharing a free online will-writing tool from FreeWill. Over one million people have trusted this resource to create a plan for their future, and this resource makes it easy to join them and even include a gift to support the future of organizations you care about, like Lena Pope: https://hubs.ly/Q02MygDQ0

Mental Health Tip: Practice Self-Compassion

Be kind to yourself, especially during difficult times. Treat yourself with the same compassion and understanding you would offer to a friend.

🍽️ There's still time to savor the flavors of DFW Restaurant Week and support Lena Pope! A huge thank you to everyone who has dined out so far. 🙌 Remember, you can still make reservations at participating restaurants through September 1st!

✨ You have a few more days (until 8/25) to visit Don Artemio and Lili's Bistro in Fort Worth or Bacchus Kitchen & Bar and Teatro Bistro & Lounge in Grapevine. There are 27 other restaurants who will continue celebrating DFW Restaurant Week until 9/1, see the full list: https://hubs.ly/Q02L-dRG0

When you dine out, you enjoy a delicious meal and 20% of each meal goes to support Lena Pope’s counseling, education, and behavior intervention programs. 🌟

Don't miss out – make your reservations today and help us make a difference! ❤️

Thrilled to be recognized again as one of the Best Companies to Work for in Fort Worth by FW Inc.! 🎉 Congratulations to all the 2024 winners, and a huge thank you to our incredible team and leadership for making Lena Pope such an amazing place to work! 🙌

We're Hiring! Lena Pope is proud to be a Best Place for Working Parents and one of the Best Companies to Work For in Fort Worth. Join us and make a positive impact in the lives of children and families in our community.

Current open positions include:
- Development Database and Operations Associate
- Family Therapist - Spanish Required Provisional
- Full-time and Part-time positions at Lena Pope's Early Learning Center

All open positions at Lena Pope and our Early Learning Centers are listed here: https://hubs.ly/Q02LCNsh0

Play for a Purpose!

Join us on October 7th at Rockwood Park Golf Course for a wonderful day of golf and a chance to support Lena Pope's counseling, education, and behavior intervention programs. https://hubs.ly/Q02Lb9SS0

The Lena Pope Classic Golf tournament features:
- course-based food tour
- youth putting challenge
- well-stocked beverage coolers
- exceptional prizes

🎒✏️ A heartfelt THANK YOU to all our amazing donors for your incredible generosity! A special shout out to the individual donors who sent supplies our way, our friends at Freese & Nichols for all the filled backpacks, and National Charity League for the supplies and encouraging notes for students! Your contributions to our back-to-school supply drive are making a huge difference. Thanks to your support, students in our community are starting the school year equipped with the tools they need to succeed. 📚✨ Together, we're setting them up for a fantastic year ahead!

🐶☀️ Embracing the dog days of summer with a wagging tail and a warm heart! We’re thrilled to have therapy dogs visiting Lena Pope this season, bringing joy and comfort to both our clients and staff. These furry friends are here to provide support and brighten our days during the summer heat. Thank you to the wonderful volunteers at Heart of Texas Therapy Dogs who make these visits possible! 🐾❤️

🎉 Have you caught Dr. Elgin on the news? It’s officially DFW Restaurant Week, and we’re thrilled for everyone to dive into this amazing culinary celebration! 🍽️✨ Lena Pope is the proud beneficiary in the Tarrant Area, and 20% of all DFW Restaurant Week meals from participating restaurants will be donated to support our incredible programs. So, enjoy a delicious meal out while also giving back to the community! Your dining choices help fund Lena Pope’s vital counseling, education, and behavior intervention programs. Let’s make a difference together! 🙌💙

https://hubs.ly/Q02K7B5y0

It's time for DFW Restaurant Week 2024! 🍽️ Check out the full list of participating restaurants for 2024 and make your reservations now: https://hubs.ly/Q02JQ2RK0

The fun officially kicks off August 5th – 11th; diners can get a head start with Preview Weekend at select restaurants August 1st – August 4th.

Lena Pope is the Tarrant area beneficiary, which means 20% of each restaurant week meal is donated to help fund Lena Pope’s counseling, education, and behavior intervention programs.

Dine out, enjoy some great food, and support kids and families!

"Personally, I enjoyed being an intern at Lena Pope because the staff is welcoming, there are always opportunities to learn, and I was exposed to a plethora of aspects of social work." - Kaitlyn

Read more about Kaitlyn's experience as an intern at Lena Pope with our Counseling and Substance Use Services team!

My Internship at Lena Pope: https://hubs.ly/Q02HY4vn0

"If you saw Charlotte today you'd see a happy, confident 8-year-old girl. You wouldn't know she struggled with depression after losing her dad. Lena Pope's counseling services helped us so much and I'm grateful Charlotte is thriving now."

Your support makes stories like Charlotte's possible! Join us for a tour to hear more about Lena Pope's services and how your support is helping our community thrive.

Email [email protected] to RSVP.

Mental Health Tip: Express yourself creatively.

Engage in creative activities such as painting, writing, or crafting. Creative expression can help process emotions and foster self-discovery. And it's a great way to involve your 5 senses! Encourage those around you to find creative activities whether they're kids, teens, or adults.

Meet Our Staff!
Mariah Cordery, LPC

What is your job?
I offer therapeutic services to individuals and families across the life span; I work with kids, teens, and adults!

What’s your favorite part of your job?
My favorite part is definitely witnessing people who grow in knowing themselves and feeling empowered to be who they are created to be, healthy and whole.

What made you choose to work at Lena Pope?
I wanted to work with children and families to help them grow healthier relationships. Seeing how Lena Pope impacts the community by focusing on building stronger families made me want to work here.

What about your clients inspires you most?
It inspires me when my clients, no matter the age, find creative, intuitive ways to be resilient. People are so creative and it's wonderful to be able to witness what can come out of someone in a safe, calm space.

What would you do for a career if you weren't doing this?
Probably be a travel guide. I love to travel, see cultures and different types of environments. If I could travel and do therapy, I totally would!

What is your favorite quote?
“People are just as wonderful as sunsets if you let them be. When I look at a sunset, I don't find myself saying, "Soften the orange a bit on the right hand corner." I don't try to control a sunset. I watch with awe as it unfolds.” - Carl Rogers

Sensory play isn’t just about fun - it is an important part of learning and development that supports emotional, intellectual, and social growth at every stage of life. By encouraging and participating in sensory activities you can build stronger connections with the kids in your life and give them more tools to navigate this world as they grow.

Sensory play has a lot of benefits including: processing and managing emotions, learning problem solving skills, discovering cause and effect, introducing new words, improving memory, and much more!

Learn more about sensory play:

What is Sensory Play? - LENA POPE At Lena Pope, we love sensory play, but what is it? Sensory play is any activity that engages your 5 […]

Not every school district provides school supplies every year, and when they don't, the cost can be a challenge for many families. Having the right school supplies helps students start the year on the right foot - ready to learn.

Here's how you can make an immediate impact on the life of a child in our community:

1. Pick out a backpack (clear is recommended for middle school and up)
2. Fill it with essential items (example lists here: https://hubs.ly/Q02Gsjzq0)
3. Go shopping and drop supplies off at Lena Pope’s Fort Worth Campus (3200 Sanguinet Street, Fort Worth, TX 76107)

To make it even easier, you can shop our Amazon Wishlist and let them deliver it for you! https://hubs.ly/Q02Gs5yH0

These backpacks and school supplies will support clients in all of Lena Pope's programs, which include students all over Tarrant and surrounding counties.

Are your appetites ready for DFW Restaurant Week? 🍽️ Check out the full list of participating restaurants for 2024 and make your reservations now: https://hubs.ly/Q02FVF1H0

The fun officially kicks off August 5th – 11th; diners can get a head start with Preview Weekend at select restaurants August 1st – August 4th.

Lena Pope is the Tarrant area beneficiary, which means 20% of each restaurant week meal is donated to help fund Lena Pope’s programs.

Dine out, enjoy some great food, and support kids and families!

Wishing you a happy and safe 4th of July! Lena Pope's offices are closed today and will reopen tomorrow on July 5th.

If this is a crisis, please call the iCare line at 817-335-3022. It's open 24/7/365

Our littlest learners fully embraced National Mud Day at our Early Learning Centers!🌟

Playful exploration is crucial for kids' growth. These activities help develop their senses, motor skills, problem-solving abilities, spatial awareness, language, and cognitive skills.

If you'd like to support our Summer Splash Days, please consider checking out our Amazon wish list: https://hubs.ly/Q02Fk27_0?

What a great interview of Ashley Elgin, Lena Pope CEO, by John Wright at Simple Leadership Strategies! We love Dr. Elgin's perspective on continual personal and professional growth.

Lena Pope CEO Ashley Elgin advises others leaders to ‘never compromise your core values’ | Fort Worth Report Others believed she was ready to be a CEO, but it took awhile before Elgin saw herself in that role.

We're excited DFW Restaurant Week will be here soon!

DFW Restaurant Week is coming this August benefiting the North Texas Food Bank and Lena Pope! Mark your calendar for July 8, when the official list of participating restaurants will be unveiled and reservations open – DFWRestaurantWeek.com!

Meet Our Staff!
Kent Bass, LPC, Family Therapist

What is your job?
I work with clients who have anger, anxiety, depression, trauma, and communication problems. This can involve children, teens, and adults and can vary from doing client-centered play therapy with children, and (CBT) Cognitive Behavior Therapy, (TF-CBT) Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavior Therapy, and (EMDR) Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing with teens and adults. I also work with adults who are referred by CPS for family reunification.

What’s your favorite part of your job?
My favorite part of my job is hearing clients share how their relationships with others are improving and how they are achieving their goals.

What made you choose to work at Lena Pope?
I chose to work at Lena Pope because it is a professionally run organization with staff who have a strong and similar interest to work with clients with compassion and care.

What about your clients inspires you most?
What inspires me the most about my clients is their openness and willingness to try new skills to improve their lives and their families’ lives.

What three words describe you?
Three words that describe me are loving, caring, and compassionate.

What do you like to do when you’re not working?
When I’m not working, I like spending as much time as I can with my friends at church and my family.

What is your personal Mission Statement?
My personal mission is to reflect God’s love in whatever I say or do.