Lena Pope
Fort Worth-based nonprofit Lena Pope is turning 90 this year and celebrating with a fundraising campaign to raise money for its mission.
The campaign, titled "90 for 90," is an effort to raise $90,000 by Nov. 20. Lena Pope board member Marty Leonard plans to match every dollar raised (up to $90,000), and 100% of funding will go toward the organization's mission — to improve the emotional, behavioral, and intellectual well-being of the 4,000 children it serves each year.
“Ninety years ago, Lena Pope was born out of community crisis. Today, our community is in crisis again,” Lena Pope CEO Ashley Elgin said in a statement. “Our goal is to raise $90,000 to ensure we meet the needs of the ever-increasing number of local children struggling with anxiety and depression as a result of this crisis. The more funds we raise, the more children we can help with our mental and behavioral health interventions and counseling/therapy.”
Lena Pope was founded in 1930 and named after Lena Holston Pope, who was known for her efforts in the of building homes and eventually a mansion in west Fort Worth for children during the Great Depression.
Since its inception, Lena Pope has expanded its services to include research-tested programs aimed at supporting child development. According to Lena Pope, 2020 is an especially pivotal year, as Cook Children's Medical Center reports an increase in children attempting suicide in Fort Worth.
To support the 90 for 90 campaign, Lena Pope has also launched a social media challenge, asking participants to post a childhood photo on Facebook, tag three friends to do the same, and include the hashtag #LenaPope90for90 and donation link in the caption. Individuals can donate via lenapope.org/donate.
