At Lena Pope we believe children have tremendous potential and promise.
This is true for every child — including children who show problematic behaviors in areas that are often undiscussed and untreated.
If a child begins to show problematic sexual behaviors, they are often treated as future offenders. In reality, many children who act out in these ways are victims themselves. They’ve seen or experienced something they don’t understand and they are trying to make sense of the world by acting out inappropriately. They are in need of empathy, guidance, care, understanding, and practical tools to redirect their paths so they can truly thrive.
This is why Lena Pope’s Project SAFeR (Safety and Family Resiliency) exists.
I’d love to share a story that shows the power of Project SAFeR — and why supporting programs like it is so vital to the health of our community. This program is one of the few resources available in Tarrant County for kids and families facing the challenges of problematic sexual behaviors (PSB).
This testimony comes from one of our family therapists and Clinical Team Lead, Courtney Landes, LCSW. She shares…
“One of our recent Project SAFeR graduates is a kiddo I’ll call ‘Levi’ who had engaged in sexual behavior with a cousin. Like a lot of our kids, he also had some mental health conditions.
During our time with Levi, we saw an amazing transformation in him, as well as his family. His mom’s dedication, combined with our support, helped the family navigate this challenging journey.
By the end, they not only had found healing and understanding, but also a supportive community within Lena Pope.”
Through Project SAFeR, clients like Levi benefit from a supportive, family-centric approach that utilizes evidence-based PSB Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to address the complex challenges of childhood problematic behaviors.
Through a 22-week program for school-aged children and a 12-week course for preschoolers, we delve into social skills, decision-making, abuse prevention, and internet safety, concluding with lessons in empathy and the importance of apologies. Since 2015, 333 clients have participated in Project SAFeR and only 1% of those clients had continued problematic sexual behaviors at close of services.
Project SAFeR is all about offering hope and healing to kids like Levi.
Through your support, you’ll help create a community where every child is seen for their potential, not just their challenges. A community where every child has the opportunity to learn and grow in a safe and nurturing environment. Thank you for your kindness and generosity to help more children like Levi thrive!
If you think you might need help, contact us to schedule your assessment/appointment.
Donate to Lena Pope to support children and families in our community.
Helpful Resources to Keep Your Children Safe Online
We know you care about keeping the kids in your life safe online. Here is a list of helpful resources recommended by Lena Pope’s Counseling Services Team:
Aro
Family Online Safety Institute
Common Sense Media
Consent Parenting
Netsmartz
Protect Young Eyes
The Mama Bear Effect