The Pope’s Foundation was inspired by the community work of various members of the Pope Family in East Baltimore, but especially that of Irona E. Pope. Irona – tirelessly served the community, including being a Parent Advocate, creating and running a Food Co-Op, and sitting on multiple boards for Baltimore City programs and government. Her impactful work planned the “community give back” mentality of her granddaughter, Jennifer A. Pope, Executive Director, and founder of our foundation. With deep roots in mental health, Jennifer transformed her passion for lowering the stigma of mental health, and The Pope’s Foundation was inspired by the community work of various members of the Pope Family in East Baltimore but especially that of Irona Pope. She tirelessly served the community including being a Parent Advocate, creating and running a Food Co-Op, and sitting on multiple boards in Baltimore City programs and government. Her impactful work planned the “community give back” mentality of a granddaughter, Jennifer A. Pope, Executive Director and founder of our foundation. With deep roots in mental health, Jennifer transformed her passion for lowering the stigma of mental health and the influences of her grandmother’s community work into The Pope’s Foundation. Our foundation seeks to create experiences to lower the stigma of mental health in urban communities by utilizing events, education, collaboration, and advocacy. influences of her grandmother’s community work into The Pope Foundation. Our foundation seeks to create experiences to lower the stigma of mental health in urban communities utilizing events, education, collaboration, and advocacy.
Meet The Board
(Board of Directors)
Jennifer A. Pope
Executive Director
Jennifer A. Pope is the founder, CEO, and Chief Clinical Therapist of J. Pope & Associates, LLC, a private mental health group practice located in Baltimore, MD. Jennifer developed her passion for mental health and an in innate duty to help others while attending high school in Baltimore, MD. She then is a graduated of from Morgan State University with her Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology in 2006.
Continuing her desires to become a clinician in the mental health field, she attended the University of Maryland, Baltimore School of Social Work, receiving her Masters of Social Work degree with a concentration in Mental Health in 2012. She is has been a Licensed Certified Social Worker-Clinical and a (BSWB – spell out) approved clinical supervisor. She also holds a Certificate in Advanced Trauma Therapy. Jennifer is an active community advocate working with various community organizations. She passionately assists programs that serve children and young adults, to strengthen the fight of lowering the stigma of mental health, homelessness, adequate education services for children, improving self-esteem in children, eliminating bullying, and various community give back events throughout Baltimore City. She recently published her first book entitled,”Music Is My Therapy”, a self- help workbook that introduces the healing power of music in mental health. Her passion drives her to continue to serve the community in her professional efforts to lowering mental health stigma, provide clinical services to underserved communities, and encourage everyone to achieve their optimum level of wellness
Phyllis Pope
President
Phyllis Pope is a graduate of the University of Baltimore with a B.S. degree in Business Administration – Management. She is currently a Records and Registration Coordinator at the University of Maryland School of Social Work, supporting the Director of Records and Registration, Associate Dean for Admissions and Enrollment, also interacting with the Admissions staff. She enjoys working with students by providing academic support along their journey to matriculation and beyond. She loves being the mother of two talented and amazing Black Women entrepreneurs and the grandmother of energetic and charming twin teenage grandsons. She also loves being a football grandmother and spending time with her family and friends.
Kristen Hood
Vice President
Co-owner of Uniquely Framed (Skincare and Photography?)
Kristen is graduate of Von Lee International School of Aesthetics. She is an international esthetician whose skill set has allotted her the opportunity to work with a diverse group of people. Her compassion and willingness to help others live life as the best version of themselves is the passion behind her drive. She intendstions are to bring that same dedication and fulfillment to each individual that lends a helping hand as a part of The Pope’s Foundation.
Sabrina Freeman
Treasurer
Underwriting officer in the Public Finance Sector
Sabrina is a native of Baltimore and has worked in the banking industry as an Underwriting Officer in the Public Finance sector for the past 10 years. She received a BS in Business Administration from Morgan State University. She also received a Master’s of Business Administration with a concentration in Finance from Strayer University.
Chris Curry
General Board Member (Strategic Business)
Board Member
Federal Government
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Dedicated over 20 years to serving the public, and the country, as a member of the military. Father of one daughter. Lover of travel, life, and laughter. Advocate for spreading mental health awareness.
Dwayne Pate Jr.
General Board Member
(MH Programs & Organizations)
Dwayne R. Pate Jr. is a native of Baltimore, MdD, who lives his life to influence, impact, innovate, and inspire others to live in their Destiny Dreams, and Aspirations. Dwayne He has matriculated to receive his bachelor’s and two master’s degrees. Dwayne brings over 15 years of experience in Community Engagement. Dwayne understands that if you stop learning you stop growing and it is his desire to help others grow in all areas of life.
Sarah Girma
General Board Member
Sarah is the Founder of a non-profit organization, Teddy’s Daughters. The mission of Teddy’s Daughters is to support youth homelessness in Ethiopia through education, volunteer work, and donations of school supplies. Sarah is a long-time resident of Philadelphia, while also having traveled the world as a Flight Attendant for Delta Airlines. Sarah has a passion for understanding the interconnection between mental health and physical wellness. Sarah holds an Associate Degree in International Studies and is currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Behavioral Science at Wilmington University.
