our core values...
Our Vision
It is our vision at The Morris-Young Legacy House, Inc. to facilitate a healthy and productive environment free from crisis and harm for present and future generations of Los Angeles County.
Community-Centric Approach
We believe that strong communities are built on a foundation of support, empathy, and inclusivity. By fostering a sense of belonging and connection, we empower individuals to thrive in their mental well-being journey.
Holistic Well-Being
We prioritize a holistic approach to mental health, emphasizing the interconnectedness of emotional, social, and physical wellness. Our programs and services are designed to nurture every aspect of an individual's well-being.
Personal Growth Through Mentorship
We are dedicated to guiding individuals towards personal growth and self-discovery through meaningful mentorship relationships. By offering guidance and support, we empower individuals to unlock their full potential.
Empowerment Through Education
We believe in the transformative power of education and life skills development. Through our programs, we equip individuals with the knowledge and tools they need to navigate life's challenges with confidence and resilience.
Inclusivity and Diversity
At the core of our values is a commitment to inclusivity and diversity. We celebrate the unique backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives of all individuals, creating a welcoming and supportive environment for everyone.
Disclaimer
The services provided by The Morris-Young Legacy House, Inc. are intended for individuals who are not experiencing a mental health crisis. If you or someone you know is in crisis or requires immediate assistance, we urge you to contact the mental health crisis hotline at 9-8-8 for urgent support. For general emergencies, please dial 9-1-1.
Our organization is committed to supporting individuals in non-crisis situations and encourages seeking appropriate help in times of urgent need.
Our Founder
Brit Morris, Founder & CEO
Brit Morris, Founder and CEO of The Morris-Young Legacy House, Inc., is a Lawyer, Philanthropist, and dedicated Law Enforcement Manager with over 16 years of service. Specializing in mental health crises, domestic violence intervention, and cultural diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), Brit’s work has consistently focused on fostering
Brit Morris, Founder and CEO of The Morris-Young Legacy House, Inc., is a Lawyer, Philanthropist, and dedicated Law Enforcement Manager with over 16 years of service. Specializing in mental health crises, domestic violence intervention, and cultural diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), Brit’s work has consistently focused on fostering better relationships between law enforcement and the communities they serve.
As a Mental Health Crisis Subject Matter Expert for the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD), Brit worked closely with both officers and community members to address complex issues related to mental health, domestic violence, and substance abuse. Her assignments took her into diverse neighborhoods across Los Angeles, including West LA, Hollywood, Boyle Heights, and the San Fernando Valley, where she built a reputation for handling sensitive situations with care, respect, and professionalism.
In recognition of her hands-on experience and insight into mental health crises, Brit was approached by the California Police Officer Standards and Training (POST) to help develop statewide training curricula for police academies. Her contributions focused on improving how officers engage with individuals in mental health crises, emphasizing de-escalation techniques, empathy, and cultural competency. Through her involvement, she sought to ensure that law enforcement personnel are better equipped to navigate the complexities of mental health in a way that promotes safety and dignity for all.
Brit’s commitment to cultural diversity, equity, and inclusion also played a central role in her work. She became a go-to resource within the LAPD on DEI issues, advocating for greater understanding and inclusion of marginalized groups, including African-American and LGBTQ+ communities. Her approach to community service emphasized bridging divides and creating more inclusive environments both within the department and in the wider community.
Beyond her work in law enforcement, Brit’s passion for mental health advocacy led her to establish *The Morris-Young Legacy House, Inc.*, a nonprofit focused on providing free, non-clinical mental health and social services to underserved communities in Los Angeles County. The organization’s core program, *MY Queens & Warriors*, empowers individuals by teaching life skills, emotional intelligence, and crisis prevention. Rooted in the belief that "None of us have all the answers, but together, we all do," and that "Everything starts at home," *The Morris-Young Legacy House* serves as a platform for community healing and personal growth.
Brit’s dedication to service extends to her academic achievements. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism, Mass Communication, Public Relations, and English from San Jose State University, a Master’s Degree in Business Development, Management, and Organizational Leadership from the University of LaVerne, and a Juris Doctorate from Purdue University’s Concord Law School.
Brit’s leadership at *The Morris-Young Legacy House* reflects her deep commitment to empowering individuals to heal, grow, and thrive. Through her work, she encourages others to live their best lives, drawing on her own experiences to foster resilience and promote long-term mental wellness.
Our Family
Pjai Morris, Executive Director
Known as the “Father of MY Legacy House,” Pjai is a retired 33-year veteran of the Los Angeles Police Department. Having worked various assignments including Gangs and Narcotics, undercover assignments, Communications Division, and, ultimately, as the Homicide Detective Coordinator, Pjai has seen his fair share of how mental illness, poverty, and the lack of education and resources can destroy communities.
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Pjai is currently the Chief Operating Officer for Vintage City Entertainment, LLC., a Los Angeles-based independent production company, where he manages the operational forces and manpower for the various projects Vintage City Entertainment takes on. He is also a partner in a Real Estate collaborative in Los Angeles.
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At Morris Young Legacy House, Inc., Pjai is responsible for overseeing the general direction and mission of The Morris-Young Legacy House, Inc., consults with potential partners, and liaises with MY Legacy House’s Board of Directors to facilitate the founders’ vision of an impactful community organization.
Natalia Edwards, Director of Programming
Natalia Edwards (Tai French) is an NAACP award-winning writer as well as an arts, entertainment, and community advocate professional. She began her career teaching arts to grades K-12 in the form of musical theatre and arts education in 2009 after graduating with a BA in English/Education. Simultaneously, French started her independent entertainment company, Vintage City Entertainment, where she produces all of her original works for the stage, film, and web.
During her tenure at the First 5 funded non-profit Child360 starting 2015, she was an integral member in the strategic planning of the Quality Services department's processes and procedures as a supervisor. In 2018, she transitioned her efforts to Community Engagement as the Program Manager for Best Start Palmdale and helped to bring awareness, advocacy, and capacity building opportunities to the Antelope Valley region for residents, stakeholders, CBOs, and families with children 0-5.
Also, as a small business owner, French launched her health & beauty line, Face By Frenchie in 2017. There she features bold matte lip colors and all-natural skin and beard care for men and women. As Director of Programming for MYLH, French seeks to incorporate engaging and innovative programs and applications that will serve as an integral distinction for the organization.
Mike Edwards, Director of Outreach
As the Director of outreach, Mike oversees the planning and implementation of outreach strategies. He is primarily responsible for connecting people in the broader community by creating sponsorship agreements and cultivating relationships with businesses, individuals, and other relevant organizations.
Mike is a natural communicator and musician. Originally from San Diego, California, Mike Eddie started singing in church choirs at 6 years old. He also acquired learning the piano, clarinet, and viola before making piano his primary instrument at age 9. He attended CSU Northridge as a Vocal Performance/Opera major from 2004-2009 where he sang in the university's advanced master chorale, "The Northridge Singers." Under the direction of Diane Ketchie, Mike has been vocally trained in Classical Opera with specialization in English, German, and French Diction and Pedagogy.
Mike is compassionate and an enthusiastic host. Serving as a vocal coach at Vintage City Entertainment since 2014, Mike has connected with people from around the world and has a true knack for relationship building. He also manages Morris Young Legacy House, Inc.’s partnerships.
Trena Lawson, Director of Development
Trena Lawson is the Morris-Young Legacy House Inc.’s Director of Development. She oversees the organization’s donor outreach, grant writing, fundraising strategy creation, collaborations with stakeholders, and campaigns to ensure the organization’s financial sustainability and mission advancement. Additionally, she spearheads the organization’s corporate relationships through facilitating and attending networking events, cultivating donor relationships, and staying informed about trends in mental health advocacy and nonprofit management.
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Ms. Lawson is a Business Consultant, Connector and Certified Professional Fundraiser with 20+ years in the fields of Fund Development, Community Relations & Educational Leadership. She is the CEO and Founder of Trena Lawson Group (TLG).
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Trena Lawson has established herself in For-Profit, non-profit, education, entertainment, and political sectors. She helps her clients connect to who and what they need, saving precious resources such as time and money.
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Ms. Lawson professionally plans and hosts fundraisers such as galas, mixers, silent auctions, etc. and provides proposal and grant writing services. She also connects businesses to sponsors, donors, clients, and the community, and secures contracts and other resources to increase businesses’ revenue.
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Over the past 8 years, Ms. Lawson has been successful in raising over $32 million in the form of grant awards, tax-exempt bonds, and donations. She has also secured contracts for businesses with major events including, Super Bowl LVI.
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“For over 20 years I have dedicated my life to helping not only my community at large, but also the businesses within these communities,” Lawson says. “Over the years I have established authentic life-long friendships and connections in every sector and I have become an expert in making meaningful connections and found that Relationships = Results.“
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Welcome home, Trena Lawson.
Kim Gipson, Chairperson of the Board
Kim was born and raised in Los Angeles, California where she attended high school and The University of Southern California (USC). Collegiate basketball led her to play professionally in Spain and China. Following her Father’s footsteps, she entered the law enforcement field where her knack for connecting with her peers and diverse communities afforded her the privilege of joining the Oscar Joel Bryant (OJB) Foundation's Board of Directors where she served for 6 years.
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Kim’s passion for mentoring kept her connected to her alma mater where she co-facilitated a freshman course titled “Foundation of Self for Women of Color” and mentored freshman students on how to navigate the complexities of a multi-cultured campus environment. Due to her reputation at USC she was invited to serve as a Student-Athlete Mentor and guided young men and women throughout their collegiate years. She has volunteered at the Challengers Boys and Girls Club in Los Angeles and participated with the NBA and RISE Building Bridges Through Basketball Program which helps teens break down barriers with law enforcement and cultivate an environment of trust and understanding. She is also a Big Sister with the Big Brother and Big Sister of LA program.
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Kim brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the Board of Directors and stands to help ensure The Morris-Young Legacy House succeeds with its Mission Vision and Values.
Jaushay Rockett, Head of M.Y. Mentor Services
Jaushay Rockett hails from Long Beach California, where he attended Cabrillo High School. A latecomer to the game of basketball, he was a 4-sport athlete when he enrolled at Arizona Western college to play basketball and football.
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After transferring to Division I Texas State University on an athletic scholarship for basketball, he studied Sports Medicine, Sociology, and Theatre. He ultimately finished his collegiate career at Alaska Fairbanks University where he was named New Comer of the year.
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Rockett’s athletic success resulted in invitations to various Allstar teams and contracts to play basketball professionally in the American Basketball Association (ABA) and overseas in Argentina, Mexico, Israel, Canada, and China just to name a few.
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Upon his return to the states, Rockett spent his summers playing in the famous summer professional league the NBA Drew League where be was named MVP.
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Currently, Rockett trains adults in general fitness and coaches children in basketball as well as strength and conditioning. He’s a music, film, and fashion lover and hosts a virtual community forum called “The Black Men’s Experience” on Instagram, where Millennial men come together to discuss and explore shared and varied life experiences from the perspective of Black Men.
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He is inspired by young people and will play an integral role in encouraging and supporting the participants of MYLH’s Whole Warriors Collaborative.
Tia Morris, In Memoriam 1958-2022
Tia Morris was a founding member of The Morris-Young Legacy House, Inc. and was responsible for the administrative, operational and financial support of an organization. She oversaw the long-term strategic planning, overseeing daily operations, delegating tasks to staff and managing personnel.
Tia spent over 33 years with the Los Angeles Police Department, retiring at the rank of Captain. Her leadership and organizational skills helped propel her in her positions as the Chief Financial Officer for independent entertainment company, Vintage City Entertainment, LLC and in her Real Estate partnership.
As a founding member and Chief Administrative Officer at Morris Young Legacy House, Inc., Tia was tasked with negotiating contracts and agreement with vendors, hiring and training staff/volunteers, delegating tasks to administrative staff and monitoring daily operation, acting as a liaison between the employees and upper management when it comes to financial and administrative issues, generating annual workflow finances, and organizing the workplace so that the workflow is streamlined for maximum efficiency.
Tia’s spirit and love for humanity and family will live on through her family and the work of MY Legacy House.
MYLH in the News
Canvas Rebel Magazine: Defining Moments
Canvas Rebel gets to know MYLH Founder, Brit Morris and MY Legacy House.
MYLH Featured in Sheen Magazine
Troy Rawlings with Sheen Magazine stopped by M.Y. Legacy House to chat with Executive Director, Pjai Morris ahead of theor collaborative fundraising initiative: Cigar, Sips, & Socials LIVE!
Voyage LA Magazine Covers Local Mental Health Nonprofit
Voyage LA introduces MY Legacy House to the hometown crowd.
Mental Wellness Entrepreneurship
Team Subkit asked us about our experience as a mental wellness charity organization... Follow them on IG