We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Brit Morris. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Brit below.

Brit, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Was there a defining moment in your professional career? A moment that changed the trajectory of your career?

A defining moment in my career came during the pandemic. With 13 years in law enforcement at the time, I was required to go out into the world amidst the uncertainty, fear, paranoia, and division. This experience left me anxiety-ridden, and I noticed a similar crisis in mental health among many I encountered, regardless of their income levels.

I initially believed that individuals with higher incomes had better access to resources to prevent crises, but that wasn’t true. This realization led me to start my nonprofit, the Morris-Young Legacy House Incorporated, also known as MyLegacyHouse, in 2020. We focus on benefiting underserved communities to prevent mental health crises before they occur.

Our philosophy hinges on life skills and mentorship because we believe that if you improve your life skills, your mental health tends to follow.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

For folks who may not have read about me before, let me introduce myself and the work that I do. My name is Brit Morris, and I am the Founder and CEO of The Morris-Young Legacy House, Inc., also known as MyLegacyHouse.

My journey into mental health advocacy began during my time in law enforcement, where I encountered numerous individuals experiencing mental health crises. My role extended to crafting curricula for California’s police academies to foster positive interactions between law enforcement and those facing mental health challenges. My dedication to human relations, cultural diversity, and inclusion, including support for victims of intimate crimes, led to my recognition as a subject matter expert within the department.

In 2020, the pandemic exacerbated my own mental health struggles, especially as I was required to be out in the world amidst uncertainty and fear. This period made me realize that mental health crises affect individuals across all income levels, contradicting my belief that higher income equated to better access to resources and prevention. This understanding motivated me to establish The Morris-Young Legacy House, Inc. to support underserved communities and prevent mental health crises.

Our organization is a family-run endeavor, co-founded by my parents, sister, brother-in-law, and god-brother, who serve as officers or on the board of directors. My parents, both retired law enforcement officers, have always been my pillars of support. My late mother, Captain Tia M. Morris, was particularly instrumental in shaping my dedication to this cause and my father, Pjai Morris, is our Executive Director.

At MyLegacyHouse, our flagship program is the MY Queens & Warriors Empowerment Program, a 52-week virtual initiative offering comprehensive support in mental health (free therapy), spiritual enrichment, physical fitness (free fitness training), and personal/professional development. This program provides tailored support, workshops, and one-on-one mentoring sessions, enabling participants to navigate challenges and lead fulfilling lives.

Another key initiative is the Empowering Minds Youth Mentoring Program, designed to empower young individuals aged 14-24 by fostering essential life skills linked to mental health. Spanning six months, this program covers various life skills, offers structured mentor sessions, and includes interactive activities, role-plays, and group discussions to enhance engagement and practical application of concepts. Continuous evaluation and feedback ensure the program adapts to the mentees’ evolving needs, fostering a nurturing and supportive environment.

Our philosophy is rooted in the belief that improving life skills positively impacts mental health. We emphasize engagement, inclusivity, and continuous improvement, creating a dynamic and responsive support system.

I am particularly proud of the impact our programs have had on the community. Our initiatives have thrived thanks to the support of community members through donations and volunteer hours. Faith-based and law enforcement associations have also recognized our efforts, inviting me to speak at various events.

For anyone interested in learning more or getting involved, you can find us at mylegacyhouse.org and on social media platforms like YouTube, Facebook, TikTok, and Instagram @My_legacyhouse_la. We are committed to empowering individuals and fostering a community of support and resilience.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

What helped us build our reputation within our market is largely due to our social capital and consistency. Being 80% virtual, we’ve established a significant presence on Instagram, where we host live broadcasts discussing life skills such as money management, time management, productivity, interpersonal relationships, and spiritual development.

Over the last three years, these conversations have attracted many people seeking a community and a safe space to explore new ways to improve their mental health.

Our commitment to providing valuable, consistent content has played a crucial role in gaining the trust and engagement of our audience.

Any advice for managing a team?

Managing a team and maintaining high morale requires a blend of clear communication, recognition, and strong mental health support.

My advice is to foster an environment where team members feel valued, heard, and supported in their mental well-being. Regularly check in with your team, both individually and as a group, to understand their needs and concerns. Celebrate successes, no matter how small, and provide constructive feedback to help them grow. Encourage a healthy work-life balance and offer resources for mental health support, such as workshops or access to counseling services.

Promoting opportunities for professional development and creating a culture of openness about mental health can significantly boost morale. Lastly, lead by example—demonstrate the values, work ethic, and mental health practices you wish to see in your team.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.mylegacyhouse.org
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/my_legacyhouse_la
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MYLegacyHouse?mibextid=kFxxJD
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/legacyhousela/
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@mylegacyhousela?si=8TNZsWqZZW0_Nx2_

Image Credits
Freemynds, MY Legacy House