Saturday 16th May, 2015 10:20am
Today Brendon Glenn’s Sister will graduate from school as a licensed Social Worker, heartbroken, knowing the skills she has acquired while studying just might have played a part in saving her brother’s life.
Brendon Glenn, affectionately known amongst his peers as Dizzle, had only been in Venice 2 months when at around 11:30pm on Tuesday 5th, May police respond to a 911 call regarding a man disturbing the peace. A scuffle broke out between Glenn and the police outside Townhouse on Windward Ave., resulting in one officer firing two shots at Glenn. Glenn later died in hospital.
In an open letter to Yo!Venice Lauri Burns, founder of The Teen Project – a charity that has successfully helped thousands of LA’s homeless off the streets, writes of the suffering Glenn’s family now faces.
The Teen Project is currently seeking donations to help Glenn’s family bring him home to New York for a funeral and also to help support the son he leaves behind.
“I am writing to encourage those who were impacted by the shooting of Brendon Glenn to become part of the group of angels that are making a difference for this young man’s family (his mom, sister, grandma and beautiful three year old son) at this very difficult time by helping to cushion this tragedy with support, positive light and love on the heels of extreme heartbreak.
I am the Founder of The Teen Project. I was also a homeless youth and someone gave me a chance. Free shelter and grant for technical school. I became a Director of Information Technology at Northrop Grumman for 15 years, I have 32 foster kids now and started the charity eight years ago. We give them what I was given, safe shelter and an education. The Teen Project has moved 126 kids off the streets of Venice in just 3 years. Of the 126 kids we served, 5 were from California.
Many of our kids (like our biological kids) have their breakdowns. Brendon was working with our drop in center manager, Timothy Pardue and had been at our Purpose Driven group prior to the shooting. He was ready to return home to his mom. I have a post of the vigil on ABC7 News that took place with the homeless kids two nights after the shooting below.
As parents, I plead with you to help pay this forward in the hopes that we never have to go through this ourselves. My son was killed last year as well, so unfortunately I know how hard the road ahead will be for this family.
It is without doubt that Brendon had his flaws (as many of us do) but without further doubt, I can assure you he was a remarkably loving father and son. He spoke with his mom every day on the phone (most days several times) and Skyped with his three year old son every Sunday. Brendon had phoned his mom moments prior to the shooting. I cannot tell you how absolutely devastated the family is.
His sister will graduate from school as a licensed Social Worker today. Her words, “I don’t know how I will do this without him. Brendon has always been at all of my graduations.” Brendon’s mom and grandma were planning on coming to Venice with his son to surprise him and bringing him home for this. She is committed to walking with her class… the only thought keeping her going — that he is watching her from above, all the while knowing she may be crying as she walks.
Brendon is an upstate New York native. Brendon’s family wishes to transport his body home to rest in their family plot, next to his grandmother. They need our help to do it. I am not a rich woman, but I donated $1,000 of my personal salary. I am not asking that you match me… just donate anything to join our angels. Tami Pardee donated the cost of housing for 13 kids to move off the street this week and helped with food for the vigil. Mark Sokol, owner of Erwin Hotel and Larry’s supports us to move kids of the street every month. Brad Neal paid for food at the vigil with Paige Gesualdo. Tommy Lasorta, donated 300 pairs of shoes and Bank of Venice provided all of the beverages, tea and coffee. The vigil is here – following the balloons are pictures of Brendon that will be shown at his memorial https://youtu.be/J6Sh1A1Hh2g
Let’s get Brendon home and lay him to rest where he will be able to be joined one day by the loving family he was taken from too soon.
You can donate on the GO FUND ME site directly here http://www.gofundme.com/uh9vegk
For TAX WRITE-OFF, donate here www.theteenproject.com/donate.asp and choose toward the bottom, I want to send a one-time donation – write Brendon Glenn in the memo and the entire amount will go to the family with a card in your name.
We have raised $5,381 of $25,000 desired to send his body home and prepare for a traditional burial and support the family through a two week period.
Thank you all for you generosity and kindness.”
Lauri Burns, Founder, The Teen Project, Inc.
70 Windward Avenue, Venice, CA 92691
The Venice PAD (Protection & Direction) Drop in Center
