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Who was Brit?

Britney Gengel

Britney Gengel was a beautiful and fearless 19 year old girl from Massachusetts who believed that she could change the world. She protected the underdog, was a voice for those who didn’t have one and knew how to enjoy life. She’ll be remembered for how she could light up a room, bring people together, help the less fortunate and live life to the fullest. She was a beautiful soul, compassionate, intelligent, trustworthy and loving. She believed in and unconditionally loved the children of Haiti during her last days on earth and she was determined to help the kids of Haiti. Her last wish was to start an orphanage and that’s why the Gengel Family decided to start the Be Like Brit Foundation.

Learn More about Britney

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Len Gengel

Co-Founder / President
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Cherylann Gengel

Co-Founder / Exec. Director
Bernie Gengel

Bernie Gengel

Vice President & Haiti Director
Mirlaine Edmond

Mirlaine Edmond

Assistant Director
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Joe Nelson

Property Manager
Obnalissa

Obnalissa Demas

Caregiver Supervisor
Obnalissa

Eric Avril

Caregiver Supervisor
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Dr. Debra Pallatto-Fontaine

Superintendent, Brit's Academy
Rolando Zephirin

Rolando Zephirin

Weekend Director
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Ruth Domeus

Psychologist
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Madame Finette

Kitchen Manager
Rolando Zephirin

Gesner Deslandes

Technology Coordinator
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Rolanda

Assistant Kitchen Manager
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Maurice

Daytime Security Supervisor
Len Gengel

Papi Len Gengel

Co-Founder & President
Cherylann Gengel

Cherylann Gengel

Co-Founder & Board Member, Emiritus
Bernie Gengel

Bernie Gengel

Vice President
Richard Gengel

Richard Gengel

Board Member
Christine Steinwand

Christine Steinwand MSEd.

Board Member
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Dr. Debra Pallatto-Fontaine

Superintendent, Brit's Academy
Michael J. Rezuke

Michael J. Rezuke

Board Member / Treasurer
Father John Madden

Fr. John Madden

Board Member
Eileen Terry

Eileen Terry

Board Member / Clerk

Rae Stone

Board Member
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Love Pun

Board Member
Susan Wornick

Susan Wornick

Board Member, Emiritus
Dr. Peter J. McDonald

Dr. Peter J. McDonald

Founding Board Member
in memoriam 2023

Our Timeline

  01/02/2010

Britney and 300,000 people perish in the Haiti earthquake

  09/01/2010

Land Purchased in Grand Goave haiti

  12/242010

Construction Begins

  06/01/2012

First Britsionary Trip, Becker College

  12/31/12

Orphanage Completed

Heartache and Hope in Haiti: The Britney Gengel Story

This amazing story chronicles the journey of Brit’s parents: from grieving for their daughter, to building in the poorest nation in the Western hemisphere.

Their experience is proof that you can find meaning and purpose in tragedy, that faith and love are everlasting, and that one person's dream can change the destiny of thousands. The online edition was created in honor of the 10th Anniversary Edition of the book with exclusive photos and readings. Eleven years later, we are still honoring Brit’s Legacy by introducing our kids to the story and sharing their first reads with all of you.

100% of proceeds from this book go to Brit’s Academy and our reading initiatives at Brit’s Home.

Read our Book

Brit's Home in Haiti

2010
2020

Awards Received by the Be Like Brit Foundation, Inc.

  • Telegram & Gazette: Best Fundraising Event
    November 2019
  • Telegram & Gazette: Best Fundraising Event
    November 2018
  • Myra Kraft Community MVP Award
    June 2017
  • Telegram & Gazette: Best Fundraising Event
    November 2017
  • Telegram & Gazette: Best Non-Profit
    December 2016
  • The Gold Award: The Girl Scouts: Cherylann Gengel
    June 2016
  • Project 351: Service Hero
    February 2016
  • Red Cross: Woman Who Care Be Like Brit
    October 2016
  • ACEC/MA Excellence Gold Award: Be Like Brit Building
    April 2015
  • Featured in Woman's World Magazine
    March 2015
  • University of Massachusetts Honorary Degree of Doctor of Humane Letters
    June 2014
  • Commencement Speaker at Asnuntuck Community College
    May 2014
  • Becker College Honorary Degree Doctorate of Humane Letters
    May 2014
  • Top 25 Woman Changing the World by Cyrus Webb, Cherylann Gengel
    March 2014
  • Mom’s Choice Award: Heartache and Hope in Haiti
    November 2013
  • Massachusetts Home Builders; Legend of the Industry Award, Len Gengel
    November 2013
  • Feature Story in Success Magazine
    August 2013
  • McGraw-Hill: Best Project in the Residential/Hospitality Category
    June 2013
  • Commencement Speakers at Middlesex Community College
    May 2013
  • International Book Awards Finalist (for Len and Cherylann Gengel’s book Heartache and Hope in Haiti)
    January 2013
  • Perkins School Distinguished Service Award in the Field of Service to Children : Be Like Brit
    June 2012
  • Skills USA: Visionary Award
    April 2012
  • Boston Celtics Award: Hero Among Us Award: Gengel Family
    August 2011
  • Red Cross: Red Cross Heroes: Len & Cherylann Gengel
    March 2010

(An award was also created called The Britney Gengel International Humanitarian Award and is now given out every year)

GET IN TOUCH

(508) 886-4500
OPERATIONS CENTER

66 Pullman Street, Worcester, MA, 01606

Brit's Home

33 Brit's Way, Grand Goave, Haiti