Woman starts nonprofit in honor of mom who was killed two years ago

DENVER (KDVR) — Just over two years ago, one woman’s life changed forever when her mom was taken from her unexpectedly. Now, she’s using the trauma she endured to give back to others in similar situations.

In late September 2022, 68-year-old Darlene Grass was shot and killed while standing on her doorstep in Englewood.

Lindsie Grass remembers the long drive to her mom’s house that night.

“It was a wall of red and blue lights, crime scene tape," said Grass.

Her mom was shot and killed by a man running through the neighborhood with a gun and tactical vest.

"That was really hard: To lose not only your best friend but your only parent in the same night," said Grass.

The killer was sentenced earlier this year. Grass says she chose to leave the courtroom with her head held high, not letting him take her life away as well.

“That was kind of my moment to take my power back," she says.

She’s now funneled that energy into a nonprofit, Focused Halos.

“To try and help people get through this and just to be there and let them know they’re not alone," explained Grass.

An avid photographer, Grass offers photo sessions in return for donations.

“A lot of people don’t have those photos of their parents or their loved ones or their friends," she said.

Grass captures memories like the ones she clings to of her mom and uses the money to give back to people dealing with similar situations to her. She says daily things like personal care were a struggle at times.

“Things that you don’t think about doing on a regular basis, I couldn’t even think about it," said Grass.

So her self-care packages help make it easier.

“Lotion, shampoo, conditioner, soap, washcloth," Grass said, listing the items inside.

Additionally, each one comes with a journal to help express feelings.

“A journal and a pen really got me through a lot of my hard times," said Grass.

Giving back, she says, is how she knows her mom is looking down on her proudly.

“She always told me that I was going to make a change in this world. I just never knew that it would be at this capacity," said Grass.

Grass chose the name Focused Halos purposely, with focuses representing the camera lens and halo for her mom. She’s currently working with agencies around the state to get those care packages to the people who need them. Focused Halos also accepts donations without doing a photoshoot via an Amazon Wishlist, which can be found here.