our history

The Big Yard Foundation was founded in 2018 by former NFL player Brennan Scarlett. With a vision to empower communities through education, creativity, and physical wellness, Brennan established the Big Yard Foundation as a platform for positive social change. Since its inception, the foundation has focused on creating educational-focused programs, building local partnerships, and providing resources for underrepresented communities, with a focus on Black and Brown communities throughout N/NE Portland. Through various initiatives, including literacy development, creative workshops, and mentorship programs, Big Yard Foundation has become a catalyst for both personal and collective progress.

our purpose

To inspire our community to dream bigger, and empower them with the tools to achieve.

Big Yard Objectives

Expand Access to Education, Creativity, and Sport
Create culturally relevant programming that provides young people with meaningful access to STEAM education, creative expression, and athletic participation—equipping them with opportunities, experiences, and relationships that strengthen confidence, self-regulation, and a sense of possibility in their future.

Build Resilient Young Leaders Through Holistic Development
Use mentorship, collaborative learning, creative practice, and sport-based experiences to help young people develop resilience through increased emotional regulation, mastery of life circumstances, positive identity formation, and sustained supportive relationships with trusted adults and peers.

Cultivate a Sustainable Ecosystem for Community Empowerment
Develop an interconnected network of mentors, educators, creatives, athletes, families, and community partners that creates long-term pathways for wellness, opportunity, and economic mobility—strengthening the collective capacity of the community to support and empower future generations.

Meet our board of directors

  • EMI LAWSON

    BOARD CHAIR

    Partner

    Cleveland Krist, PLLC

  • ELLEN RIDGEWAY

    SECRETARY

    Senior Learning & Development Specialist

    Port of Portland

  • PAUL SCARLETT

    VICE CHAIR

    Area Manager

    Oregon Department of Transportation

  • JEFF MORELAND JR.

    AT-LARGE

    Chief Executive Officer

    Raimore Construction

  • JT FLOWERS

    AT-LARGE

    Director of Government Affairs and Communication

    Albina Vision Trust

  • BRENNAN SCARLETT

    EX OFFICIO

    Founder & CEO

    Big Yard Foundation

  • SUSAN SCARLETT

    EX OFFICIO

    Executive Director

    Big Yard Foundation