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