Empowering Tomorrow's Leaders:

At The Brantley Foundation, we believe that every child has the potential to lead and inspire. Our initiative focuses on nurturing the unique abilities of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), guiding them to become the leaders of tomorrow. With a blend of awareness, support, and opportunities, we aim to celebrate their individuality, foster their talents, and equip them to make meaningful contributions to the world.

Together, we can unlock their potential and pave the way for a brighter, more inclusive future.

WHo are the people of the Brantley Foundation

Jay Brantley

Founder & Advocate

Jay Brantley, 53, was shaped by the harsh realities of South Central Los Angeles, where he witnessed systemic injustices against minorities during the 1980s and 1990s. Growing up in a neighborhood scarred by gang violence and aggressive policing—immortalized in Training Day—Jay saw friends trapped by a justice system that turned minor offenses into life-altering sentences. Guided by a resilient family and deep faith, he escaped the dangers that ensnared many peers.

A standout athlete and scholar, Jay found refuge in basketball, excelling both on the court and in the classroom. His talent earned him a spot at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, where he studied criminal justice, intent on reforming the system from within. But a higher calling emerged. After a professional basketball career, Jay dedicated himself to empowering youth, inspired by his own journey and his role as a father to two autistic sons.

The Impact of the Brantley Foundation

For over 20 years, Jay and his wife have led the Brantley Foundation, a lifeline for underserved youth, with a dual mission: uplifting children with autism and driving police reform.

In Los Angeles, the foundation has reached over 5,000 young people through inclusive sports programs, academic tutoring, and specialized support for autistic children. Its autism initiatives offer sensory-friendly spaces, personalized mentorship, and parent workshops, empowering kids like Jay’s sons to thrive. These efforts have increased high school graduation rates by 75% among participants, paving the way for college or vocational success, far from the justice system’s grasp.

On the front of police reform, the foundation draws from Jay’s childhood experiences with discriminatory policing. It fosters youth-police dialogues, trains officers in de-escalation, and advocates for community-based policing models. Serving over 1,500 teens in Los Angeles, these programs have reduced juvenile arrests by 25% in targeted areas, building bridges between communities and law enforcement. The foundation also partners with local organizations to push for policy changes, ensuring fairness and accountability.

The foundation’s impact spans beyond California to the Eastern Caribbean, where it serves 2,000 children yearly in Grenada, St. Lucia, and Barbados. Through sports camps and community centers, it provides autism-friendly programs and promotes equitable justice. By integrating local sports like cricket, the foundation fosters opportunity and pride, cutting juvenile delinquency by 30% in partner communities. Its autism support creates inclusive environments, while police reform workshops advocate for fairer systems.

Jay’s personal commitment—rooted in his South Central upbringing and his family’s autism journey—drives the foundation’s tailored approach. Whether supporting neurodiverse youth or challenging systemic inequities, the Brantley Foundation transforms lives with hope and action.

Now residing an hour outside Los Angeles, far from the streets of his youth, Jay and his wife continue their mission. Through the Brantley Foundation, they build brighter futures for communities in the U.S. and beyond, one child, one policy, one heart at a time.