Illuminate Hope in Resource-Challenged Communities!
About Us
Creating a brighter future!
The Gemini Foundation stands out as a beacon of hope for resource-limited communities both in the United States and around the globe. Our organization is committed to providing opportunities and assistance to neglected, underprivileged, and abandoned families who are in dire need of support and guidance. We believe that by empowering these communities, we can help them build a brighter future and foster a sense of belonging and resilience.
The Gemini Foundation was established by Darryl J. Hardy and Jaquan Bracey, both of whom are retired professional basketball players, public speakers, and leaders in community development. Darryl hails from the underprivileged streets of North Philadelphia, while Jaquan comes from Bennettsville, South Carolina.
Their experiences in these communities taught them that change occurs only when value, responsibility, and attention are directed toward them. This journey inspired creation of the Gemini Foundation, with Mr. Hardy and Mr. Bracey now serving as ambassadors for several overlooked areas whose voices often remain unheard.
Our Vision
To be the organization that addresses the environmental needs and deficits plaguing the underserved and impoverished communities. To plant positive seeds of hope throughout all the communities we serve, and always measure our success by impact not dollars.
Empowerment is not about giving people power, it's about unlocking the power they already have.
About Darryl Hardy
Founder & President
After College, Mr. Hardy was blessed to play basketball 11 years professionally. His passion carried him all over the globe. He played in more than 12 countries and has good friends all over the world. From Beirut, Lebanon to Hong Kong his experiences help shape the leader he has become. His travels make it easy for him to relate to people from any background. He mainly attributes this gift to his father, who taught him to simply “white –black, rich or poor, Treat everybody the same.”
Once Mr. Hardy made the decision to hang up his shoes, the transition to Gemini was not an easy one. Trading basketball shorts for business suits is a tremendous adjustment. But this move was done in service, and out of necessity. Playing basketball in the many communities in and surrounding Central Florida, Mr. Hardy started to see the same problems that plagued his home in Philadelphia surfacing in Central Florida. As most people would he spoke up, and waited for someone to fix or at least address the problems. There was no answer. The seed that was planted years ago in North Philly was about to bear fruit. Mr. Hardy had to become, the change he wanted to see. He had been equipped to now face the problems, and navigate the change in not just people but whole communities.
Mr. Hardy has been married to his beautiful wife Shawntae for over 20 years. This union has been blessed with two children Joelle and Jonathan.
About JaQuan D. Bracey
Co -Founder & Vice President
JaQuan D. Bracey was appointed as The Gemini Foundation’s Vice President in March 2008. In this role, JaQuan facilitates the enhancement and implementation of the foundation and provide strategic planning and project management support for initiatives across the Gemini Foundation.
Along with The Gemini Foundation, JaQuan is currently working for Orange County Public Schools as a Physical Education Teacher.
Before joining OCPS, JaQuan worked at Orange County Government as a Family Teacher Assistant. JaQuan started his career inspiring to help less fortunate children by doing community service.
JaQuan received a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Marketing from Francis Marion University in December 2004 and has completed extensive community service hours with numerous amounts of outreach organizations and programs such as the Boys & Girls Club and the YMCA.
JaQuan and his lovely wife Nichole have dedicated themselves to helping the youth of our world have a better chance at success.
We are so blessed to welcome - Parker Nichole and Dont'e Grant to "Team Bracey" as the newest members of the Gemini Family.Wishing the Family all God's love and blessings!
Impacting Communities
The Gemini Foundation continues to revitalize neighborhoods by enhancing infrastructure, fostering safe living spaces and promoting community involvement. Explore the communities we've impacted both locally and globally.
Domestically:
Orlando, FL
Little Haiti, FL
Tampa, FL
Ft. Lauderdale, FL
Chicago, IL
Henderson, NV
Gary, IN
Bradenton, FL
Columbus, IN
West Palm Beach, FL
Detroit, MI
Orlando, FL
Philadelphia, PA
Bradenton, FL
Internationally: