Community Spotlight: Leyla Strong Foundation

The Best of Clayton County is proud to spotlight the Leyla Strong Foundation, a Clayton County based nonprofit founded by Ashley Marion to support children and families navigating traumatic brain injuries and other neurological disabilities.

For Ashley, this work is deeply personal.

“I am Ashley Marion, founder of the Leyla Strong Foundation,” she shared. “I have been a Clayton County resident since 2001 and attended Riverdale High School, so this community has truly been home for many years.”

Ashley is a mother, advocate, and community leader whose passion for this mission grew from her own family’s experience. After her daughter’s accident and traumatic brain injury journey, Ashley saw firsthand how important it is for families to feel supported, included, and connected to resources.

That experience led her to create the Leyla Strong Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that provides free inclusive play dates, family support, community outreach, and awareness for children with neurological challenges.

Through the foundation, Ashley is working to create spaces where children and families feel seen, included, and encouraged. The Leyla Strong Foundation’s mission is rooted in love, inclusion, and support for families who may often feel overlooked while navigating complex medical, developmental, and emotional challenges.

Clayton County is more than where Ashley lives. It is where she grew up, went to school, and now serves.

“I am committed to continuing to uplift, support, and create safe spaces for families right here in my community,” she said.

Ashley believes one of Clayton County’s greatest strengths is its people. She describes the county as a place filled with families, educators, small business owners, leaders, and organizations that care about seeing one another succeed.

She also sees the strength of Clayton County in its diversity, resilience, and determination.

“Many families here have faced challenges, but there is still a deep sense of pride, support, and determination throughout the community,” Ashley shared. “People show up for each other, and that is something I value deeply.”

At the same time, Ashley recognizes that many families in Clayton County still need more resources, safe spaces, youth opportunities, mental health support, disability resources, transportation options, and affordable activities.

She believes one of the biggest challenges is making sure families know where to go and who to contact when help is available.

That is why community connection and partnerships are central to the work of the Leyla Strong Foundation.

One example Ashley shared that reflects the heart of Clayton County is the Back to School Bash hosted through Clayton County Parks and Recreation. Events like this bring families together while providing school supplies, backpacks, haircuts, vendors, giveaways, and family friendly activities.

“To me, that is a great example of Clayton County at its best because it shows what happens when local leaders, departments, organizations, and residents come together around the needs of children and families,” Ashley said.

Through the Leyla Strong Foundation, Ashley continues to host free inclusive play dates for children. These events give families a safe place where their children can feel included, supported, and celebrated without parents having to worry about cost.

She also works to connect families with resources, raise awareness, and build partnerships with local families, businesses, organizations, and community leaders.

“My goal is to continue creating spaces where families feel seen, heard, and supported,” Ashley said. “Because Clayton County has been my home since 2001, this work is personal to me. I am not just serving a community. I am serving the community that helped shape me.”

Anyone who would like to connect with Ashley Marion or the Leyla Strong Foundation can reach her by phone at 678-612-9452, by email at ashleymarion@leylastrongfoundation.org, or through the foundation website at www.leylastrongfoundation.org.

Do you know a Clayton County resident, business owner, nonprofit, educator, volunteer, community leader, or organization making a positive impact?

The Best of Clayton County would love to help share their story through our Community Spotlight series. Submit your own Community Spotlight here:

www.bestofclaytoncounty.com/community-spotlight-form

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Together, we can continue showcasing the people and businesses that make Clayton County a place worth celebrating. – Trina Kolawole, Co-Owner, The Best of Clayton County.