The Duane Tolen Foundation. We help families grow stronger—together.

Honoring Duane Tolen Sr. by helping families grow stronger—together. Led by Sonya M. Bartlett, we carry his vision forward through faith, service, and empowerment.

The Duane Tolen Foundation. We help families grow stronger—together.

Honoring Duane Tolen Sr. by helping families grow stronger—together. Led by Sonya M. Bartlett, we carry his vision forward through faith, service, and empowerment.

Trusted by The Following corporations

The Duane H. Tolen Foundation

Your Village Just Got Bigger!

Raising a Child Shouldn't Be A Solo Mission

The Duane H. Tolen Sr. Foundation’s Boys and Girls Program is designed to build confidence, character, and leadership in youth from underserved communities. Through mentorship, life skills training, and exposure to positive role models, participants gain the tools they need to thrive in school and in life. The program creates a safe, nurturing environment where boys and girls are seen, heard, and empowered to reach their full potential.

Though he may no longer be with us in the physical, his spirit lives on through the lives he changed and the legacy he built with intention and heart.


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Boys Program – Boys 2 Mentorrs

Boys 2 Mentorrs is designed to help young boys develop leadership, discipline, and purpose through mentorship and life skills development. The program creates a brotherhood of guidance and support that prepares them to thrive in school, at home, and in the community.

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Girls Program – Grace 2 Growth

REMEMBERING DUANE TOLEN SR.

In Loving Memory of Duane Tolen Sr.


Duane Tolen Sr. was a visionary, a leader, and a man of unwavering integrity whose life’s mission was rooted in service, faith, and empowerment. He touched countless lives through his generosity, wisdom, and ability to uplift those around him. Whether through his work in the community, his devotion to building others up, or his relentless drive to create a legacy of impact, Duane Sr. left behind a foundation of love, strength, and purpose.

Though he may no longer be with us in the physical, his spirit lives on through the lives he changed and the legacy he built with intention and heart.


About the Founder

Sonya M. Bartlett, A Legacy Of Love & Leadership

Sonya M. Bartlett is a powerhouse rooted in purpose, compassion, and resilience. As a founder and visionary leader, she has dedicated her life to transforming pain into power and vision into action. Sonya is not only a champion for underserved communities but also a living testament to love in action—honoring the legacy of her late fiancé, Duane Tolen Sr., by continuing the mission they dreamed of together. With a background in leadership, advocacy, and community building, Sonya is forging a path of impact that uplifts, empowers, and heals. Her voice is strong, her heart is steady, and her mission is clear—to lead with purpose and leave a legacy that speaks louder than words.

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REMEMBERING DUANE TOLEN SR.

Scholarships & Career Paths That Change Lives

The Duane H. Tolen Sr. Foundation is proud to partner with organizations that open doors for our youth. Through these meaningful collaborations, children are exposed to diverse career pathways and life changing opportunities, including full ride scholarships from partners like Clayco.

In The Media

The Duane H. Tolen Sr. Foundation has been featured in the media for its impactful work empowering underserved youth and honoring legacy through mentorship and community transformation.

Parent Testimonials

Parents consistently praise the Duane Tolen Sr. Foundation for creating a safe, supportive space that helps their children grow in confidence, character, and purpose.

“This program has given my son the positive role models he has been missing, and I see a real change in how he carries himself.”
Leslie Alexander
“As a single mom, I finally feel like I have a village helping me raise my child the right way.”
Jacob Jones
“My daughter now talks about her future with excitement, something I had not heard from her in a long time.”
Jenny Wilson

Your Village Just Got Bigger!

Raising a Child Shouldn't Be A Solo Mission

Parents consistently praise the Duane Tolen Sr. Foundation for creating a safe, supportive space that helps their children grow in confidence, character, and purpose.