Welcome message from Chief Executive Officer
It is my privilege to extend a warm welcome to you on this visit to The Dukes Foundation Website. Enjoy your tour and favor us with comment(s.) I crave for indulgence briefly in reflecting on reasons for my involvement in community service through the establishment and operation of this organization.
I am indebted to my Grandmother Mrs. Eola Dukes and The Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity for the inspiration to serve with the objective of improving the quality of life for my fellowmen, especially ones with limited opportunities.
As an Educator, I have amassed first-hand knowledge of the needs of students (children.) The conditions of their home(s) and the location of their neighborhood(s) contribute to the state of their mind(s) and self-esteem. With positive motivation they overcome the challenging socio-economic conditions that confront them daily without their choosing. This has sharpened my eyes in diagnosing problems and seeking solutions.
It was during my travels across Metro Atlanta in preparation to celebrate Christmas 2002 that the impact of hopelessness in some neighborhoods captured my attention. As I discussed the wishes of Christmas gifts with a few young men it moved me to get into action immediately to effect change that would result in their wishes being granted. This gave birth to the “Dukes Make-A-Wish A Reality Program”.
I called on a couple friends for financial support, the response was overwhelming with the first donation of five hundred dollars. I immediately assembled several young men. We journeyed to buy (them) new clothes & shoes and get them haircuts. After achieving those goals I took them to lunch and dinner then onto a tour of some of Atlanta’s upper income areas (to inspire and motivate them into aiming for excellence.) The gratitude for their wishes being granted was reflected on their faces. To GOD be the glory!
The vision gave birth to The Dukes Foundation in 2003. After several years of conducting mentoring programs and assisting in grooming numerous young men for ‘Back to School’ and Holiday Seasons we obtained approval as a 501 ©(3) Non-Profit Organization in February 2009.
Through the generosity of numerous supporters we continue to expand our services into improving academic achievements, cultural awareness, mental & physical wellness and personal growth. This has resulted in extraordinary achievement in the CRCT Writing assessment examination by our mentees.
With continued support I pledge to intensify the positive impact of our programs in developing the future leaders of our society.