Meet The Team
Tonya & Brian McCleary
Co-Founder
The McCleary Foundation was birthed out of my husband and I desire to serve! Serving can be demonstrated in several areas of one’s life, but the ultimate example of service is through Jesus Christ. Our goal is to focus on the areas in our lives that mean so much to us; Veterans’ homelessness, Empowering Women, and Youth Outreach. Our passion and commitment stem from a very real place that we both experienced at different times in our lives – be it homelessness, being violated, or trouble in our youth.
My husband served in the military for 6 years and after returning to Baltimore, he attended Morgan State University and received his undergraduate degree in Health and went on to attend Goucher College where he received his Master’s in Education. After graduating from Virginia State University with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting, I became pregnant and a single mother navigating life’s difficulties. However, with the support and love of my community, I graduated with my Master’s of Divinity. Together my husband and I have a blended family of 4 children ranging in ages from 16 to 25. My husband and I both have a passion for youth outreach. He coaches football and supports many local and travel basketball organizations and I am the Youth and Young Adult Minister at Gaines Chapel A.M.E. Church. We believe in being the change that we want to see. We know that life is worth living and following your dreams because with God before you, nothing is impossible to achieve!
Together we love and support each other and realize how much God has blessed us since we met over four years. We understand everything we have gone through in our lives separately, was to prepare us four our lives together. We want to encourage and lift others up in the same capacity we have needed throughout our lives. We want to be that shining light to others, show kindness in their time of need, and created the McCleary Foundation, established nearly 1 year to the month we became husband and wife. We invite you to partner with us, share resources, and spread kindness to others one person at a time.
Tonya & Brian McCleary
Co-Founder
The McCleary Foundation was birthed out of my husband and I desire to serve! Serving can be demonstrated in several areas of one’s life, but the ultimate example of service is through Jesus Christ. Our goal is to focus on the areas in our lives that mean so much to us; Veterans’ homelessness, Empowering Women, and Youth Outreach. Our passion and commitment stem from a very real place that we both experienced at different times in our lives – be it homelessness, being violated, or trouble in our youth.
My husband served in the military for 6 years and after returning to Baltimore, he attended Morgan State University and received his undergraduate degree in Health and went on to attend Goucher College where he received his Master’s in Education. After graduating from Virginia State University with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting, I became pregnant and a single mother navigating life’s difficulties. However, with the support and love of my community, I graduated with my Master’s of Divinity. Together my husband and I have a blended family of 4 children ranging in ages from 16 to 25. My husband and I both have a passion for youth outreach. He coaches football and supports many local and travel basketball organizations and I am the Youth and Young Adult Minister at Gaines Chapel A.M.E. Church. We believe in being the change that we want to see. We know that life is worth living and following your dreams because with God before you, nothing is impossible to achieve!
Together we love and support each other and realize how much God has blessed us since we met over four years. We understand everything we have gone through in our lives separately, was to prepare us four our lives together. We want to encourage and lift others up in the same capacity we have needed throughout our lives. We want to be that shining light to others, show kindness in their time of need, and created the McCleary Foundation, established nearly 1 year to the month we became husband and wife. We invite you to partner with us, share resources, and spread kindness to others one person at a time.