About the Nelson Foundation...
The Nelson Foundation is dedicated to empowering and mentoring youth and young adults, by providing them with the tools and resources they need to succeed in life. Through mentorship, consulting, social-emotional learning programs, and entrepreneurship guidance, we help individuals develop essential life skills, navigate challenges, and explore career opportunities.
We serve youth and young adults throughout NJ & Philadelphia, with a focus on those in at-risk environments, and those impacted by systemic challenges. Our programs also extend to incarcerated & formerly incarcerated individuals, providing them with re-entry support, career guidance, and personal development resources.
We partner with a network of professionals, educators, and leaders who contribute their expertise to support our mentees.
The Nelson Foundation has been actively serving the community since 2020, building on years of mentorship and community outreach.
Our 5 Core values are:
Empowerment – Giving individuals the confidence and skills to take control of their futures.
Integrity – Leading by example with honesty and strong moral principles.
Leadership – Teaching responsibility and accountability to create strong, positive leaders.
Community – Building a network of support to uplift and create lasting change.
Education & Growth – Providing knowledge and resources to help individuals evolve beyond their circumstances.
Our Founder
Antoine Nelson | Mentor. Strategist. Changemaker.
Antoine is a transformational leader, educator, and mentor with a passion for guiding youth, rebuilding communities, and redefining second chances. Raised in Elizabeth, New Jersey, Antoine turned personal adversity—including a four-year incarceration—into a lifelong mission of impact. Armed with a degree in Criminal Justice & Sociology from Rutgers University, he has spent the past decade creating opportunities for those often overlooked and underestimated.
As the Founder of Sons of Someone Inc. and The Nelson Foundation, Antoine leads mentoring programs, facilitates violence interruption efforts, and organizes life-changing experiences—like annual HBCU tours for high school students. He’s developed curriculum on everything from financial literacy to emotional intelligence, tailored for teens, returning citizens, and underserved populations.
Antoine’s work spans the boardroom to the block. Whether he’s coaching at-risk youth, speaking at empowerment conferences, or consulting on re-entry programs, he brings street smarts, academic insight, and a deeply personal commitment to every room he enters. His leadership has earned praise from community leaders, including formal support for clemency from the Urban League of Union County.
More than a mentor—Antoine is a movement. His story proves that redemption is real, purpose is powerful, and the best leaders are those who’ve walked the hardest roads and came back to guide others through.
Antoine Nelson
founder & executive director
Passionate mentor and educator, dedicated to youth development and social-emotional learning.
Our mission
Our mission is to guide, inspire, and equip young individuals with the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to break cycles, build successful futures, and become leaders in their communities.
At The Nelson Foundation, we live by the motto: "Hustle. Educate. Motivate."
Hustle – Master your craft and secure your future by creating opportunities for yourself.
Educate – Gain the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate life successfully.
Motivate – Inspire and uplift others to push past their obstacles and reach their full potential.
By following this mindset, we empower individuals to take control of their destinies, build strong foundations, and create lasting change in their communities.
