MEET    ELEANOR

Eleanor Mae Fondren (Holden) 

Born in Chicago, Illinois. She is the youngest of eight children, born to
Nannie M. Holden (Sallis) and John W. Holden. Eleanor is a
first-generation college graduate and the youngest of eight
children. Eleanor is a Licensed Master Social Worker, Certified Life Coach, Advocate, Motivational Speaker, Entrepreneur, and Doctoral Student studying Ministry and Social Justice.

​

I am the Founder and Executive Director of Beyond Temptation LLC and Beyond Temptation Empowerment, organizations rooted in empowerment, recovery support, and social justice. Through these entities, my work extends beyond individual coaching into community-based advocacy and program development. I serve as an Advocate, Motivator, and Self-Esteem Interventionist, designing and facilitating initiatives that address substance use awareness, social disparities, emotional wellness, and community empowerment. These efforts are delivered through workshops, seminars, faith-based forums, and outreach programming that equip individuals with practical tools for long-term transformation and self-sufficiency.

Central to this mission is The Benjamin House, a women-centered, inclusive recovery and empowerment residence developed under Beyond Temptation LLC. The Benjamin House provides a safe, structured, and supportive environment for women navigating recovery, restoration, and reintegration. Grounded in dignity, faith, accountability, and holistic wellness, the program emphasizes emotional healing, spiritual growth, life skills development, and community connection. This initiative reflects my commitment to addressing not only individual recovery but also the broader systemic inequities that impact access to healing and stability for women.

Academically, I am pursuing a Doctor of Ministry (DMin) in Ministry and Social Justice, with a dissertation titled Healing Through Faith: An Interdisciplinary Approach to Black Theology and Substance Use Disorder. This research integrates theology, social justice, lived experience, and recovery-oriented practice through the framework Revival, Recovery, Restore, Renew. My scholarship explores the intersections of faith, historical trauma, systemic oppression, and substance use, while offering culturally responsive, spiritually grounded models for healing within marginalized communities. This work directly informs the philosophy, curriculum, and programming implemented through Beyond Temptation and The Benjamin House.

Each program I lead is intentionally designed to foster self-worth, self-efficacy, and proactive personal growth. My mission is grounded in the belief that every individual deserves access to a safe, affirming, and empowering environment where their story is honored and their progress is celebrated. Through compassionate leadership, academic rigor, and community engagement, I strive to serve not only as a coach and advocate, but as a trusted partner in empowerment—supporting self-discovery, resilience, and lasting transformation at both the individual and community levels.