COOL VALLEY, Mo. — "I really like the program because it's helping me become a better person in so many ways," 14-year-old Jakeem Jones said.
Those are just some of the things the ninth-grader said he's learned ever since he's been in the "Boys2Mentorrs" mentoring program in north St. Louis County.
"I was just 6 years old when my grandma enrolled me," Jones said. "I used to social distance myself from everybody all the time, and I didn't like talking. But now, I'm able to talk more."
It's all thanks to the mentoring program and especially one man, Duane "Dee Tee" Tolen.
"He was a great, funny guy and a great inspiration to me and lots of kids," Jones said.
Five years ago, Tolen and two friends launched Boys2Mentorrs as a way of giving back to their community.
During a ten-week program, they and their team teach boys who range from 6 to 16 years old a variety of life skills including how to love themselves, follow their dreams and steer clear of trouble.
"Right now, we are located above a church at 206 Emerling in Cool Valley," COO for Boys2Mentorrs Bryan Moore said. "We are in the process of moving just across the walkway into our own building, where we will have a gymnasium and a recreation center for the youngsters. As men, we also teach the teens everything from cutting grass, to hanging doors, painting and hygiene skills. We purposely spell 'mentors' with two Rs because we say we are teaching others respect and responsibility, and that's sort of an acronym for us."
Their motto: "Save'em before we grave'em."
"That means we're going to save you before you go to the grave," Moore said. "We're gonna do our best to give these kids all they need to keep them safe and off the street. It sounds harsh, but it's real."
But now, the kids, their parents and Tolen's loved ones are all heartbroken after a real shock.
"This really is unbelievable," said Erica Jones, Jones' grandmother.
No one can believe 58-year-old Tolen was walking towards his church on Sunday and collapsed in the parking lot.
"He suffered a blood clot that went from his knee to his heart," Moore said. "He fell forward and hit his head. I just cannot believe it because that Saturday night, he and I were just outside the building and talking about lots of things. Dee Tee was explaining how great he was feeling, how excited he was because we were getting a 501(c)(3) for our nonprofit and getting our new building together."
The beloved mentor and father of five, engaged to be married next month, died at St. Louis University Hospital on Wednesday morning.
"He was born on 6-23, and he died at 6:23 this morning. This is so hard for all of us," Moore said.
"We lost a pioneer who made great strides to make youth in our community feel loved, belonged and needed," Erica Jones said.
"We dared them to hope. We dared them to dream, and we challenged them to achieve," Tolen said while he addressed a crowd during an awards program just late last month.
"When I grow up, I want to do what he did, become a mentor and mentor young people," Jakeem Jones said.
"I just believe God allowed him to do this and when he was through with him, he took him home. Yes, we will continue the mentoring program. It's his legacy," Moore said.
Tolen also worked for Annie Malone Children and Family Services.
Keisha Lee, CEO of Annie Malone, said Tolen's mentoring program "touched countless lives, and its impact was immeasurable."
To watch 5 On Your Side broadcasts or reports 24/7, 5 On Your Side is always streaming on 5+. Download for free on Roku, Amazon Fire TV or the Apple TV App Store.