Duane H. Tolen Sr. Foundation is a community-driven nonprofit dedicated to empowering youth, strengthening families, and creating pathways for healing, leadership, and long-term success in underserved communities across the St. Louis metropolitan area.
Founded in honor of Duane H. Tolen Sr., our work is rooted in legacy, love, and purpose. What began as a vision to turn pain into purpose has grown into a movement that is actively changing lives—one child, one family, and one experience at a time.
At the heart of our foundation is our signature girls mentoring program, Grace & Growth, which serves youth ages 8–18 at no cost to their families. We believe every girl deserves access to opportunities that build confidence, character, and a vision for her future—regardless of her circumstances.
Through Grace & Growth, our girls participate in:
• Mentorship and leadership development
• Mental health and wellness sessions led by licensed professionals
• Financial literacy and life skills training
• Exposure to careers, entrepreneurship, and community leaders
• Enriching field trips and real-world experiences
• Physical wellness and confidence-building activities
For many of the girls we serve, these opportunities would not exist without support. Transportation, meals, programming, and resources are barriers for underserved families—but your donation helps remove those barriers.
This is where you come in.
Your support allows us to:
• Provide safe, structured programming at no cost to families
• Offer access to licensed mental health support for youth navigating trauma and anxiety
• Supply meals, materials, and transportation for every session and experience
• Bring in community leaders and professionals to pour into our girls
• Expand our reach to serve more youth across the St. Louis region
Every dollar you give is an investment in a young girl who is learning her worth, finding her voice, and stepping into her purpose.
We are not just running a program—we are building future leaders, breaking cycles, and creating a community where girls feel seen, supported, and empowered to succeed.
When you give to the Duane H. Tolen Sr. Foundation, you are continuing a legacy of impact and helping us ensure that no child is left behind due to lack of resources.
Together, we can transform lives.
Make your gift today and be a part of something bigger.