Our group mentoring approach focuses on building positive life skills with teens in a supportive and fun environment.

The Dewight E. Patton Jr. Foundation (DEPJF) is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit youth servicing organization. We provide support and guidance to youth ages 12 -19 years old in the development of fundamental life skills to promote their success and be a positive influence in their home, school and communities. We provide a holistic and dynamic approach in working with youth to provide opportunities to learn skills and gain positive experiences. This approach contributes to a productive lifestyle, enhanc...

The Dewight E. Patton Jr. Foundation (DEPJF) is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit youth servicing organization. We provide support and guidance to youth ages 12 -19 years old in the development of fundamental life skills to promote their success and be a positive influence in their home, school and communities. We provide a holistic and dynamic approach in working with youth to provide opportunities to learn skills and gain positive experiences. This approach contributes to a productive lifestyle, enhance their capacity to develop and strengthen positive behaviors to make healthier life choices. We have found that the youth in the North County region of St. Louis, not unlike other metropolitan areas, have lost hope in their future, which is evidenced by repeated failures in the classroom and the development of destructive habits. Therefore, our work focuses on promoting a positive supportive environment with structured guidance to circumvent the development of risky behaviors and intervention strategies to help re-direct behavior and re-frame the thought process from negative and destructive to positive and constructive. The bases of our programs contribute to building character, integrity and accountability in youth. We train youth (and parents) on effective decision-making, anger management, conflict resolution and personal respect. We believe that our programs develop a sense of commitment in youth to follow through on their journey to adulthood that will foster a sense of pride and accomplishment.