On August 10, the community around Shiloh Baptist Church was filled with a spirit of giving as Doing Better than Excellence (DBE), led by Duane B. Evans Jr., celebrated the 10th anniversary of its “Fill the Truck” event. This year’s celebration and the church’s back-to-school activities recognized a decade of significant community involvement and personal service.
The journey and vision
Duane B. Evans Jr.’s life was filled with challenges from a young age. Raised in a military family, Duane often says, “I’m from Soma… Soma here, Soma there, Soma everywhere.” Although he spent most of his life in Cleveland and surrounding neighborhoods, his childhood was marked by the instability of constant moves and the harsh reality of witnessing 17 years of domestic violence between his mother and stepfather.
“It’s difficult for some people to understand why I advocate for two seemingly very different extremes, domestic violence and homelessness,” Duane explains. “But it’s simple: I became homeless because of domestic violence. I started the company because my mother and I became homeless while fleeing due to one of the incidents.”
These and many other experiences have stayed with Duane and were tested even more during his seven years in the military, including two tours in Iraq. “There was a lot of red tape and I had the third worst job in America, which was sending everyone home,” he recalls, “but I didn’t know when I would be going home.” His military legacy lives on in his son, who is now the fourth generation of the family to serve.
After returning to civilian life, Duane faced new challenges. At times he lived in his car, slept between night shifts as a housekeeper at hospitals, and found food wherever he could. As he began to process his own trauma and the effects of his past, he realized that he had not only witnessed his mother’s abuse; he had experienced it, survived it, and the scars are proof of it. Reflecting on this, he notes, “I didn’t become my stepfather; I became my mother, letting people use me and abuse me and do whatever they had to.”
In search of change and healing, Duane entered therapy. When asked by his current therapist why he had not turned to drugs, alcohol or suicide and what he would do if his children were no longer enough for him, Duane admitted, “I couldn’t let them see me taking the easy way out. My children are my lifeline. I don’t know. That’s all I have right now.”
When suggested that he find another outlet, Duane responded, “So I started writing, and I kept writing, and I kept writing. I put everything that was bothering me into poetry,” he explained. That writing became one of the foundations of his business, Doing Better Than Excellence, and the programs he offers to help others. His published works, including Therapeutic Release: Volume 3: Freedom, document his journey from adversity to healing and help others facing similar challenges.
The inspiration and its mission
The concept of Fill the Truck is rooted in a moment of compassion that touched Duane deeply. He remembers encountering a boy asking for food for his sister and seeing a man eating out of a garbage can that same day. “This isn’t working for me,” thought Duane, and realized he had to do something. These experiences, along with his past, made him realize he needed more urgent help and prompted him to create the effort. “I saw that shelters often overlook the root causes, like domestic violence. That’s why we’re working on both,” he says.
This drive for constant improvement is reflected in his organization’s name: “Doing Better Than Excellence.” Duane explains, “I was always taught to strive beyond mediocrity and to see every accomplishment as a stepping stone to further improvement.” The name embodies the philosophy of never settling and always evolving, he said. This commitment to growth is evident in the evolution of the “Fill the Truck” event, which began with Duane’s mother’s Kia Soul and has since expanded to include a 17-foot U-Haul truck provided free of charge as part of U-Haul’s community support program. The event’s growth symbolizes not only an increase in scale but also a deepening of community involvement and influence, Duane said.
Venica Hearst Evans: Co-founder and pillar
Venica Hearst Evans, co-founder of Doing Better than Excellence and pastor of Shiloh Baptist Church, one of its key partners, has been instrumental in the nonprofit’s development and outreach efforts. When reflecting on the origins of DBE, Venica shares that while the organization was officially founded in 2015, the idea for Fill the Truck came earlier and was the inspiration for the nonprofit’s creation. “You could say it was my crazy idea,” she notes. “One night I had a dream where God told me, ‘You can fill a U-Haul.’ So I said okay. She adds, “It’s been incredible to witness the growth and positive impact we’ve had over the years.”
Community support and influence
The success of this year’s Fill the Truck event was evident in the strong involvement of the Shiloh Baptist Church congregation. The event was filled with activities including children’s entertainment, haircuts, book bags and distribution of essential supplies, creating a warm, family-friendly atmosphere. A raffle with items donated by local businesses and men’s and women’s toiletry bags provided by DBE rounded out the day’s generosity.
Local businesses, volunteers, sponsors and donors played a critical role in the event’s success. Sha’ Holloway, owner of Oh So Appealing LLC, where she sells everything from Avon and her own line of products, and CC Norris, owner of Why I am Posh Boutique, known for stylish, God-fearing clothing, have been major supporters of the event for the past five years. “It’s a good cause and being a part of it is fulfilling,” said Sha’. CC added, “I believe in their organization and the impact they have. It’s important to support those who are doing the work.”
Towards the end of the event, Sonya Williams, a local grandmother, expressed her joy at participating. “I came to get school bags for my grandchildren,” she said, expressing gratitude for the community’s support.
Over the course of the decade, DBE has partnered with 12 different shelters across the city, supporting them with the donations received at such events. This year, a portion of the contributions will go to Siearra’s Mission, which is dedicated to improving the care and services provided to the homeless population. DBE continues to collect blankets and toiletries. To donate or learn more about how you can help, please visit the DBE website.
Upcoming initiatives
DBE is expanding its outreach efforts with the upcoming “Skate Out” event, scheduled for October 20th at 6:30 p.m. at United Skates of America in Wickliffe, Ohio. This event is designed to raise awareness about domestic violence and invites participants to reflect on sudden life changes. Duane describes the concept by saying, “What happens when you go home at 3 a.m. with only the clothes on your back? Then ‘Skate Out.’ You just go with what you have and try to figure it out,” highlighting the urgent need to support people in crisis situations. DBE invites everyone to come out and ‘Skate Out’ for a good cause.
Programs and services
DBE offers support through private life coaching, seminars, workshops and telecourses with the goal of empowering individuals and families:
- FISH: Helps individuals achieve financial independence and break the cycle of poverty across generations.
- The BRO program: Helps men overcome homelessness and mental health issues and builds community resilience.
- Therapeutic release: Provides emotional and psychological healing tools to address personal challenges.
Vision and words of encouragement
While Duane is cautious about releasing too many details, he hints at significant plans that will further benefit the communities DBE serves. “Big things are coming,” he says, suggesting the next steps will be transformative.
Through all of his trials, Duane has remained true to his belief in the power of personal change as a catalyst for broader impact. He often reminds himself and others, “You are not the only person who has been through this. You are not alone.” His mantra, “I was made for this,” sums up his continued strength and resilience and serves as a source of hope and solidarity for those going through difficulties.
When Duane reflects on his philosophy, he cites one of his favorite quotes: “Be the change you want to see.” He adds, “In order to make a change, I had to start with myself and change my attitude and perspective so that I could really make a difference.”
Interested readers can support DBE through volunteering, sponsorship or donations. To get involved, contact Doing Better Than Excellence on their website, Instagram, or Facebook, or take part in one of their events.
