Celebrating resilience: Doing Better Than Excellence’s 10th Annual Fill the Truck event

On August 10th, the community around Shiloh Baptist Church came alive with the spirit of giving as Doing Better than Excellence (DBE), led by Duane B. Evans Jr., marked the 10th anniversary of its “Fill the Truck” event. This year’s celebration, together with the church’s back-to-school activities, highlighted a decade of significant community impact and personal commitment.

The Journey and Vision

Significant challenges from a young age have marked Duane B. Evans Jr.’s life. Growing up in a military family, Duane often says, “I’m from soma…soma here, soma there, soma everywhere”.Though he spent most of his years in Cleveland and the surrounding neighborhoods, his upbringing was marked by the instability of constant moves and the harsh realities of witnessing domestic violence between his mom and stepdad for 17 years.

 “Understanding why I advocate for two seemingly different extremes, domestic violence and homelessness can be challenging for some,” Duane explains, “but it’s simple; I became homeless because of domestic violence. I started the business because my mom and I became homeless while on the run due to one of the incidents.” 

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This experience and many others stayed with Duane and was tested further during his seven years in the military, including two tours in Iraq. “There was a lot of bureaucracy, plus I feel like I had the third worst job in America which was to send everybody home,” he recalls, “but I didn’t know when I’d be going home myself.” His military legacy continues with his son, who is now the fourth generation of the family to serve.

After returning to civilian life, Duane faced new struggles. At one point he was living in his car, sleeping in hospitals between night shifts as a housekeeper and finding food wherever he could. As he began to process his own trauma and the impact of his past he realized he wasn’t just a witness to his mother’s abuse; he lived through it, survived it, and has the scars to prove it. Reflecting on this, he notes, “I didn’t become my stepfather; I became my mother letting people use and abuse me, do whatever they needed to do.” 

Seeking a change and healing, Duane sought therapy. When asked by his current therapist why he hadn’t turned to drugs, alcohol, or suicide and what he would do if his kids were no longer enough, Duane admitted, “ I couldn’t let them see me take the easy way out. My kids are my lifeline. I don’t know. That’s all I’ve got right now.” 

Prompting the suggestion to find a different outlet, Duane states, “So I started writing, kept writing, and writing. I put everything that was bothering me into poetry,” he explained. This writing became one of the foundations for his business, Doing Better Than Excellence, and the programs he offers to help others. His published works, including “Therapeutic Release: Volume 3: Freedom,” chronicle his journey from adversity to healing and help empower others facing similar challenges.

The Inspiration and Its Mission

The concept of “Fill the Truck” is rooted in a moment of compassion that deeply moved Duane. He recalls encountering a young boy asking for food to feed his sister, followed by seeing a man eating out of a garbage can on the same day. “This isn’t going to work for me,” Duane thought, realizing he had to take action. These experiences, combined with his past, highlighted the urgent need for more meaningful help, driving him to start the event. “I’ve seen how shelters often miss the root causes like domestic violence. That’s why we advocate for both,” he says.

This drive for constant betterment is also reflected in the name of his organization, “Doing Better Than Excellence.” Duane explains, “I was always taught to strive beyond mediocrity, to see every achievement as a stepping stone to further improvement.” The name embodies the philosophy of never settling, always evolving, he said. This commitment to growth is evident in the evolution of the “Fill the Truck” event, which began by utilizing Duane’s mother’s Kia Soul and has since expanded to require a 17-foot U-Haul, provided free as part of U-Haul’s community support. The event’s growth symbolizes not just an increase in scale but also a deepening of community engagement and impact, Duane said.

Venica Hearst Evans: Co-Founder and Pillar of Support

Venica Hearst Evans, co-founder of Doing Better than Excellence and a minister at Shiloh Baptist Church, one of their essential partners, has been integral to the nonprofit’s development and outreach efforts. Reflecting on the origins of DBE, Venica shares that although the organization was formally established in 2015, the idea for “Fill the Truck” originated even earlier and was the inspiration for founding the nonprofit. “You could say it was my crazy idea,” she remarks. “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 the positive impact we’ve had over the years.”

Community Support and Impact

The success of this year’s “Fill the Truck” event was evident through the strong community engagement at Shiloh Baptist Church. The event buzzed with activities, including children’s entertainment, haircuts, book bags, and essential supplies distribution, fostering a warm, family-friendly environment. A raffle with items donated by local businesses and toiletry bags for both men and women provided by DBE added to the day’s generosity.

Local businesses, volunteers, sponsors, and donors played crucial roles in ensuring the event’s success. Sha’ Holloway, owner of Oh So Appealing LLC, where she sells all things Avon and her own line of products, and C.C. Norris, owner of Why I am Posh Boutique, known for stylish Godly apparel, have been key supporters of the event for five years. “It’s a good cause, and being part of it feels rewarding,” said Sha’. C.C. 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 grandmother from the neighborhood, expressed her excitement about attending. “I came to get book bags for my grandkids,” she said, showing appreciation for the community’s support.

Over the ten years, DBE has partnered with 12 different shelters throughout 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 care and provisions for the unhoused population. DBE continues to collect blankets and toiletries. To contribute or learn more about how you can help, please visit the DBE website.

Upcoming Initiatives

DBE is extending its outreach efforts with the forthcoming “Skate Out” event, scheduled for October 20th at 6:30 p.m. at United Skates of America in Wickliffe, OH. This event, aimed at raising awareness for domestic violence, invites participants to reflect on sudden life changes. Duane describes the concept, saying, “What happens when you leave at 3 in the morning with only the clothes on your back? You “Skate Out.”; “You just leave with what you have and try to figure it out,” underscoring the critical need to support those in crisis. 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, aimed at empowering individuals and families:

• F.I.S.H: Helps individuals achieve financial independence and break generational cycles of poverty.
• The B.R.O Program: Assists men in overcoming homelessness and mental challenges, fostering community resilience.
• Therapeutic Release: Provides emotional and psychological healing tools to navigate personal challenges.

Vision and Words of Encouragement
While Duane is reserved about sharing too many details, he hints at significant plans that will further benefit the communities DBE serves. “There’s something big on the horizon,” he shares, suggesting that the next steps will be transformative.

Through all his trials, Duane has remained steadfast in his belief in the power of personal change as a catalyst for broader impact. He often reminds himself and others, “You’re not the only person who has been through this. You’re not alone.” His mantra, “I am built for this,” encapsulates his enduring strength and resilience, serving as a source of hope and solidarity for those facing hardships.

Reflecting on his philosophy, Duane cites one of his favorite quotes, “Be the change that you want to see.” He adds, “To make a change, I had to start with myself, changing my mind and my perspective so that I could truly make an impact.”

Readers who are interested can support DBE, whether through volunteering, sponsoring, or donating. To get involved, connect with Doing Better Than Excellence on their website, Instagram, or Facebook, or join them at one of their events.