Beyond the Mask: An Unmasking Experience| December 11, 2026| Cleveland, Ohio
About Doing Better Than Excellence
Doing Better Than Excellence (DBE) is a Cleveland-based nonprofit organization committed to strengthening individuals, families, veterans, and communities through advocacy, resources, education, creative wellness experiences, and community partnerships.
We believe people should not be defined by the challenges they have experienced. With access to meaningful support, practical resources, community connection, and growth opportunities, individuals can move toward greater stability and a stronger future.
Turning lived experience into pathways toward resilience, stability, and opportunity.
Who We Are
Doing Better Than Excellence (DBE) is a Cleveland-based nonprofit organization committed to strengthening individuals, families, veterans, and communities through:
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advocacy
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resources
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education
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creative wellness experiences
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community partnerships.
Our Story
Duane B. Evans Jr. and Venica Hearst Evans founded Doing Better Than Excellence, and their personal experiences shaped the organization’s mission and commitment to serving others.
Venica is a survivor of domestic violence, and Duane has experienced both homelessness and domestic violence. Their lived experiences gave them a deep understanding of how difficult it can be to rebuild when safety, housing, stability, and support are uncertain.