Board of Directors

 Welcome to our website! I am the Executive Director/Founder of Time To Evolve Coalition, a passionate advocate for transformative change and community empowerment.

Growing up in Altgeld Gardens, one of Chicago’s most challenging neighborhoods, I experienced firsthand the struggles and complexities of life in under-resourced communities. Despite being surrounded by a loving and supportive family, I made choices that led me down a difficult path, including two extended periods of incarceration. At one point, I faced a potential 40-year sentence—a life-altering moment that forced me to confront the harsh realities of our judicial system and the systemic barriers that hold so many back.

Rather than allowing my past to define me, I chose to reclaim my future. I realized the urgent need for strong leadership to disrupt the cycle of incarceration, particularly among African American men. This realization inspired me to create Time To Evolve Coalition, an organization dedicated to uplifting and supporting individuals as they navigate their own journeys toward success.

At Time To Evolve Coalition, we are committed to making a lasting impact. I am honored to work alongside a team of dedicated men who share a common mission—to guide and empower youth, helping them make informed choices and explore better opportunities for their futures. Together, we are breaking down barriers, fostering resilience, and creating pathways for growth and success.

Thank you for visiting my site. I invite you to join us in this vital mission to empower our communities and transform lives.

 Hello everyone and thank you for taking the time to learn about the Time To Evolve Coalition (T-TEC). I’m Vance Fauntleroy, and I’m proud to be part of this incredible organization that is dedicated to making a positive impact in our community.

Born and raised in Chicago, Illinois, I come from a large family that faced a variety of socio-economic challenges. Growing up, my community was often marked by disadvantage, marginalization, and limited resources. Despite these obstacles, I was fortunate to be raised in a two-parent household where my parents worked tirelessly to provide for us. I have vivid memories of moments spent with them, where life seemed perfect, and the love and support of my family created a strong sense of security.

But outside of our home, the harsh realities of the streets loomed. While I had a deep passion for sports and worked hard to pursue that passion, I still found myself pulled into the difficulties and distractions of the street life. At times, it felt like I was caught between the values my parents instilled in me and the pressure of my environment. Reflecting on those moments, I realize that I didn’t always draw on the strength and tools my parents gave me to navigate those challenges. And though I made mistakes, I’ve come to see that those setbacks do not define me—they’ve motivated me to help others avoid the same pitfalls I encountered.

Being part of T-TEC has reignited my commitment to making sound decisions, even under pressure. Through this organization, I’ve been able to channel my experiences into a powerful force for good. I am passionate about our mission to uplift and empower individuals in our community, and I am determined to be a part of the change we are creating.

At T-TEC, we’re dedicated to serving those who face the same struggles I did, and we ask for your support as we continue to expand our reach. Together, we can create lasting change and help guide others toward a brighter, more hopeful future.

Thank you for being part of our journey.

Born and raised on the far South Side of Chicago, I come from a community still widely considered one of the most dangerous places to live. Growing up in an underprivileged neighborhood, I experienced firsthand the challenges of inadequate housing and a lack of basic infrastructure. As an African American male, I was confronted with the harsh realities of life in an environment where safety, opportunity, and resources seemed scarce.

As a young kid, I simply wanted to enjoy life and experience the carefree moments of childhood. But as I got older, that innocence was overshadowed by the growing violence in my community. It became clear that law enforcement, despite their motto of "To Protect and To Serve," did not live up to their promises in our neighborhood. My community lacked the support and protection that every child deserves. The everyday violence, the constant uncertainty, and the absence of positive role models pushed me to find my own way of surviving—by joining a gang in search of safety and belonging.

However, I refused to let that be my story. Over time, I recognized that I didn’t want to watch the next generation fall victim to the same cycles of violence and despair. That’s why I became deeply committed to Time To Evolve Coalition (T-TEC). I made a conscious decision to pour my energy into helping our youth escape the constraints of the environment that once defined me.

As a member of T-TEC, my mission is simple: I want to guide our youth on a path of success, help them break free from the stigma that surrounds our community, and show them that there is more to life than the barriers they face. My personal experiences, the struggles I've overcome, and the lessons I've learned make me an invaluable asset to our mission. Every moment I spend with the youth is an opportunity to be the catalyst for change, to help them embrace a mindset of determination, resilience, and self-worth.

I firmly believe that we can rewrite the narrative for our community. But I can’t do it alone. We ask for your help in this mission. Your voice, your story, and your spark can inspire as much change as mine does. Together, we can create a different future for our youth and our community.

Join us at T-TEC as we work to build a brighter tomorrow.

 Born in St. Louis, MO, and raised in Chicago, IL. At just 10 years old, I began working alongside my father on a newspaper route, a partnership that spanned over two decades. As we made our way through the West Side and South Side of Chicago, I witnessed the raw realities of urban life—horrific, daunting, and heartbreaking events that would shape my perspective on life.

Despite the strong foundation my father built to protect me from such hardship, I found myself caught in a cycle of bad decisions. This snowball effect led me down a destructive path, one that mirrored the very problems my father had tried to shield me from. For years, I lived within a norm constructed by negative influences, ultimately becoming part of the tragic pipeline to prison. It’s a journey I wouldn’t wish on anyone.

However, it was through these experiences that I discovered my calling. I felt a profound obligation to break the cycle and make a meaningful impact on the lives of others, especially men who are trapped by the same pride and self-imposed barriers that once stood in my way. That is why I am passionate about my work at Time To Evolve Coalition(T-TEC).

At T-TEC, our team, made up of individuals with firsthand experience, are committed to building confidence and dismantling the destructive pride that holds men back from growth. Unlike others who speak from statistics, the T-TEC team understands the struggles and challenges because we’ve lived through them.

“We’re here to do the work in our community—for OUR COMMUNITY.” “But we need your help. We need you to make time to assist us in creating a lasting change.”

Born and raised in Chicago, I moved to St. Cloud, Minnesota at the age of 16, marking the beginning of my journey that would ultimately lead to a life-changing transformation. Like many young people, I thought I was living my best life, hustling and hanging out, unaware that I was setting the stage for my own downfall. What I didn’t realize then was that I was designing the blueprint for my future failure.

After multiple stints in prison, I hit rock bottom and was forced to face the truth about the direction my life was headed. During my time behind bars, I came to the painful realization that the very thing I despised most—being told what to do—was the same thing I was subjected to every single day. That moment hit me like a Mike Tyson jab to the chin. I knew I had to change. I needed to become a better version of myself and learn from my mistakes.

That’s when the idea for Time To Evolve Coalition (T-TEC) was born. T-TEC is dedicated to shaping the next generation of leaders—empowering men, mentoring youth, and standing in the gap to prevent young people from falling into the prison pipeline. I’m driven by a deep belief that the future of our children matters more than anything, and I’m committed to making sure that future is bright for all of them, not just my own.

At T-TEC, we are passionate about creating change within our community. We believe that what we do today will shape tomorrow, and our mission is to inspire and empower youth with the tools they need to break free from cycles of failure. We believe in the power of mentoring, teaching life skills, and providing the guidance that many of us didn’t have growing up.

The rearview mirror is much smaller than the windshield for a reason—because the future is always ahead of us. We ask that you join us in our mission, with the same passion we have, to help pave the way for a brighter tomorrow.

 I was born and raised in Gary, Indiana — a city known for its deep culture, but also for the harsh realities that shaped my upbringing. For some, growing up there is a profound experience. For others, it’s simply survival — living by the unspoken rules of the streets. My neighborhood was fractured by violence and neglect, and it felt like no one was coming to help — not the law, not the community, nobody. That’s when the gangs became the shield. In a place where danger was always around the corner, having someone to watch your back meant everything. And I did the same in return.

I bought into that life. It made sense at the time — it was comfort, safety, and brotherhood in a world that often felt like war. My mom was one of the few voices warning me about where that path would lead, but I couldn’t fully hear her then. It wasn’t until I became a father myself that everything changed. I realized that if I wanted to win in life — not just survive, but thrive — I had to create a different kind of game plan.

That shift brought me to Time To Evolve Coalition. Being a part of T-TEC isn’t just meaningful — it’s powerful. It's a win/win for every life we touch. I’ve seen firsthand how this organization has, can, and will change lives in real, lasting ways. That’s why I give my time, my energy, and my voice to this mission. Because this work — our work — is long overdue in our communities.

If you're reading this, I invite you to walk with us. Join the movement. Help us build something better for those who are still trying to find their way.  I'm someone who’s lived it, learned from it, and now wants to lead change.