MEET OUR TEAM

MAURICE DUNCAN

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.

BRANDON CARTER

I’m a proud father of five and a devoted husband to the most amazing woman, Brittney, who is both my rock and inspiration. Her love, beauty, and strength are at the core of who I am today. Together, we’re building a future for our children and our community that reflects hope, resilience, and growth.

Born and raised in Altgeld Gardens, one of the most challenging neighborhoods on the South Side of Chicago, I’ve seen tragedy firsthand. Growing up, I witnessed the struggles and heartache that still affect our community today. But through it all, I’ve asked myself one question: "Is there a solution to this madness, and where do I fit in as a positive influencer?"

Time To Evolve Coalition (T-TEC) is my answer. With this organization, I’m committed to creating a village of leaders—empowered individuals who will make a lasting impact on our community. As I reflect on my journey, I often think, “Had I known then what I know now, I could’ve saved many lost souls, including my own.” But the wisdom I’ve gained has shown me that it’s never too late to change.

I feel over honored to represent such a passionate organization, and the gentleman that I work side by side with are true inspirations. Whenever you wake up after a well-rested night and look forward to servicing your community and collaborating with other organization to assist them with the work they do gives me goose bumps and a valued added “core belief” that would take a life-time to put into words.

Our mission at T-TEC is driven by purpose: to inspire and guide others, to evolve in a way that sparks transformation in lives, and to be the change we need in our neighborhoods. Together, we can create a movement that uplifts and empowers. It's time to evolve, and we invite you to join us as we inspire to be aspired.

NICK BRAKES

 Originally from the vibrant city of Miami, FL, I made a life-altering decision to transition to St. Cloud, MN. At first, it seemed like an impossible choice—leaving behind the beautiful beaches, palm trees, and ocean views of my hometown. I could’ve chosen any other college to start the next chapter of my life, but I chose St. Cloud State University for its strong basketball program and the opportunities it offered in my basketball journey. Little did I know, this decision would set me on a path I never anticipated.

In time, I found my answer: I met my amazing wife, who became not only the love of my life but also my steadfast rock—more like a boulder. Together, we’ve built a family with three wonderful children. Through her unwavering support, I’ve discovered a new purpose and path in St. Cloud.

Here, I’ve found fulfillment in my work, partnering with a team of dedicated individuals who share my passion for making a lasting difference in the community. My journey is a reminder that life isn’t defined by the environment you’re in; it’s about the people who support you, the lessons you learn, and the impact you make along the way. My time in Miami gave me both beautiful memories and hard lessons, and despite facing challenges that sometimes felt like dead ends, I’ve grown into a stronger, more focused person because of the love from my family and the incredible friends who walk with me.

Through T-TEC, I’m committed to empowering men who are struggling with self-imposed barriers and guiding youth facing challenges that could derail their futures. T-TEC is a group of passionate men dedicated to breaking down obstacles, offering support, mentorship, and a clear path forward. Whether you’re a man ready to take control of your life or a young person standing at a crossroads, we’re here to help you find your way.

My mission is simple: to give back to my community and work alongside others who share the vision of building a brighter, more successful future for everyone. At T-TEC, we’re doing our part, and now it’s up to you to do yours. Join us, collaborate with us, and together we can help each other EVOLVE.

Jerry Plummer

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.”

LAMONT WEBB

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.

ANTHONY B. HALE

Thank You for Visiting Our Website. Because of You, We are Us.

I’m originally from Memphis, TN, but I proudly call Minnesota my home away from home. Of all the states I’ve lived in, or should I say "rested" in as I navigated through what was supposed to be my life, Minnesota has been the most challenging yet the most rewarding. I truly felt I was where I was meant to be—until everything came crashing down.

As I made my way through Minnesota, believing I was living my best life, I made one bad choice after another. That’s when it all started to unravel. I remember being young, sitting in a room listening to a speaker talk about the importance of choices. He stopped his talk to address me and my friends for not paying attention, warning us that if we didn’t listen, we could end up in prison for decades. At that time, I thought to myself, “That’ll never be me.” And yet, it was. I spent 30 years in prison, just as that speaker had predicted.

During my 15th year of my life sentence, I had the privilege of meeting Maurice, the founder of T-TEC, at the MCF-Rush City Prison. We shared a suite together, and it was during that time that I began to shift my perspective on life. By my 17th year, I had the opportunity to create a "Scared Straight" program for youth from Job Corps. Empowering these young people was incredibly rewarding and made me realize that my true calling had finally found me. It helped me understand what it truly means to live my best life, not just exist in this world.

Time To Evolve Coalition (T-TEC) has given me purpose, and it is the perfect fit for my journey. At T-TEC, I’m part of a dedicated team of men who are committed to building a unifying community. The impact I’ve witnessed through T-TEC has inspired me beyond belief—because before I joined, I didn’t think there was such a thing as true inspiration and empowerment in this world.

I invite you to join us in our mission, finding purpose together as we work to add value to both our community and ourselves. Thank you for your support. Together, we are stronger.

DEANGELO "Yemi" JENNINGS

I was born and raised in Chicago, IL, and the memories of where I lived have served as the compass of my life. Growing up in a city like Chicago, surrounded by activity, chaos, and a reputation often misunderstood, I found myself drawn to the energy and the lifestyle that seemed to define the streets. Chicago, with all its grit and the stigma it carries, may never be seen as a welcoming place, but that doesn’t define the individuals who come from there.

I’ll admit, I was headed down a rough path. The foundation my life was being built on was destined for disaster. But things began to shift when I was about 16 years old—that’s when I met Maurice. He was serious about keeping the youth in our community safe, and his dedication to the cause made a lasting impression. The youth he served became someone to look up to, and in turn, he became someone we could rely on—a true leader. It was because of him that I decided to get my priorities in order.

Our community has always needed a program like Time To Evolve Coalition (T-TEC), and I’m proud to be part of the change. I almost lost my life by glorifying the streets, but through that experience, I realized I had to make a choice. I had to be selfless and put my energy into being the best father I could be to my kids, Kylan and Keaton. Anything else would have been uncivilized.

My mom has always been my greatest inspiration, and I’m honored to now be able to return the investment she made in me. My journey has taught me the value of growth, leadership, and making a difference, and I’m passionate about impacting our community with urgency.

And before I go, I challenge everyone reading this to a 3-Point Shooting Contest—winner gets a gentleman’s reward: a can of soda. Let’s come together and help us impact our community for the better.

TRAYVON BUFFMAN

For all the basketball fanatics out there, let me start by saying I have a true passion and appetite for the game. I’m from Chicago, IL, and basketball was my childhood obsession. From a young age, I worked tirelessly on my skills, aiming for one goal: to play in the NBA. Basketball was more than just a game to me—it was like the air I breathed. But despite my love for the game, I found myself distracted by something else: the streets.

As much as I dreamed of making it to the NBA, the allure of the streets grabbed hold of me. At the time, I felt like I could juggle both—managing the court and the hood. But eventually, the streets started to demand more of my attention, and the dream of basketball took a backseat. When I came to Minnesota, it seemed like the balance started to shift back toward the game I loved. But here's the truth: the streets have a way of making you believe that you can maintain your normal life while dabbling in the chaos. There are no success stories of half-hearted crooks who manage to live both lives.

I was supposed to go to college in Texas, but life had other plans for me. When I found out I was going to be a dad, everything changed. I knew I had to figure out my path and take control of my life immediately. But despite my best intentions, I found myself slipping back into old habits, looking to the streets for direction.

Then, my prayers were answered. Time To Evolve Coalition (T-TEC) surfaced, and Mr. Duncan reached out to me. He made a pitch—he wanted me to fix my life and join his mission. I gave it great consideration because it was Coach asking. I know his integrity is solid, and I understand his genuine desire to help people.

That was the turning point for me. Joining T-TEC has been more than just a mission; it’s a lifeline. I’ve learned the true meaning of responsibility, leadership, and community. My journey has come full circle, and now I’m committed to helping others find their way, just as I found mine.

NATHANIEL SMITH

I was born in Chicago, IL, and raised in the "Wild Wild 100's," which is the South Side of Chicago. Growing up in the projects felt like living on an island, cut off from the rest of the world. If you weren’t a relative of someone in my area, you weren’t getting in. And honestly, those of us who lived there weren’t exactly eager to leave. Life in the projects was a constant battle, just as intense as being out in the Persian Gulf during Operation Desert Storm—though I wasn’t military, it felt just as terrifying. I had a relative serving on a ship during that time, and his stories weren’t pretty. But while I didn’t experience war in the literal sense, I did grow up in the daily war of gang violence in my neighborhood.

I never intended to get caught up in that lifestyle. I wasn’t looking for trouble, but trouble found me anyway. Some might say it was "wrong place, wrong time," but the reality is I had choices, and the choice I made cost me 8 years of my life. I spent that time behind bars, and the hardest part was that I was still just a teenager.

That experience changed my life. Now, through Time To Evolve Coalition (T-TEC), I have the opportunity to share my story and help disrupt the cycle of bad choices that many youth in our community are at risk of making. It’s not easy work, and it takes real courage and commitment to make a difference.

If you’re down with T-TEC, don’t hesitate to lock hands with us. Together, we can make a lasting impact and create positive change that lasts for generations.

JODY COMERS

Although I reside in Markham, IL, far from where Time To Evolve Coalition (T-TEC) operates, my experience volunteering with this remarkable nonprofit has been nothing short of transformative. Born in Chicago, I’ve faced my share of mistakes, including poor judgment and decisions that led to severe consequences. These choices impacted my life and required me to pay my dues to society. But through T-TEC, I’ve been given the powerful opportunity to be a "returning citizen."

T-TEC has provided me a platform to share my life story through Zoom, allowing me to connect with others and contribute to their journeys of empowerment and self-growth. It’s an experience that has fueled my personal and professional development in ways I never anticipated. I’ve never felt more dedicated to a cause than I do with T-TEC, and it’s because they’ve given me the space to evolve and grow.

The leadership and staff at T-TEC are incredibly passionate and approachable. They are unwavering in their commitment to fostering change, and it’s clear they genuinely care about the individuals they serve. Their work to empower people, build self-sufficiency, and instill resilience is truly inspiring. What stands out most is their collaborative spirit. Despite volunteering remotely, I’ve felt welcomed, valued, and an integral part of their mission.

If you’re searching for a nonprofit organization that prioritizes community, growth, and meaningful impact, I wholeheartedly recommend T-TEC. The work they’re doing is vital, and I am proud to be part of it, even from afar. I encourage anyone who has the chance to get involved in any way they can—T-TEC is making a difference, and I am excited to continue supporting their mission.

T-TEC was founded in 2010 by a group of community members who recognized a need for more support services in the area. Since then, we have grown to become a leading provider of community support services in the region.