We were lucky to catch up with Augusta Williams recently and have shared our conversation below.

Augusta , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to have you retell us the story behind how you came up with the idea for your business, I think our audience would really enjoy hearing the backstory.

Well, in 2013 I began a 15 year prison sentence for robbery, which is served 8 years for. I’ve always been a compassionate person. When my mom succumbed to breast cancer in 2001, I spiraled. While serving time, I wanted to revert back to my foundation and do right by myself and others. Helping people is a passion for me so I sought information and examples on how to give back and make an impact. When I was released in 2021, some childhood friends of mine and I put on a back to school event in our neighborhood. It was a huge success and I founded The Dub Way Foundation several months later. As of today, we have been going strong in the community going on 5 years.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

My name is Augusta E. Williams Jr., and I’m the founder of The Dub Way Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening communities by supporting individuals and families who are facing hardship or lack access to essential resources. The foundation was born out of a deep personal commitment to giving back and creating tangible, meaningful change at the grassroots level.

The journey into this work wasn’t planned in the traditional sense — it was inspired by lived experiences, both mine and those around me. I’ve seen firsthand how systemic barriers, poverty, and lack of access to support can affect people’s lives — and more importantly, I’ve seen how even small acts of support can completely shift someone’s path. That inspired me to create something action-based, compassionate, and community-focused. That’s how The Dub Way came to be — as a vehicle for delivering help exactly where it’s needed most.

What we offer through the foundation includes direct aid, community outreach, and strategic partnerships with local organizations. Our programs range from food and clothing distribution to back-to-school drives, emergency support for families in crisis, and workshops that promote long-term stability. We’re also building mentorship initiatives and community engagement events to foster unity, resilience, and personal growth.

What sets us apart is our boots-on-the-ground approach — we don’t just operate from a distance. We go into the neighborhoods, speak with the people, listen to their stories, and respond in real time. We don’t wait for long applications or perfect circumstances. If someone is in need, we find a way to help. Our work is powered by real people and real compassion, not just paperwork or bureaucracy.

What I’m most proud of is the impact we’ve made in a short amount of time — not just in terms of numbers, but in the stories we hear from families we’ve helped: the single mom who got assistance to avoid eviction, the student who got school supplies and showed up proud on their first day, the elder who received basic necessities and a check-in call that made them feel seen. It’s those moments that drive us.

To anyone learning about us for the first time, I want you to know that The Dub Way Foundation isn’t just a nonprofit — it’s a movement rooted in compassion, service, and belief in people. Whether you’re looking for support, looking to give back, or just want to learn more, we welcome you. Our doors and our hearts are open.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

Yes! For a year and a half, my foundation acted out of love and compassion. We thrived with the generosity of great people in the community. I didn’t understand a lot of the business surrounding a foundation. As I was trying to grow, I was thankful to have a friend named Mike Will who set me up with his lawyer to get my 501c3 status from the IRS. All the givebacks became difficult to sustain without adequate funding. I had to get my business right on paper and that took a lot of learning.

Can you open up about how you funded your business?

A lot of begging lol. But I definitely used making and selling of t-shirts mixed with asking people for monetary donations to support my cause. I had to be transparent and produce content to show what I was intending to accomplish. The people trust me and therefore I had some small funding to embark on this journey.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.thedubwayfoundation.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedubwayfoundation/profilecard/?igsh=MXB3MWtnZGZkM3Qxag==
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1FqkPnvUjg/?mibextid=wwXIfr
• Other: Main Instagram Page: @therealadub

Image Credits

State Representative Ron Reynolds
Missouri City Councilwoman Monica Riley
Wife: Jasmine Williams
Missouri City Mayor Robin Elackatt
And more