Erika Estes Founder of Teens in Crisis

Why is this a project that you hold dear to your heart?

Teens in Crisis is dear to my heart because if it is my way of giving back to any teen or adult.

If that need guidance, mentoring, or someone to say it will be okay and look at your future not your past. I understand how our actions towards others could change their live, I know because my mentors threw out my life have help me be the best Erika I was created to be. Therefore, it is my duty through grace to help all that I can.

How many folks are working with you on this and what are their ages?

I work alone however I collaborate with other city leaders. Example: EEOC right against being discriminated for the criminal background in the work place- Belinda F. McCallister, EECO Supervisory Investigator

Explaining the Senator’s Expunge Bill- Kelvin Bass, Legislative Aide Senator Royce West

Educating the community on voting rights and clearing all myths Elections Administrator Toni Pippin-Poole

And other volunteers that are my dear friends help me sign people in.

What are some of your upcoming projects?

I presently hold seminars at UNT Law School Downtown Dallas at least once a month on Parole and Pardon applications, which enable people to get their Expunction in addition to the Expunction and Non-Disclosure clinics

What cities do you primarily focus on and what other groups work with you?

Dallas counties, however my goal is to reach three other cities Chicago, Detroit, and Atlanta

What are some ways that folks can get involved with this and how can they help?

If you would like to help Teens In Crisis continue to grow, your donations would help support my mission and be greatly appreciate. I am available to come to  teach Peer Teen Mediation for teens and host Expunction, Pardon and Parole application seminars. Erika Estes at 214.574.6758 or email Esteserika@gmail.com

Tell me a little about who you are, age, etc.?

My name is Erika Estes, recent graduate from University of North Texas, I graduate top of class my class Cum Laude. I have lived in Dallas since I was 26 years old; I have always worked as an entrepreneur. I have worked in real estate as Broker since 2004, and when real estate market crashed in 2008, I return to college to complete my degree. I believe strongly in giving back to community.

How you got involved in working with teens in crisis? When did you begin the work?

I started Teens in Crisis in September of 2010,  after working as an AmeriCorps community volunteer I enjoyed working with the youth, the experience allowed me to see many needs of teens in the urban communities. Thereafter, I developed Teens In Crisis, my goal was to prepare youth for college, find summer employment and life skills. Throughout the years, I found myself helping adults as well; therefore, I extended my program to not only teens but also whomever I could help. Motto “Helping One Person at a Time.”

What all have you done so far?

After completing one of my college courses in Alternative Dispute Resolution, I integrated mediation to students and named it Peer Teens Mediation. I have taught students how to mediate conflict, peer pressure, and bully, teaching them life skill tools to help them at school and home. Secondly, after meeting and completing some community collaboration work with Senator Royce West I adopted his Bill SB1477. The SB1477 could help people expunge their criminal background and allow them to be able to find jobs, apply for an apartment and student loans without being turned away.

I presently host Expunction Clinic and teach Peer Teen Mediation throughout the counties of Dallas, however my plans is to expand my community efforts to Atlanta, Detroit, and Chicago. Motto “Helping One Person at a Time.”