Erica Miller

I have been helping others for most of my adult life, but I gave my organization a name about 3 years ago. My organization helps women who have been recently incarcerated, abused, dealing with DCFS, and youths that are emotionally intelligent challenged. I provide support to women dealing with DCFS - sometimes I go to court with them, sometimes I just tell them over the phone if they have a question, and I tell them what to look for and how to be with them. I recently helped a woman who was incarcerated for 15 years get her first house. She's dealing with some challenges because before she came home, her son was killed. I text her every day, if not every other day, and I just basically ask her if she's okay, and then we just go from there. I help people get resources - one person called me after they had a stroke and needed a place to go, so I put the research in and find places that they can call to get housing. I am a local Illinois, Peoria writer. I just made a children's book with my granddaughter, and I read the story to the children all day at their school. I am an author, motivator, and influencer. My most notable professional achievement is dealing with DCFS cases. During those trials, people lose who they are, and sometimes the judge makes them feel like they're nobody. What I do is encourage them every day - we have self-respect time. I go to the library, look up some things, write them down, and we have our talks. Whenever the person needs me, I pick up, and if I miss their call, I call them back. I guide them through until I can make them smile or laugh.