Project Prevention was founded on the principle of being solution-oriented to address a critical need in the community. Our primary drive is to evoke change through behavior and exposure, creating a 'village' where youth feel supported and empowered. We are committed to building character and providing resources to help Chicago's youth excel."
Our vision is to create a community resource center—'the village'—that supports, uplifts, and empowers Chicago's youth. We aim to evoke change in Chicago's communities, exposing its youth to a world of opportunities and possibilities. Our approach uses the Strength-Based Model, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Curriculum-Based Assessment & Instruction, focusing on positive attributes to address deficits.
Introducing our leadership team, a group of dedicated professionals with diverse expertise in mental health, social work, and community outreach. The co-founders, Erica A. Pugh and Shareece Johnson-Finner, established Project Prevention out of a need they identified in the community. Their primary motivation is to effect change through behavioral and experiential learning. Together, our team embodies the organization's "village" vibe and is committed to empowering Chicago's youth by building character and providing resources.
Founder & Professional Counselor
Erica holds a Master’s Degree in Juvenile Psychology, as well as a Master’s Degree in Counseling. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Illinois and Texas. Erica has worked for several years in the Social Services field with at-risk youth and has significant experience working in various aspects of the child-welfare system. She has worked as a therapist with youth in the school, home, hospital, community, detention centers, and residential treatment settings. Her passion is to provide services and guidance to youth who have experienced trauma which has interfered with their ability to reach their full potential. She is also a co-founder of Project Prevention.
Co-Founder & Director
Sharece is a co-founder of Project Prevention and a licensed and certified Middle School teacher. She's also our educational liaison and holds a Master’s of Science Degree in Adult and Higher Education with an emphasis in Community Education and a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Middle School Education with an emphasis in Reading and History. Sharece has spent the last ten years teaching in Chicago Public and Charter Schools, where she serves at-risk youth in an urban setting. She also spends much of her time consulting, coaching, and mentoring new teachers as well as providing one-on-one and small group tutoring to students, with an emphasis on increasing literacy skills.
Director of Youth Services
Noel is a graduate of Purdue University. He earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science/Criminal Justice. After graduation, he relocated to New York City to pursue a career in criminal justice. After completing an internship with the New York Police Department, Noel returned to the Chicagoland area and began an extensive career working with adolescents. He has worked with youth in various capacities such as supervising students with conduct issues in in-school suspensions, as a Health & Wellness teacher, and as a basketball coach.
After years of working within the public and private school systems, Noel began a career in Social Services. He has worked closely with the Department of Children and Family Services, where he provided home-based services for families of children and adolescents who were wards of the state. Noel has worked with youth in both residential & outpatient settings. He also has experience in working with the senior population. As the Director of Youth Services for Project Prevention, Noel is eager and driven to mentor young lives.
Outreach Recruiter
Jeriah is the founder, and owner/operator of Ozias’ Trucking Incorporated. He attended Tallahassee Community College where his entrepreneurial spirit was born. Jeriah is a Chicago Native and retains close ties to his Englewood roots. The death of his older brother, served as the catalyst for his desire to give back to youth who have been traumatized by violence in the Chicagoland area. Jeriah uses his entrepreneurial success and personal insight as a violence survivor to mentor the youth and inspire them to strive for their personal best.