

ATARA ESTES
WELCOME TATU Tribe!!
In the shadow of a true crime and survival story, 22 years ago, one soul faced the unimaginable – blindfolded, shot in the back, thrown in the trunk, and left for dead due to the horrors of domestic violence. Yet, against all odds, this survivor emerged from the depths of despair to reclaim their life, and now, they invite you to join them on a transformative journey towards happiness and health.
The key to this incredible journey? Holistic Wellness Coaching and Healing Art for Trauma Survivors, led by CHWs – a sanctuary for trauma survivors seeking solace, understanding, and a path to holistic recovery. Our program is a testament to the strength within, forged through resilience and a commitment to a brighter future.
Surviving trauma is a lifelong process, and our CHW-led group coaching, coupled with the transformative power of healing art, serves as a lifeline for those navigating the aftermath. Our authentic approach is built on creating genuine connections, recognizing that healing is a collaborative effort that requires support, understanding, and community.
Join us as we guide you through the winding paths of recovery with lightheartedness, casual camaraderie, and a friendly atmosphere. We believe that, through this unique blend of support and creative expression, you will not only survive but thrive.
Our CHWs are not just mentors; they are compassionate partners on your ongoing journey. Together, we address the physical, emotional, and mental dimensions of trauma, empowering you to rebuild and redefine your life.
Step into our TATU Your Wellbeing Holistic Wellness Virtual Coaching and Healing Art for Trauma Survivors, led by the CHWs community, where resilience is celebrated, wounds are transformed into wisdom, and survivors become thrivers. We are confident that, with our unwavering support, you'll find the strength to confront any challenges that lie ahead.
Take the next step toward a happier, healthier you – one that thrives beyond survival. Your story is one of triumph, and with CHW-Led Holistic Wellness, the next chapter is filled with hope, healing, and endless possibilities.
Become a member and join the community on this holistic healing journey.

A BIT ABOUT ATARA ESTES
The Full Story
Atara Tatu Estes: Board of Directors CHW Member, National Association of Community Health Workers. Atara Tatu Estes is a certified Community Health Worker Instructor, Holistic Wellness Coach, Empowerment Speaker, and the newest Board of Directors CHW member of the National Association of Community Health Workers. With a diverse background and a commitment to social justice, Atara wears many hats as a community health worker, leadership development specialist, and advocate for holistic health and wellness.
Demonstrating a leadership style rooted in empathy, gratitude, delegation, courage, respect, integrity, influence, communication, systemic thinking, self-awareness, learning agility, and resilience, Atara's journey is marked by personal triumph over trauma. Surviving a harrowing experience 22 years ago, she turned her life around through professional help and a holistic approach to well-being.
Atara has been a vital part of the St. Louis Integrated Health Network since December 2016, notably serving in the Re-entry Community Linkages (RE-LINK) program. RE-LINK, an initiative of St. Louis Integrated Health Network, focuses on improving health outcomes for disadvantaged populations transitioning from jail. Atara, along with her team, successfully elevated RE-LINK by addressing social determinants of health and preventing a return to the justice system through personalized support and community health worker advocacy.
Throughout her tenure, Atara has been instrumental in achieving significant outcomes, including high rates of enrollment in education programs, reduced re-incarceration rates, increased utilization of mental health services, improved health status, and sustained employment for program participants.
In 2023, Atara was promoted to CHW Leadership Development Specialist, contributing to the regional CDC-funded CHW Workforce project. Her involvement extends to mentoring CHWs enrolled in apprenticeship programs, and she actively collaborates with regional partners to enhance talent strategies, focusing on CHW retention and career advancement.
Atara's dedication to advocacy and policy extends beyond her workplace. She serves on various committees, including the Advisory board/committee for the Regional Health Commission, the COVID-19 Regional Response Team, and the IHN Workforce Development Committee. As a co-chair for Racial Equity Focus within the St. Louis Violence Commission, she actively contributes to creating violence prevention solutions addressing racial inequity and systemic/structural racism.
Born and raised in Chicago, Atara's life journey includes periods of homelessness, foster care, and surviving a traumatic incident 21 years ago. In addition to her professional roles, she is a single parent of two daughters and an ally of Safe Shelter Collaboration, assisting survivors of domestic violence, sexual violence, and sex trafficking.
Atara's resilience and commitment to community well-being extend to her political aspirations. In 2022, she ran for Alderwoman for the City of St. Ann and, though unsuccessful, she remains determined, preparing for her next political campaign. Atara believes in the power of togetherness and aims to build healthier relationships within communities to lead them toward thriving beyond survival.
As Atara prepares to share more of her journey in "Damaged Goods: My Healing Journey Journal," she continues to inspire and lead with a vision of healing communities from the inside out. Her story is not only one of personal triumph but a call to action for the collective well-being of all.
A New Innovative Virtual Project Coming Soon from TATU Your Wellbeing - Thriving After Trauma Unashamed Holistic Wellness Coaching and Healing Art for Trauma Survivors, led by CHWs.
COMMUNITY RESOURCES
Hotlines and Websites for Missouri, Illinois & National Contacts
www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org/
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 800-273-TALK (8255)
800-SUICIDE: 800-784-2433
24-Hour Local Help Line: 636-946-3771
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA): 314-647-3677
ALIVE-Domestic Violence: 314-993-2777
Child Abuse and Neglect: 800-392-3738
Cocaine Anonymous (CA): 314-361-3500
Covenant House Youth Hotline: 800-999-9999
Crisis Nursery Emergency Care for Children: 314-768-3201
Elder Abuse: 800-392-0210
Epworth Street Outreach (YES): 314-727-6294
GED Hotline and Testing: 877-392-6433
Homeless Hotline St. Louis Region 314-802-5444
Life Crisis Suicide Hotline: 314-647-4357
Metro St Louis Coalition for the Homeless: www.stlouishomeless.org
Narcotics Anonymous (NA): 314-830-3232
Poison Control www.missouripoisoncenter.org/ . 1-800-222-1222
Runaway Switchboard: 800-621-4000
Safe Connections-Domestic Violence: 314-531-2003
Women’s Safe House: 314-772-8952
Youth In Need Hotline: 636-946-3771
Unclaimed Property, Missouri: www.showmemoney.com
MID-EAST AREA AGENCY ON AGING RESOURCE CENTER
www.agingmissouri.org/ARC
CHILD ABUSE
To report suspected child abuse in Missouri or Illinois contact:
Missouri Toll-Free: 800-392-3738
Local (toll): 573-751-3448
Illinois Toll-Free: 800-252-2873
Local (toll): 217-785-4020
Missouri Dept. of Social Services:
www.dss.mo.gov/
ELDER ABUSE HOTLINE
and to report abuse of people with disabilities:
1-800-392-0210
Missouri Dept. of Health and Senior Services
health.mo.gov/safety/abuse
2-1-1 (Operated by United Way 24/7)
www.211helps.org Alt. Number: 800-427-4626
Counseling, education, employment, utility assistance, etc. Mainly referrals. Includes information on weather shelters.
FOR EMERGENCY SHELTER AND OTHER HOUSING PROGRAMS:
Start the Intake Process in one of these three ways:
1. St. Louis Regional HOUSING HELPLINE 314-802-5444
Shelter Referral Agency
Call to start the Intake Process by phone.
2. ST. PATRICK CENTER
WELCOME CENTER
800 North Tucker 63101
www.stpatrickcenter.org 314-802-0700 Walk-in hours Monday-Friday from 8am-4:30pm No appointment necessary. Lunch every day from 12- 12:30
3. BIDDLE HOUSE OPPORTUNITIES CENTER
1212 N 13th St. 63101 314-612-1675
Overnight shelter for men, day services for women.
Intake for housing services seven days a week 6:30am-7pm. No appointment necessary.
Meals daily. Breakfast 7:00 am; Lunch 12-12:30; Dinner 5:00-5:30 pm. Showers, laundry, mail.
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ROOM AT THE INN YOUTH HELPLINE
314-628-2929 or 877-928-2929 Text: 4HLP to 31658
ST. LOUIS COUNTY HOMELESS HOTLINE
314-802-5444 or 866-802-7155
AFFORDABLE CARE ACT HEALTH INSURANCE (Obamacare)
www.HealthCare.gov
AID TO VICTIMS OF CRIME
Hotline: 314-652-3623
AREA CODES AND ZIP CODES
https://www.allareacodes.com/
https://www.unitedstateszipcodes.org/
BEHAVIORAL HEALTH RESPONSE
www.bhrstl.org
24-hour Mental Health Crisis Line: 314-469-6644 or 800-811-4760
CALL FOR HELP, INC.
www.callforhelpinc.org 618-397-0968
Comprehensive crisis and other services in Metro East. The phone is only answered between 8:00 am-5:00 pm.
CITY OF ST. LOUIS OFFICIAL WEBSITE
www.stlouis-mo.gov/
COMMUNITY ACTION AGENCY OF ST. LOUIS COUNTY
2709 Woodson Road, Overland, MO 63114
www.caastlc.org 314-863-0015
A Community Action Agency providing low-income people with emergency and crisis intervention services.
Housing assistance, veterans support, weatherization, GED, employment development, more.
COMMUNITY WOMEN AGAINST HARDSHIP
3963 West Belle Place 63112
www.cwah.org 314-289-7523
Many anti-poverty family and youth based programs.
CATHOLIC CHARITIES
www.ccstl.org 314-367-5500
Many programs and services.
CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT HOTLINES
800-392-3738 (inside MO) or 573-751-3448 (outside MO)
CHILD SUPPORT HOTLINE
www.dss.mo.gov/child-support 800-859-7999
Child Support provides a variety of services, from the establishment of paternity and child support orders to the enforcement and modification of child support orders.
CHURCH PANTRIES
Many churches offer hot meals and sandwiches, operate food pantries and provide other services through parishes located throughout the city. To find the location nearest you, call 2-1-1. www.211helps.org. And the St. Vincent de Paul locator can provide information about pantries.
COOL DOWN/HEAT UP ST. LOUIS
cooldownstlouis.org
COVER MISSOURI (The Health Insurance Marketplace)
www.covermissouri.org 800-318-2596
A project of the Missouri Foundation for Health (MFH) to promote quality, affordable health coverage for every Missourian.
CRISIS TEXT LINE: Text “GO” to 741-741
www.crisistextline.org/textline/
Crisis Text Line serves young people (and others) in any type of crisis, providing access to free, 24/7, emotional support and information. A live, trained specialist receives the text and responds quickly. Nationwide.
DOLLAR HELP/UTILITY ASSISTANCE
www.dollarhelp.org
This website will take you to locations and phone numbers of agencies offering utility assistance.
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
MISSOURI COALITION AGAINST DOMESTIC & SEXUAL VIOLENCE
CLICK HERE for an extensive listing of resources for women who have been, (or are) victims of assault or domestic violence. A statewide network of community-based programs and individuals providing shelter, support and advocacy to battered women and their children.
CLICK TO EMPOWER
Financial and other resources.
www.clicktoempower.org
MAYO CLINIC.
www.mayoclinic.org
Domestic violence information and resources.
ENERGYCARE
www.energycare.org 314-773-5900
Energycare provides a variety of services for low-income seniors (60+), people living with chronic illnesses and disabilities, and families with children under five.
GRACE HILL
The Grace Hill Settlement organization offers a wide variety of services and programs throughout the St. Louis area. You can get more information by going to their website at www.gracehill.org.
AFFINIA/GRACE HILL NEIGHBORHOOD HEALTH CENTERS
For an appointment, call 314-814-8700. For more information, call the main number at 314-898-1700.
MISSOURI HOMELESS SHELTERS AND SOCIAL SERVICES
www.HomelessShelterDirectory.org
KANSAS CITY AREA HOMELESS SHELTERS, PANTRIES, TRANSITIONAL HOUSING AND LINKS TO RESOURCES
HOMELESS HOTLINE (KANSAS CITY AREA)
816-474-4599
GREATER KANSAS CITY COALITION TO END HOMELESSNESS
www.hscgkc.org/
HOUSING HELPLINE: 314-802-5444 (ST. LOUIS AREA)
This is an important phone number. Most (not all) of the shelters in town will tell you that you need to be referred by the Housing Hotline, so you can save yourself some time by calling the above number to start the process.
HUMAN TRAFFICKING
National Human Trafficking Resource Center:
www.traffickingresourcecenter.org 1-888-373-7888 Text BeFree (233733)
HUNGER HOTLINE
www.operationfoodsearch.org Operation Food Search: 314-726-5355 Ext. 3
This organization provides an automated list of food pantries by zip code. You'll be directed to put in your zip code, and they'll give a list of all of the pantries in your area. Have a pen and paper ready. They have more locations than we are able to list here.
ILLINOIS SHELTER HOTLINE
618-397-5730
MID-EAST AREA ON AGING
www.agingmissouri.org 636-207-0847 or 636-207-1323
MISSOURI HEALTH CARE MARKETPLACE
www.EnrollMissouri.org 24-Hour Hotline: 800-318-2596
Hotline handles consumer questions and starts the process. The EnrollMissouri website is a portal to the HealthCare.gov website.
NATIONAL ALLIANCE FOR MENTAL HEALTH (NAMI)
Nation-wide Suicide Prevention
www.nami.org HOTLINE number: 800-273-8255
The NAMI website provides resources and information about mental illness.
NATIONAL DOMESTIC VIOLENCE HOTLINES
800-799-SAFE (7233) or 800-787-3224
NATIONAL HOPELINE NETWORK
www.hopeline.com Hotline: 1-800-SUICIDE
Offers hope and advice to those in deep emotional pain considering suicide.
NATIONAL SEXUAL ASSAULT
800-656-HOPE (4673)
NEEDYMEDS.ORG
Drug card for those who qualify, plus many other sources of information and listing of statewide clinics
This link takes you to a page of free or low cost clinics throughout the state of Missouri
PARAQUAD
www.paraquad.org 314-289-4200
Advocacy and programs to provide independence for people with disabilities.
PARENT LINK WARM LINE
www.parentlink.missouri.edu 1-800-552-8522 En Español 1-888-460-0008 or submit a question online.
To call locally: 573-882-7321.
A resource for Missouri families and professionals serving families. For all parents and caregivers, including relative caregivers, foster and adoptive parents, military parents, as well as a range of providers working with families. Also, incarcerated parents and grandparents. Offices located in Columbia, MO.
PEOPLE'S COMMUNITY ACTION CORPORATION
Several locations.
www.pcacstl.org/pcac
Many services, including food pantries, employment and training programs, computer labs and emergency assistance.
SAFE CONNECTIONS
24-hour abuse hotline: 314-531-2003
2165 Hampton Avenue 63139
314-646-7500 x101 | 24-Hour Crisis Helpline: 314-531-2003
www.safeconnections.org
Safe Connections offers a domestic and sexual abuse 24-hour helpline, (not intended for child abuse cases), and
counseling and support groups for victims of domestic abuse, dating violence, sexual assault or rape. All these services are for ages 12 and up. Also, prevention education workshops and discussion groups for middle and high school students.
ST. LOUIS COUNTY GOVERNMENT WEBSITE
www.stlouisco.com
ST. LOUIS COUNTY HOMELESS HOTLINE: 314-802-5444 or 866-802-7155
ST. PATRICK CENTER
www.stpatrickcenter.org 314-802-0700
Learn more about the many services offered in this one downtown location.
ST. LOUIS YOUTH CONNECTION
www.youthinneed.org
24 hour Help line: 314-628-2929 or 877-928-2929 Text: 4HLP to 31658
Outreach, emergency housing, mental health and more.
SOCIAL SECURITY OFFICE (Downtown)
717 N. 16th 63103
314-621-2704
For a location near you, visit: www.socialsecurityhop.com
A website for shelters and resources in out-state Missouri.
VETERANS AFFAIRS MEDICAL CENTER
Jefferson Barracks Division
#1 Jefferson Barracks Dr. 63125
www.veteranscrisisline.net/
Crisis Line: 800-273-8255 Press 1.
Text 838255 to get help now.
YOUTH CONNECTION HELPLINES
St. Louis County (19 and younger) 314-628-2929: text 4HLP to 31658
St. Louis City (18 and younger) 314-485-4635; text 2TALK to 31658
St. Charles County (19 and younger) 636-642-0642; text BSAFE to 31658
Franklin County (19 and younger) 844846-2501; text 4CARE to 31658
These helplines assist youth in crisis and help identify no-cost mental health services for youth.
YOUTH IN NEED:
If you are a youth in crisis, you can access help 24 hours a day.
In St. Louis County, call the St. Louis County Youth Connection Helpline at 314-628-2929.
In St. Charles County, call the St. Charles County Youth Connection Helpline at 636-642-0642.
In St. Louis City, call Youth In Need's 24-Hour Help Line at 636-946-3771.
YWCA St. Louis Regional Sexual Assault Center
Hotline: 314-531-7273
Phone: 314-726-6665