ABOUT US
OUR
STORY
Employment Connection was founded in 1977 after a study by the Young Lawyers Division of the Bar Association of Metropolitan Saint Louis (BAMSL) discovered that employed ex-offenders were 66% less likely to return to incarceration. Our agency immediately began work to reduce recidivism.
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In 1980, Employment Connection became a full United Way member agency and expanded its service beyond ex-offenders by assisting recovering substance abusers, the homeless, high school dropouts, women on welfare, U.S. veterans, and non-custodial fathers.
Today Employment Connection assists nearly 2,000 individuals who have barriers to employment every year.
Our
Mission
Assisting individuals with limited opportunities
to self-sufficiency.
Core
Values
Employment Connection shall maintain a fundamental commitment to exceptional client service in our community. To accomplish this commitment, we welcome clients of all backgrounds.
We shall provide an environment that encourages the personal growth of both staff and clients and a system that will empower them to meet the employment needs of the people of our community.
We are committed to developing and maximizing resources required to meet our mission.
OUR VISION IS To break down barriers to self-sufficiency, creating a safer and stronger community for everyone
How We Help
JOB TRAINING
Annually, Employment Connection assists over 1,500 people with training, job placement, and supportive services.
HOMELESS ASSISTANCE
Every year, our Housing Case Managers assist 120 homeless individuals and their families into affordable housing.
GAINFUL EMPLOYMENT
We have helped over 4,000 individuals gain employment for 2012-2019
COMMUNITY ASSET
92% of Employment Connection dollars are spent on client programming.
who WE HELP
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Homeless Individuals
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Veterans
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Ex-Offenders
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TANF and Food Stamp Recipients
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High School Dropouts
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Legal Immigrants
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Non-Custodial Fathers
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Adults with Literacy Deficiencies
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Women on Welfare
OUR TEAM
Sal Martinez
Chief Executive Officer
Nora Davis
Chief Financial Officer
Christina Brewington
Director of
Programs
Angela Pitts
Manager of Operations
Karla Humphrey
Manager of
Career Services
Andrea Lewis
Manager of Housing Services
Sarah Robberson
Manager of Client Services
Michael McCoy
Co-Manager of MWSstl, TTW, Career Services
Sara McCray
Manager of WIOA
Lisa Shelton
Co-Manager of MWSstl, Ticket To Work
Carlette S. Smith
Dutchtown Opportunity Coalition for Youth
Program Manager
Shantel Towns
Manager of
Green Jobs
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
OFFICERS
Richard E. Buckley
President
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Brian Davies
Vice President
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Steven M. Fiamingo
Treasurer
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Elicia Eskew
Secretary
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Brenda Mahr
Past CEO
DIRECTORS
Antonio Dansberry, Jr.
Christopher Forbringer
Justin King
Mark Marifian
Kendra Moore
Kem Mosley
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Tyler Olsen
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Melva Pete
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Lisa Shelley
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Micheal Morrow
Washington University Board Fellow
OUR ADVISORY COUNCIL:
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ARCHS
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BASIC
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Catholic Charities Housing Resource Center
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Center for Life Solutions
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Center for Women in Transition
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Christian Friends for New Americans
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Criminal Justice Ministry
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Division of Workforce Development
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Family Support Network
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Father's Support Center
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Gateway Free and Clean
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Gateway Homeless Services
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Gateway Parents Support Group Healthline
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Hope House
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Humanitri
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Justine Peterson
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Loaves and Fishes
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The Moorish Science Temple of America, Inc.
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Neighborhood Outreach Center
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New Beginnings
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Oasis International Ministires
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Offender Workforce Development
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Our Lady's Inn
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Preferred Family Healthcare
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Project Cope
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Providence Inn
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Queen of Peace
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Raven
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Salvation Army Rehabilitation Center
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Soaring Spirit Ministries
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St. Louis Community Release Center
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Timothy Eveangelical Lutheran Church
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United States Probation and Parole
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Urban League
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Wesley House
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Women's Safe House
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Youth Empowerment Services
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YWCA
OUR DOCUMENTS
We are proud to have earned the 2021 Guidestar Platinum SEal of Transparency
