top of page

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.

​

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 that commitment, we believe we are a part of a team that is mutually shared by ALL.

 

We welcome everyone regardless of race, color, age, religion, sex, familial status, disability, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation (real or perceived),national origin or ancestry.

 

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 more inclusive community

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

  • Homeless Individuals

  • Veterans

  • Ex-Offenders

  • TANF and Food Stamp Recipients

  • High School Dropouts

  • Legal Immigrants

  • Non-Custodial Fathers

  • Adults with Literacy Deficiencies

  • Women on Welfare

OUR TEAM

Sal Martinez Chief Executive Officeqr.jp

Sal Martinez

Chief Executive Officer

David Kessel Executive Vice President an

David Kessel

Executive VP & COO

Nora Davis Finance Director.jpg

Nora Davis

Director of Finance

Karla Humphrey.jpg

Karla Humphrey

Manager of

Career Services

Michael McCoy Co-Manager of MWS an Ticke

Michael McCoy

Co-Manager of MWSstl, TTW, Career Services

lisa cross shelton.jpg

Lisa Shelton

Co-Manager of MWSstl, Ticket To Work

Christina Brewington.jpg

Christina Brewington

Co-Manager of Client and Housing Services

Andrea Lewis Co-Manager of Housing& Clie

Andrea Lewis

Co-Manager of Housing and Client Services

sara brown.jpg

Sara McCray

Manager of WIOA

Umi headshot.jpg

Umama "Umi" Khenissi

Manager of

Section 3 Program

angela pitts_edited.jpg

Angela Pitts

Manager of Operations

Caitlyn-Dorion-cropped.jpg

Caitlyn Dorion

Manager,

Dutchtown Opportunity Coalition for Youth

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

OFFICERS

unnamed-13.jpg

Richard E. Buckley

President

​

Brian Davies

Vice President

​

Steven M. Fiamingo

Treasurer

​

Elicia Eskew

Secretary

​

Brenda Mahr

Past CEO

DIRECTORS

Christopher Forbringer

 

Kem Mosley

​

Kendra Moore

​

Tyler Olsen

​

Melva Pete

​

Lisa Shelley

​

Justin King

​

Antonio Dansberry, Jr.

​

Mark Marifian

Anchor 1

OUR ADVISORY COUNCIL:

  • ARCHS

  • BASIC

  • Catholic Charities Housing Resource Center

  • Center for Life Solutions

  • Center for Women in Transition

  • Christian Friends for New Americans

  • Criminal Justice Ministry

  • Division of Workforce Development

  • Family Support Network

  • Father's Support Center

  • Gateway Free and Clean

  • Gateway Homeless Services

  • Gateway Parents Support Group Healthline

  • Hope House

  • Humanitri

  • Justine Peterson

  • Loaves and Fishes

  • The Moorish Science Temple of America, Inc.

  • Neighborhood Outreach Center

  • New Beginnings

  • Oasis International Ministires

  • Offender Workforce Development

  • Our Lady's Inn

  • Preferred Family Healthcare

  • Project Cope

  • Providence Inn

  • Queen of Peace

  • Raven

  • Salvation Army Rehabilitation Center

  • Soaring Spirit Ministries

  • St. Louis Community Release Center

  • Timothy Eveangelical Lutheran Church

  • United States Probation and Parole

  • Urban League

  • Wesley House

  • Women's Safe House

  • Youth Empowerment Services

  • YWCA

bottom of page