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
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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
David Kessel
Executive VP & COO
Nora Davis
Director of Finance
Karla Humphrey
Manager of
Career Services
Michael McCoy
Co-Manager of MWSstl, TTW, Career Services
Lisa Shelton
Co-Manager of MWSstl, Ticket To Work
Christina Brewington
Co-Manager of Client and Housing Services
Andrea Lewis
Co-Manager of Housing and Client Services
Sara Brown
Manager of WIOA
Umama "Umi" Khenissi
Manager of
Section 3 Program
Charles Hatley
Wells-Goodfellow/
Hamilton Heights
Violence Prevention
Site Manager
Angela Pitts
Manager of Operations
Caitlyn Dorion
Manager,
Dutchtown Opportunity Coalition for Youth
Christopher "El" Jones
Manager of
Green Jobs
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
OFFICERS
Steven M. Fiamingo
President
Richard E. Buckley
Vice President
Al Sears
Treasurer
Elicia Eskew
Secretary
Brenda Mahr
Past CEO
DIRECTORS
Christopher Forbringer
Trudi M Foushee
Kem Mosley
Brian Davies
Tyler Olsen
Melva Pete
Lisa Shelley
Justin King
Kendra Moore
Bethany Copeland
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
