What's Happening at Employment Connection: August 2025

We’ve been busy at Employment Connection! Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn for all of the latest info on our programs and events. And if you're not already receiving our monthly newsletter in your inbox, click here to sign up.

Green Jobs Update

Our Summer 2025 Green Jobs Program cohort graduated in August! Following the ceremony, graduates attended a special job fair to meet prospective employers in the Green Jobs industry. We'll continue to work with the graduates to help them continue their journeys along this exciting new career path!

Special guest speakers at the graduation ceremony included Rosie Willis of Fresh Starts Community Garden, Richard Reilly and Jean Ponzi of Missouri Botanical Garden, Pat Dalton of St. Louis Community College, and Josh Ward of Great Rivers Greenway.

Prior to graduation, the Green Jobs clients recently toured the Brickline Greenway project with staff from Great Rivers Greenway! They were wowed by the extensive improvements being made across the street from our Market Street headquarters and also learned about different employment opportunities that exist within the green industry. Special thanks to GRG Project Manager, Kuleya Bruce, for leading the tour, and to Josh Ward, GRG’s Conservation Program Manager, for helping to facilitate this activity for our clients and for being a long-time supporter of this program. For more information on the Brickline Greenway project, please visit greatriversgreenway.org/brickline/

Fall Employment and Resource Fair

Mark your calendar for our Fall Resource & Employment Fair on October 9th! Our annual fall fair features local employers interviewing and hiring on-site, including second-chance employment opportunities for people previously incarcerated or participating in re-entry programs. We'll also have information on our job training, education, housing, and youth programs, and attendees can also pick up household needs and professional attire from our Client Marketplace. Make sure to bring copies of your résumé and dress sharp!

World of Work Update

Through August of 2025, we've had 638 clients complete our World of Work job readiness training program! 91% of participants have graduated successfully, and we're delighted to see both the number of participants and the overall graduation rate continue to climb this year!

Congratulations Tammy!

Congratulations to Tammy, our new Manager of Young Adult Services! This brand-new program offers employment training and wraparound services specifically designed for individuals aged 18 to 24. The clients for this program will be referred to us by our partners from the St. Louis Circuit Attorney's Diversion Unit. This new initiative has been made possible through funding support from The City of St. Louis, by and through its Department of Public Safety and Office of Violence Prevention.

Tammy comes from our WIOA Team, where she gained extensive experience working with youth and young adults. She's a great fit to launch this new effort, and we're excited to see it take off!

Solar Panel Installation Training Program

Our latest Solar Panel Installation Training cohort started their training in August! Staff from The Midwest Renewable Energy Association (MREA) introduced our clients to the expanding world of solar energy and its many applications.

For more information on how to register for this PAID training course in the future, please contact us at (314) 333-5619.

 Senior Services Update

Our Senior Services program continues to receive rave reviews from our clients, as we are now providing free mowing services for over 75 families this summer! We love helping our clients like Ms. Brown (pictured) maintain and beautify their homes!

Fresh Starts Annual Dinner

Employment Connection was proud to sponsor the 16th annual Fresh Starts Community Garden dinner! Guests enjoyed dinner, drinks, and a fun-filled evening at the garden located in JeffVanderLou and managed by our long-time friend and partner, Ms. Rosie Willis. Special guests in attendance included Mayor Cara Spencer, Alderwoman Laura Keys, Alderman Rasheen Aldridge, and former Alderman Dan Guenther.

Clinton Peabody Back-to-School

We were also excited to sponsor the Back-to-School event for families in the historic Clinton-Peabody housing development. Our sponsorship allowed young residents to get free, fresh haircuts for the new school year!

Out and About

Sarah, Sal, Mike, and Lisa attended the recent 2025 State of the St. Louis Workforce at St. Louis Community College–Meramec to learn about current trends in the region's economy and workforce. Thanks to STLCC for hosting this informative annual event!

Brenda Mahr, our former CEO and current board member, has been busy once again collecting new socks for us to distribute to our clients. Thank you, Ms. Mahr!

There's much more going on at Employment Connection! Make sure to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn to stay up to date with all of our programs and events in St. Louis City, St. Louis County, and St. Clair County.

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