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WOW Update
Through February, over 120 clients have graduated from our World of Work job readiness training! We're on track to meet our beat figures from last year, when we shattered all of our previous attendance and graduation previous records. It's so exciting to see these clients from all walks of life take this key first step towards self-sufficiency and a successful future!
Additional congratulations are in order as our most recent class of graduates was led by Tyrese (top row, third from left), who was recently promoted from Career Specialist to Lead World of Work Facilitator!
Meet Green Jobs Manager Shantel
Hello! I'm Shantel Towns, and I'm thrilled to introduce myself as the new Manager of Green Jobs. With over a decade of experience in the nonprofit and social service sector, I am deeply committed to driving meaningful change in our communities. This May will mark my 6-year anniversary with the agency, and over the years, I've had the privilege of working alongside incredible teams and dedicated individuals to uplift those in need, particularly the unhoused.
In my new role as Manager of Green Jobs, I am excited about the endless possibilities for growth and innovation. I’m passionate about creating sustainable solutions that not only empower individuals but also foster a sense of belonging and opportunity. I'm eager to help our clients build brighter futures and take advantage of the many opportunities ahead.
Outside of work, I love indulging in my passions for shopping, traveling to new destinations, and creating lasting memories with my family. Every moment is an opportunity to learn, grow, and connect, and I carry that same enthusiasm and drive into my work each day. I'm dedicated to making a difference and can’t wait to see where this new chapter with Green Jobs takes us all!
Green Jobs Update
Applicants for our spring Green Jobs cohort braved the frigid temperatures and joined the legendary Rosie L. Willis at Fresh Starts Community Garden in February! Ms. Willis warmly greeted everyone and instructed them on how to help prepare the garden for its 2025 grand opening.
Ms. Willis is a recognized master gardener and also invited each participant to join the garden this year in order to receive fresh and organic vegetables that they themselves can plant and harvest. Because of Ms. Willis, the Fresh Starts Community Garden is a valued training site for our Green Jobs program and we appreciate its continued support of our programs!
Chayla's Success Story
Our WIOA client Chayla was recently hired as a Medical Assistant Trainee at Horizon Foot and Ankle Institute. She did such an excellent job that after two weeks, she was asked to stay on full-time! With permanent employment and good pay, Chayla was able to sign a lease on a new apartment! Way to go Chayla!
Charmaine Chapman Society Volunteers
Members of the United Way's Charmaine Chapman Leadership Society volunteered during the month of February to help us organize our client clothing closet! The Charmaine Chapman Society is the premier Black Leadership initiative in the nation, with more than 800 members. We're thankful for their efforts and the ongoing partnership of United Way of Greater St. Louis!
Legal Resources Fair
On Wednesday, March 12th, we're hosting our Spring Legal Resource Fair at our Market Street headquarters. The fair provides opportunities for clients to resolve outstanding parking tickets and warrants and learn about "second chance" job opportunities for justice-involved individuals.
Employment Connection was founded in 1977 to provide opportunities for people with criminal records to turn their lives around, avoid recidivism, and stay on track through employment. We're proud to offer second chances to these members of our community and help guide them on their path to self-sufficiency and a brighter future!
CMT Talking Transit
Employment Connection CEO Sal Martinez will join Citizens for Modern Transit at their next Talking Transit panel on April 2nd. He'll be joined by Aaron Burnett, president of Bywater Development Group and EC's partner on the University Crossing transit-oriented development project at the North Hanley Transit Center. The project will feature 60 mixed-income apartments, a new satellite office for Employment Connection, and tons of amenities, all within easy access of transit, jobs, educational opportunities, and more!
The session is free to attend, but registration is required. Click here to register.
EC Out and About
Carlette, Angela, and Nora represented Team EC at St. Louis Business Journal's Mentoring Monday event at Missouri Botanical Garden! Mentors at the event include Michelle Tucker, President and CEO of United Way of Greater St. Louis Alana Green, Owner, Community Development Solutions, LLC, and Kristen Sorth, Director and CEO, St. Louis County Library.
Our Dutchtown Opportunity Coalition for Youth Team attended the Office of Violence Prevention's OVP Kickback at the Gamble Recreation Center, and they also met with staff from OVP along with our partners at Thomas Dunn Learning Center.
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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