What's Happening at Employment Connection: January 2026

We're off to a strong start in 2026! Take a look at just some of the excitement happening at Employment Connection!

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North City Corridor Services OfficeGrand Opening

We're excited to open our new satellite office at 5504 Natural Bridge and bring our services closer to North Side residents! Meet the team, enjoy free food and drinks, win prizes, hear from special guests, and more!

We'll have plenty of information to share about our World of Work job readiness training, housing services, paid training opportunities, and other programs to help our North St. Louis neighbors break down barriers and find their paths to success!

We are pleased to report that former EC staff member Charles Hatley has returned to manage our new North City Corridor Services initiative! EC’s former Cure Violence team, which was managed by Charles, served the Wells-Goodfellow and Hamilton Heights neighborhoods.

Friday, February 6th, 1pm–4pm

5504 Natural Bridge at Belt

Impacted Tenants Fund

Employment Connection, in partnership with the City of St. Louis Department of Human Services and the City’s Building Division, launched the Impacted Tenants Fund in late fall of 2025. As of the end of January 2026, we have approved 73 applicants and disbursed $96,259 for renters displaced from their homes by the tornado in May 2025.

If you or someone you know has been forced to relocate due to storm damage or condemnation, visit the City's website to learn more about the Impacted Tenants Fund. 

University Crossing Update

Construction is moving along quickly at University Crossing! This mixed-use, transit-oriented development at the North Hanley MetroLink Station is a partnership between Bywater Development Group and Employment Connection. It will include 60 modern apartments along with a satellite Employment Connection office to better serve our North County clients. We're on track to complete construction this fall!

Breaking Down Barriers

An eager group of students has begun training as Certified Nursing Assistants with Specialty Medical Group! The training is part of the Breaking Down Barriers program, a partnership between Employment Connection, ARCHS, and the Missouri Department of Social Services that provides training and placement opportunities for young adults.

Solar Panel Installation Training Starts Soon

Our next Solar Panel Installation Training session starts soon, and registration is full! Another cohort will begin this summer, and you can get paid while you receive hands-on training and certifications to prepare you for a career in solar energy, a fast-growing and sustainable industry!

Contact Shantel today to learn more and register: TownsS@employmentstl.org or (314) 333-5619.

Join the Next Green JobsTraining Cohort

Our next Green Jobs training cohort starts classes soon—PAID training to prepare you for to join the fast-growing Green Workforce! We provide hands-on training in the field that can help you launch a career in conservation, landscaping, agriculture, and other sustainable, eco-friendly lines of work.

Contact Shantel today to learn more and register: TownsS@employmentstl.org or (314) 333-5619.

World of Work in 2026

After an amazing 2025, our World of Work job readiness training program is off to a strong start in 2026! Last year, 948 graduates completed World of Work, and we hope to continue growing the program this year!

Ticket To Work

Calling all SSI and Social Security Disability recipients! Would you like to:

• Increase your monthly income?

• Explore your work options?

• Keep your Medicare/Medicaid benefits?

• Set goals and find personal fulfillment?

Employment Connection offers free services to help you find meaningful work through Social Security's Ticket To Work program! Contact us today to find out how we can help. Contact Lisa Cross-Shelton at SheltonL@employmentstl.org or (314) 333-5647.

 MWS Is Hiring!

Looking for a job that leads to a career? Start here!

MWS is now hiring for housekeeping positions at a St. Louis healthcare facility. These are full-time positions with the potential to be permanently hired by a leading area healthcare provider!

Pay starts at $15/hour with extra pay for weekend shifts and weekly paychecks! Visit MWSstl.com to apply now!

Senior Services Update

Brenda, a participant in our Senior Services program, is active and on the go! Her model is to keep it moving, stay active, and be involved in your community. 

When her Silver Sneakers membership at the local YMCA expired, she decided to build a track around her property, which she utilizes regularly. She has been active with the North Newstead Association for years and currently sits on the Board of Directors. She is active with the Black Aging Artist theater group, promotes their productions, and serves on their Board of Directors. She also serves on the board of the O’Fallon Community Development Corp. Later this week, she is joining a line dancing class! Shout out to Brenda!

EC Out and About

Team EC staffer Tammy (right) checked in at the Homeless Community Outreach Resource Fair in East St. Louis this month!

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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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