What's Happening at Employment Connection: June 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.

Tornado Recovery Support at the Disaster Assistance Center

Team EC was at the Disaster Assistance Center at Chaifetz Arena every day to help victims of May's devastating tornado by connecting them with services and other assistance to help them on their paths to recovering from the storms.

Earlier in May and June, we supported storm recovery efforts by lending a hand at the O'Fallon Park Rec Complex, where community organizations continued to gather resources to assist tornado victims. Pictured below, we were joined at O'Fallon Park by our partners at Bywater Development Group to help distribute emergency supplies.

We're amazed by the community's response and resilience in the face of this natural disaster and are honored to work alongside the people and groups working tirelessly to support our neighbors and rebuild our city.

If you would like to contribute to storm relief efforts, we are still collecting emergency supplies at our headquarters at 2838 Market Street, Monday through Friday from 9am to 4pm. If you have any questions about the types of donations that are needed, please give us a call at (314) 333-5622.

Updates from Our WIOA Program

Our WIOA team has been extremely engaging in the community this week by attending a recruitment event hosted by St. Louis Job Corps and a Yeah I Built That event sponsored by the Construction Forum. Now that summer has arrived, we have increased our efforts to recruit youth to give them something productive to do this year!

Our WIOA program serves individuals aged 14–24 and provides multiple opportunities, including employment. For more information, please call us at (314) 615-6052.

University Crossing

Christina, Nora, and Sal joined EC board President Richard Buckley and Bywater Development Group’s Stacy Mack to celebrate the construction loan closing of University Crossing. Stay tuned for an announcement of our upcoming groundbreaking ceremony!

DOCY Summer Activities

South Side summer breakers braved the heat to join DOCY, Tiny Postcards, and Create Play Grow for a nature-based art therapy event at the Virginia Avenue Pocket Park! Kids explored the space and facilitators guided them through creative activities to help them get in touch with themselves and the world around them.

There are two more free sessions this summer on July 14th and August 4th, from 10am to 11:30am. All materials and snacks are provided. Message kyle@tiny-postcards.com or 314-246-0877 for more information and to register.

 

Our Next Green Jobs Cohort

We're excited to welcome the next cohort of Green Jobs trainees starting this month! Participants will get hands-on training in the field to prepare them for careers in the growing Green Jobs sector. For information about the program, contact Shantel Towns at townss@employmentstl.org or (314) 333-5619.

Two of our recent Green Jobs Program graduates were hired by a local landscaping firm and found themselves back at EC Headquarters using their green thumbs to beautify the grounds on Market Street!

Summer 2025 Solar Panel Installation Training Program

We'll also be welcoming a new group of trainees to our Solar Panel Installation Training Program this summer! Participants get classroom instruction, hands-on training, and certifications to help them land careers in the booming solar energy industry. For information about our Solar Program, contact Shantel Towns at townss@employmentstl.org or (314) 333-5619.

EC Star of the Month: Dennis Martin

Dennis has been awarded our Star of the Month for June! As a client experienced a mental health crisis at our offices, Dennis went above and beyond the call of duty by assisting them through the situation. Thank you for your dedication and resolve to help others in need!

EC Out and About

EC co-hosted the Paula Foster Day Health Fair at Chambers Park in partnership with the St. Louis Housing Authority, Blumeyer/Renaissance Place Tenant Association, and Covenant Blu Grand Center Neighborhood Association. The fair connected residents with a variety of health and other resources and honored Ms. Paula Foster, president of the Blumeyer Tenant Association and a commissioner of the St. Louis Affordable Housing Commission.

Above, Team EC's Dennis (in white t-shirt) shares the karaoke stage with SLHA Executive Director Latasha Barnes (center). Below, Latisha shares treats with a young neighbor at the fair.

Thanks to the United Way of Greater St. Louis, several of our staff members are participating in professional development training sessions this summer at the WashU Brown School. In June, Team EC managers Sarah and Mike teamed up with other non-profit professionals to learn critical skills.

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.

If you're not already receiving our monthly newsletter in your inbox, click here to sign up.