What's Happening at Employment Connection: June 2026
- Employment Connection
- Jul 9
- 3 min read
The heat doesn't slow down Team EC! See what we've been up to at Employment Connection over the last month!
Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, 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.
World of Work
World of Work, our cornerstone job readiness training program, continues to grow! Halfway through 2026, 743 clients have graduated from World of Work—an amazing 50 percent increase over this time last year! We're also seeing graduation rates climb well above 90 percent! We're extremely proud of our graduating clients and our dedicated staff and board members who help them take this vital first step toward self-sufficiency and success.
Green Jobs Update
After tryouts at Fresh Starts Community Garden with master gardener Ms. Rosie Willis, the Summer 2026 Green Jobs cohort is in session! The clients will be working through the Roots of Success curriculum, OSHA and CPR certifications, and plenty of hands-on training. One of the group's first excursions was to the College Hill Lavender Garden.
University Crossing Construction
Incredible progress continues at University Crossing, the 60-unit mixed-income development adjacent to the North Hanley MetroLink Station. The development is a partnership between Employment Connection and Bywater Development Group and will feature a new Employment Connection satellite office to better serve our North County clients. We're still on track for completion this fall!
Interested in leasing a new one-, two-, or three-bedroom unit complete with the latest in modern housing amenities? Contact Sal Martinez today at martinezs@employmentstl.org.
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 June 2026, we have approved 180 applicants and disbursed over $241,137 to renters displaced from their homes by the tornado in May of 2025 and/or by the City’s Building Division condemning their rental unit for occupancy.
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.
Senior Services
Our Senior Services program is getting rave reviews!
I wanted to extend my heartfelt gratitude and thanks to Employment Connection and staff for their senior lawn services. This program is an extreme blessing to me, particularly while I'm experiencing a torn ACL. The Brake Lawn Service team is doing an amazing job and is consistent in upkeep. Please continue this program as it is an absolute blessing to the senior community. Again, thank you!!! —Delores
The Senior Services program offers home maintenance services, including lawn mowing, cleanup, and minor repairs, to City of St. Louis seniors, helping them stay up to code and age safely and comfortably in their own homes. We are currently serving 77 seniors in our Senior Services program and have space for a few more clients—for more information, call us at (314) 333-5627.
Consumer Thursdays
Employment Connection CEO Sal Martinez joined the Consumers Council of Missouri to talk workforce development, economic opportunity, second chances, and the resources Employment Connection offers to help individuals and families build a stronger future. Check out the video here.
WashU Volunteers
Over 30 amazing volunteers from Washington University in St. Louis’s Advancement Department recently joined us to help us clean and organize our headquarters this week. They also attended our latest World of Work graduation ceremony and cheered on our clients as they achieved this great milestone!
Fresh Starts Garden Annual Celebration
Our partners at the Fresh Starts Community Garden are hosting their annual Garden Celebration in August! Share a meal, meet the gardeners, and explore the garden. To RSVP to this free event, contact Sal Martinez at (314) 941-4746 or Rosie Willis at (314) 685-5183.
EC Out and About
EC staffers Charles and Latisha were among those who won Cardinal baseball tickets for a game celebrating Dred Scott and his many contributions to our country!
There's much more going on at Employment Connection! Make sure to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, 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.
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