What's Happening at Employment Connection: May 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.

Storm Recovery Efforts

Team EC continued to support storm recovery efforts this week by lending a hand at the O'Fallon Park Rec Complex, where community organizations continue to gather resources to assist victims of last month's devastating tornado.

We have also had the opportunity to provide some small emergency home repairs in the College Hill neighborhood through our Senior Services program. Through the coordination efforts of retired Team EC member Calvin, we’ve been able to triage damage and help seniors stay safe in their homes.

Additionally, we have been supporting our community partners, including the North Newstead Association, who owns several hundred units of affordable housing in North St. Louis that sustained significant tornado damage. They have had to relocate a number of their tenants because of the damage and we will continue to donate water, hygiene items, and other supplies to help meet the needs of their displaced residents.

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. You can also make a tax-deductible financial contribution at this link.

World of Work

 Our World of Work job readiness training program continues to grow! Through May of 2025, 382 clients have graduated from World of Work—a 20% increase over 2024. We're excited to see these clients take this important first step on their path to self-sufficiency and we look forward to seeing what's next for them!

Updates from MWS

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 $14/hour with extra pay for weekend shifts and weekly paychecks! Visit MWSstl.com to apply now!

Upcoming Green Jobs Training

Our next Green Jobs Program training cohort launches soon! This paid training program includes certifications and job placement assistance to help clients land a career in conservation, agriculture, landscaping, and other sustainable, environmentally-friendly fields.

To find out more, contact Shantel Towns at townss@employmentstl.org or (314) 333-5619.

Solar Panel Installation Training

We've also got another cohort of our Solar Panel Installation Training program starting this summer! Participants receive paid training as they prepare for a career in a growing, sustainable industry.

To find out more, contact Shantel Towns at townss@employmentstl.org or (314) 333-5619.

Larry Brooks, a graduate of our Solar Panel Installation Training program, took the skills he learned in the program and now operates What Matters Most Construction. He's also been using his time and talents to help seniors repair tornado damage to their homes. We couldn't be more proud of this graduate!

DOCY Summer Sessions

The Dutchtown Opportunity Coalition for Youth is partnering with Tiny Postcards Counseling & Creative Arts to offer nature-based art therapy sessions for South Side kids ages 6–12! These monthly sessions are free, with all art supplies as well as snacks provided. Click here to register.

EC Out and About

Sal and Christina met with members of The Church of Jesus Chris of Latter-day Saint about increasing their critical in-kind donations that help us stock our client market!

WIOA Team Member Tammy attended the Ferguson Teen Resource Fair to share information about our education and employment programs for young people!

Services in Illinois

Did you know? Employment Connection offers services on both sides of the river! St. Clair County residents can take advantage of our World of Work job readiness training program, as well as additional career services and other programs, without having to cross the Mississippi. Call Tamara Williams at (618) 875-8665 for more info.

Give STL Day 2025

With the generous contributions of 30 donors, we were able to exceed our $5,000 goal for Give STL Day! This year's funds will be allocated to supporting our World of Work, Housing, and Behavioral Health Counseling programs. Thank you all for your generosity!

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.