What's Happening at Employment Connection: May 2026

Things are heating up as we head into summer! See what we've been up to at Employment Connection!

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World of Work

As of May 31st, 609 clients have completed our World of Work job readiness training program—that's an increase of nearly 60% since this time last year! 92% of participants in our cornerstone program complete the course, and we're proud of each and every graduate who takes this essential first step toward self-sufficiency and success!

DOCY Summer Events

Our DOCY team hosted a great event at Marquette Park last week, featuring archery, video games, a live DJ, and other fun activities! 

Coming up this weekend, join DOCY at Marquette Park for free food, attendance prizes, games, and music! We'll also have info about more upcoming youth events, summer job opportunities, and tons of resources for young people ages 10–17 in Dutchtown, Gravois Park, Mount Pleasant, and Marine Villa.

For more info about this and other upcoming DOCY events, contact Carlette at SmithC@employmentstl.org or (314) 766-2853.

Solar Panel Installation Training Graduation

Team EC was excited to celebrate the graduation of 15 clients from our Spring 2026 Solar Panel Installation Training program this week! These wonderful performers earned their OSHA-10 certification, along with certificates of completion for Photovoltaic 100, 101, and 201!

Our work now transitions to assist them in securing careers in the rapidly growing solar energy industry! We congratulate Shantel, our Manager of Green Jobs, Tammy, our Manager of Young Adult Services, and our entire team for making sure that this was a positive experience for everyone!

Housing Updates

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 May 2026, we have approved 162 applicants and disbursed over $221,000 for renters displaced from their homes by either the tornado that occurred in May of 2025, and/or because their rental unit was condemned for occupancy by the City’s Building Division.

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.

The Missouri Housing Development Commission has made disaster recovery funds available to residents of St. Louis City and St. Louis County affected by the May 2025 tornado. Call our office at (314) 333-5627 for more information on accessing assistance. Funds are limited and awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.

University Crossing Construction

Things are really coming together at University Crossing, with construction still on track to be completed this fall! The transit-oriented development, adjacent to the North Hanley Transit Center, and developed in partnership with Bywater Development Group, will bring 60 new mixed-income apartments and an Employment Connection satellite office to North County!

North City Corridor Services

Our North City Corridor Services team is hosting three events near the Natural Bridge office this month! Come meet us, learn about our programs and other resources, and grab a bite to eat on us!

• Friday, June 5th, 3pm–5pm at Imo's Pizza (3441 Union in Schnucks City Plaza)

• Friday, June 12th, 12pm–2pm at Ari's Ice Cream Parlor (5572 Natural Bridge)

• Friday, June 26th, 3pm–5pm at Imo's Pizza in Schnucks City Plaza

For questions about these events or about our North City Corridor Services programs, contact Charles at (314) 499-7209 or HatleyW@employmentstl.org.

Salute to Dutchtown Networking Happy Hour

Join us and the Young Friends of Employment Connection for a Salute to Dutchtown! Our South Side neighbors have been dedicated partners over the years. Come meet neighborhood leaders and learn about what's happening both in Dutchtown and at Employment Connection! We'll have free appetizers and a live DJ, and the first 25 guests to arrive will get a drink on us!

Wednesday, July 1st, 5:30pm–7:30pm at Intertwine Wine Bar, 4710 Virginia Ave. For event and sponsorship information, contact Sal Martinez at MartinezS@employmentstl.org or (314) 333-5622.

EC Out and About

Latisha and Tahvanna joined State Rep. Marty Murray, Jr. at recent St. Louis Battlehawks game as local heroes were celebrated!

Sal brought DOCY participant Jamar to the New Roots Urban Farm to meet founder Antajuan Adams (right side of photo) and Joe, a recent graduate of our Green Jobs training program, who was recently hired to work at the farm!

Shantel (left) and Calvin (right) joined other guests to honor Green Jobs trainer Ms. Rosie Willis (to the left of Calvin) on receiving a Circle of Care Award for her long-standing community service!

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.

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