What's Happening at Employment Connection: October 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.

University Crossing Groundbreaking

Employment Connection and Bywater Development Group officially broke ground on University Crossing, a transformative, transit-oriented mixed-use development at the North Hanley Transit Center!

With an investment of $20 million, the University Crossing development will introduce 60 new mixed-income residential units designed to meet the needs of the St. Louis regional workforce. The development will also contain a new satellite office for Employment Connection to better serve our clients in North County.

Speakers at the event included several elected officials, civic leaders, and Employment Connection Board President Richard Buckley.

Thank you to the development team, funding partners, elected officials, and partner organizations who have helped to make this project a reality that will strengthen the North County community and St. Louis region!

Fall Resource and Employment Fair

Over 200 guests attended our Fall Fest Employment and Resource Fair this week, where they engaged with a significant number of employers and received complimentary items from our clothing closet and client market.

Thanks to STLARCHS for their support of our Career Services department, and kudos to Karla and her Career Services team and the entire staff of Team EC for hosting a great event!

Team EC Meets United Way Campaign Goal

Once again, Employment Connection staff met the call to support United Way during our annual United Way Giving Campaign. This year, we exceeded our $10,000 pledge goal with 100% employee participation! Our team understands the essential role the United Way of Greater St. Louis plays in maintaining the safety net that serves the St. Louis area through agencies like ours. We're proud to give back!

Young Friends of Employment Connection TopGolf Happy Hour

Young professionals: Come meet the Young Friends of Employment Connection! We're getting together on Tuesday, 11/18, at TopGolf in Midtown for fun, food, drinks, and a mission: to break down barriers for people with limited opportunities.

Learn more about Employment Connection and how you can join the Young Friends to amplify the mission, expand networks, and make connections that provide a hand up to people in need across St. Louis.

This event is free! RSVP now at bit.ly/ectopgolf 

Tuesday, November 18th, 5:30pm–7:30pm

TopGolf St. Louis at 3201 Chouteau

Green Jobs Update

Our fall 2025 cohort of Green Jobs clients has been busy! They've taken on projects at the College Hill Lavender Garden, worked with Forest ReLeaf and the Green City Coalition in Wells-Goodfellow, learned CPR skills, and received training from Great Rivers Greenway and MSD at Forest Park. The program continues through November, when these clients graduate and pursue exciting career opportunities in the growing Green Jobs Workforce! 

United For Families

Ms. Crafton commenced her professional journey with Employment Connection by participating in World of Work, during which she earned two credentials in employment readiness and financial literacy. In addition, she qualified for the United for Families (UFF) program by residing in the St. Louis County area and having a child enrolled in elementary school.

Despite encountering significant challenges following the loss of her job and experiencing medical issues that hindered her ability to work, Ms. Crafton remains steadfast and committed. She actively seeks and implements guidance from her Career Specialist at Employment Connection, demonstrating her dedication to her job search.

Unlike many individuals who may experience fatigue during their job search, Ms. Crafton articulates her objective clearly, stating, "I am seeking a career, not just regular employment." During her enrollment in the ASSET program, she demonstrated a strong interest in green jobs and subsequently applied and was accepted into Employment Connection's Green Jobs Program after a successful tryout. Since then, Ms. Crafton has pursued her goals with determination.

As of October 1, 2025, Ms. Crafton has achieved employment as a pharmacy technician at Walgreens. Furthermore, she is concurrently enrolled in a pharmacy technician course while fulfilling her responsibilities at Walgreens. Ms. Crafton has expressed that she has discovered a new skill set and a passion for assisting others in her role. She aspires to advance her career further by eventually becoming a pharmacy technician manager. Our wraparound support for Ms. Crafton was made possible by United For Families, funded by the United Way of Greater St. Louis.

World of Work Update

Through the end of October, 808 graduates have completed our World of Work job readiness training! 91% of participants complete the training, a significant increase over previous years. With participants determined to overcome barriers to success and staff dedicated to helping them succeed, we're on track to meet our goal of 900 graduates in 2025!

Trunk or Treat at Employment Connection

Employment Connection hosted a Trunk or Treat Halloween celebration at our Market Street headquarters! We were delighted to welcome both new and existing clients and their families and to see folks of all ages get in the Halloween spirit with costumes, candy, and community connections.

EC Out and About

Dennis joined other EC team members at the Diamond Divas Domestic Violence Awareness Rally and Walk in The Grove!

DOCY Program Manager Carlette attended Dutchtown Autumn Chill, a neighborhood celebration of community, health, and well-being.

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.