Introduction by theBoard President and CEO
J.D. LuhningBoard President
Brenda MahrChief Executive Officer
2014: Greater impact through collaboration
Since Employment Connection was founded 37 years ago in 1977, collaboration has been the key to our success. From the very beginning, the founders of the organization under-stood that the barriers facing our clients were many and varied, and there was no way we could break them down alone. Over time we’ve expanded our services to serve more than just ex-offenders. Through partnerships with other service agencies and generous funders in the St. Louis region, we now serve a wide range of individuals and families in need.
In 2014 that trend continued as we expanded our non-stigmatizing behavioral health program, Back to Health, Back to Work, to serve people across the St. Louis Metropolitan Area, including counties in Illinois (More details on page 12). We also welcomed several new partners into our Market Street headquarters, who are now providing invaluable services on-site, increasing the resources available to clients. It’s collaborations like these that allow us to more effectively impact the lives of those we serve.
We can’t thank our collaborative partners enough, and are looking forward to the additional challenges and changes 2015 will bring.
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Employment Connection is a nonprofit St. Louis community asset that breaks down barriers
to self-sufficiency for individuals with limited opportunities. The organization was founded
in 1977 after a study by the Young Lawyers Division of the Bar Association of Metropolitan
Saint Louis (BAMSL) determined employed former offenders were 66% less likely to return to
incarceration. Our agency immediately began work to reduce recidivism in the community.
In 1980, Employment Connection became a full United Way of Greater St. Louis member
agency. Since then, we have expanded our services beyond ex-offenders to assist individuals
recovering from substance abuse, homeless and low-income individuals and families, at-risk
youth, U.S. veterans, new Americans, and non-custodial fathers.
Today Employment Connection assists over
1,500 individuals with significant barriers to
employment every year. Offering more than
just a job, Employment Connection provides
valuable resources, training, and support to
inspire and empower clients to change their
circumstances, become employed, and attain
self-sufficiency.
Our Mission:“To assist individuals with limited opportunities to self-sufficiency.”
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Jami Halloul was released after three years in
prison with a drive to find success. She found
temporary employment working one or two
days a week, but she knew she needed more
to be self-sufficient. Taking that first step, she
enrolled in Employment Connection’s World
of Work job readiness training.
Jami had always been interested in a career
as a Chef, and during job readiness training
she learned about a perfect opportunity: the
ARCHS Reentry Culinary Institute for Female
Ex-Offenders at Forest Park Community College.
When Jami interviewed for the program, she
hadn’t completed a resume yet. What she did
have, however, was a hand-drawn floor plan
for the dream restaurant she planned to own
someday. At the encouragement of her Career
Specialist, Tamara Williams, Jami presented the
floor plan as part of her Institute enrollment
interview and was accepted into the class.
During the culinary training, Jami was an
active, inquisitive participant, studied hard,
Jami Halloul: Dreaming of a 5-Star Future
Missouri Client of the Year
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ARCHS’ Culinary Training Institute connects female
ex-offenders with academic culinary certification and
job training provided by St. Louis Community College.
Employment Connection provides additional wrap-around
supports, including life skills and job placement. This
partnership between ARCHS and the Lutheran Foundation
of St. Louis, allows participants access to career paths as
a chef, head cook, line cook, institutional cook, and more
in the culinary field.
and learned to prepare complex dishes. She enrolled at Forest Park Community College,
working toward a major in Hotel and Restaurant Management, and attained both her
California Food Handler and ServSafe Certifications.
Two weeks after certification,
Jami accepted a position at the
Over/Under Bar and Grill, a
local St. Louis Four Star Restau-
rant. In honor of her fantastic
progress toward self-sufficiency
and overall excellence, Jami
was chosen as Employment
Connection’s 2014 Missouri
Client of the Year.
Jerry Smith: Award-Winning DedicationJerry Smith was referred to Whittnee Jones
through the TANF program at our East St. Louis
satellite location. As a single father, he was
concerned with finding an appropriate work
and training location that would balance with
family life. Jerry was assigned to work on-site
at Employment Connection on the custodial
crew and was recognized almost immediately
as a committed worker.
When Delaware North (at the Ballpark) began
soliciting for seasonal workers Jerry was given
a referral. He applied and was hired and again
recognized as a terrific worker. In fact, during
his first month he was named “player of the
month” in his department. His photo was
also taken with pitcher Joe Kelly. Joe Kelly was
traded soon after, but Jerry Smith remained.
Around that same time, Employment Connec-
tion needed to fill the position of Lead Custo-
dian, and Jerry came to mind immediately.
He was offered and accepted the position. In
addition to working Monday through Friday at
6 | 2 0 1 4 A N N U A L R E P O R T
Illinois Client of the Year
“Employment Connection was
there when I needed them.
They helped me get a job and
get on my feet. As a Dad, I’m
able to provide for my kids, and
that’s just a great feeling.
Employment Connection, he continued
to work at the ballpark. Not long after,
he was recognized as the “rookie of the
year” at Delaware North.
In honor of his achievements, overall excel-
lence, and progress toward self-sufficiency,
Employment Connection recognized Jerry
as the Illinois Client of the Year.
One of the locations where Employment
Connection operates is at Barnes-Jewish
Hospital. The key to keeping that program
running is having a managed work site, with
site supervisors onsite in the workplace
scheduling shifts, handling time sheets,
helping address challenges, and generally
making sure the work gets done. Pamela
Wilson does a wonderful job and has gone
above and beyond, which is why she was
named the 2014 Employee of the Year.
Pamela Wilson
Pictured: (Former) Cardinals Pitcher
Joe Kelly and Illinois Client of the
Year Jerry Smith in 2014.
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Employeeof the Year
2014 Program Outcomes
559 clients secured employment.
Their average starting wage was $8.31 per hour.
62% retained employment for 90+ days.
277 people were placed in permanent housing.
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Competitive Employment Program
Provides job readiness training, life skills, financial literacy, education, case management, job placement, retention, and other supports to assist clients.
Back to Health, Back to Work
Addressing depression, anxiety, PTSD, and other behavioral health disorders in a non-stigmatizing setting to assist clients in finding and retaining employment.
Supportive Housing Programs
Permanent supportive housing, case management, and job training for Disabled Heads of Households in the County and U.S. Veterans in St. Louis City.
East Saint Louis TANF and SNAP ProgramServing families on public assistance by ensuring they receive benefits and job placement services in Illinois.
YouthEmployment Programs
Training, work experience, and job placement for both in and out of school youth assisting with literacy, mentoring, educa-tion, life skills and employment.
Supportive Services for Veterans Families
Services promoting housing stability and self-sufficiency for low-income U.S. Veterans and their families in collabo-ration with St. Patrick Center.
Managed Work Services of Saint Louis
Social enterprise that provides oversight for employment-ready candidates for 90 days, empowering employers to assess aptitude and make informed hiring decisions.
Pathways to Responsible FatherhoodAssisting low-income fathers transition from non-custodial parents into active fathers through parenting classes, education, and employment in collaboration with Fathers’ Support Center.
Pathbuilders Initiative
Services for families to break the cycle of child maltreat-ment and assist them in attaining self-sufficiency, provided in collaboration with Family Resource Center.
How Our Programs Work:Changing Lives One Step at a Time
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1 0 | 2 0 1 4 A N N U A L R E P O R T
At Employment Connection, we believe obtaining
and retaining Employment are the key to reaching
self-sufficiency. However, it’s equally important that
our clients know how to manage their hard-earned
dollars. For this reason, Financial Literacy has always
been a core component of our World of Work career
training curriculum.
St. Louis Community Credit Union has been an invalu-
able partner for many years now, providing account
services for clients interested in opening a bank account.
Experienced, qualified instructors for our Financial
Literacy classes are provided by Prosperity Connection, a
nonprofit founded by St. Louis Community Credit Union.
The classes cover a range of basic Financial Literacy
topics, including financial responsibility, saving, paying
bills, budgeting, credit, managing debt, and more.
In 2014, Bank On Save Up St. Louis became our newest
Financial Literacy partner, providing needed trans-
portation assistance funding to help participants
attending our Financial Literacy classes.
These partnerships provide invaluable training for
the people we serve, helping to ensure they are
able to attain and maintain self-sufficiency. Thank
you so much to our Financial Literacy partners!
Spotlight: Financial Literacy
Managed Work Services is a St. Louis area social enterprise staffing agency which does
much more than just help people find jobs and connect companies with employment
ready entry-level workers. Our revenues recirculate into the community through
education, literacy and training programs, transportation aid, counseling programs,
career assistance, and additional supportive services that positively affect the lives of
area residents. Using Managed Work Services for your hiring needs is both a prudent
business and community investment.
To learn howMWSstl can work for you, contact:
Jesse LaneMWSstl Site SupervisorPhone: (314) 333-5600Email: [email protected]
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Client Services Manager Peggy McKinney has
retired after working at Employment Connection
for 12 years, dedicating her career to helping
others. Peggy assisted countless people in
need during her time at the organization
through program management, providing
direct services, working with volunteers, and
making sure clients received quality services.
“Peggy was an invaluable asset to both Employ-
ment Connection and the clients she helped
every day,” said CEO Brenda Mahr.
Thank you, Peggy, for 12 years of dedicated
service, and enjoy your retirement!
1 2 | 2 0 1 4 A N N U A L R E P O R T
Employment Connection’s “Back to
Health, Back to Work” program was
created to break down the significant
barrier of behavioral health experi-
enced by many of those entering our
Competitive Employment Program.
Built on proven best practices and
research, the program provides point
of entry behavioral health interven-
tion in conjunction with basic social
services, empowering clients to achieve
sustainable progress toward recovery
and self-sufficiency.
The unemployment rate for adults
living with mental illness is three to five
times higher than for those without a
disorder, and many people go undiag-
nosed due to the stigma surrounding
Staff Retirement:Peggy McKinney
Changing Lives Through Collaboration:Expanding Behavioral Health Services
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mental illness. The St. Louis Mental Health
Board generously provided initial funding in
2007 to provide these services to residents
of St. Louis City. Thanks to their ongoing
support, the program has continuously
grown to serve over 400 clients from the
city of St. Louis each year.
The Illinois Division of the United Way of
Greater St. Louis provided funds to expand
services to 50 residents of Clinton, Monroe,
Randolph and St. Clair counties in Illinois
in January 2014. Then, understanding the
need for behavioral health services, the Missouri Foundation for Health stepped up to the
plate and generously became our third collabora-
tive partner on August 1, 2014.
By leveraging funds and outcomes through collective
impact, more than 530 individuals are receiving
behavioral health services each year, increasing
their odds of attaining employment, recovery, and
stability in their lives.
We are immensely grateful to the St. Louis Mental
Health Board, the United Way of Greater St. Louis,
and the Missouri Foundation for Health for their
support and partnership as we work to improve
lives in the St. Louis area.
1 4 | 2 0 1 4 A N N U A L R E P O R T
Board
PRESIDENT
J.D Luhning, Esq.Attorney-at-LawPitzer Snodgrass P.C.
VICE PRESIDENT
Prevost V. FousheeRetiredAnheuser-Busch Inc.
TREASURER
Al SearsDirector, Fixed Income ServicesBuckingham Asset Management
SECRETARY
Roy Anderson, Jr.Local Sales ManagerClear Channel Communications
Richard E. BuckleyGrants Development SpecialistSaint Louis University
Trent B. ChambersRetiredPWC
Karen A. DavisPrincipalCommunity Frameworks, LLC
Bill B. Dorothy II, Esq.Professor of PracticeWashington University School of Law
Vanessa Howard Ellis, Esq.Assistant Attorney General
Elicia EskewAccountant/Internal AuditorMITEK USA, Inc.
Stephen FiamingoManaging Director, Strategy and Business DevelopmentAscension Health
Rodney GeePrincipal, Human ResourcesEdward Jones
Jana GregorekSenior Client Solutions SpecialistEdward Jones
Kem MosleyDirectorMinority Contractor Initiative
Michael NovackChairman, President, and Chief Executive OfficerKiosite
Melva PeteVice President, Human ResourcesBi-State Development
Ryan RakestrawPrincipalCultivation Capital
Walter RobinsonHuman Resource Consultant
Sharon RosenbergPartnerThompson Coburn
Lisa ShelleyBarnes-Jewish HospitalClient Advocate
Frank A. SimmonsRetiredMainline Information Systems
William WatkinsPresident Watkins Building Group, LLC
DIRECTORS
Board of Directors
2014 Unrestricted Net Assets: $4,177,363
United Way of Greater
St. Louis
Contributions
Building and Rental Income
Grantsand
Contracts
CompetitiveEmployment
Program
ManagedWork
Services
Fundraising
Managementand General
Building RentalExpenses
* Rounded 00
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Building and Rental Income $ 45,300 1%
Contributions $ 152,200 4%
Grants and Contracts $ 3,117,900 81%
United Way of Greater St. Louis $ 506,800 13%
Interest and Unrealized Loss on Investments $ 29,100 1%
2014 Total Revenue $ 3,851,300 100%
Al SearsBoard Treasurer
Competitive Employ-ment Program $ 2,171,600 61%
Managed Work Services $ 1,101,800 31%
Building Rental Expense $ 46,900 1%
Management and General $ 186,400 5%
Fundraising $ 65,900 2%
2014 Total Expenses $ 3,572,600 100%
Community supporters can be assured their charitable dollars are utilized in the most effective and efficient way. As a result of this due diligence, Employment Connection meets all 20 BBB Standards of Charitable Accountability. Employment Connec-tion works continuously to ensure that every dollar donated goes to those who need it most. Below is the summary of our financial year ending 2014 as audited by Conner Ash, P.C. The agency remains in a solid financial position by diligently appro-priating its fiduciary responsibility. Please feel free to contact Employment Connection directly if you would like a complete copy of our financial statements.
Audited Financial Report
2014 Operating Revenues* 2014 Operating Expenses*
1 6 | 2 0 1 4 A N N U A L R E P O R T
CEO Brenda Mahr with Kelli Dunn and Ben Jones from the Union Pacfic Foundation, May 2014Employment Connection Club <$100
Jessica AldagSondra BrooksDan BrownPat BrownJesceener CurryKaren DavisNora DavisKaren EvansTracy FortenberryDollaree GlasperCarla HarrisNina HarrisJuliette JohnsonVictor LittleJohn RobertsonSarah RobinsonLisa ShelleyYe ShuangHalbert SullivanNila TucksonTerry WeatherbySteve WilkinsEmily Wooddruff
Wiley Smith Club $100+
Matthew Basley
Richard Buckley
Capacity Development Associates, LLC
Shirley Carpenter
Tim Cronin
Steven Fiamingo
Prevost Foushee
Eliisa Frazier
Jana Gregorek
Michael Karasick
Janet Luhning
Montford Point Marine Association
Mattie Moore
Kimberly Norwood
David Rayl
Donna Rosenberg
John Shields
Burnell Simmons
St. Louis Paralegal Association
Cynthia Walton
Watkins Building Group LLC
Directors Club $250+
Amvets Post 67
Elicia Eskew
Rodney Gee
David Kessel
Leo Ming
Suzanne Poggio
Brenda Mahr
Sharon Rosenberg
Chip Shields
Jay Shields
Frank Simmons
Founders Club $500+
Joseph Arndt Foundation
J.D. Luhning and Aisling A. Murphy
Opportunity Fund $1,000+
Boeing Employees Community Fund
St. Louis Unbanked Regional Taskforce
Trent Chambers
Emerson Charitable Trust
Fox Family Foundation
Michael Lockette
Charles Newman
Scottrade
Al and Joy Sears
Dick Shea
Simon Foundation
Generous Donors
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Volunteer Group from Deloitte for Impact Day, June 2014Denise M. AndersonDonitta BondMorris BootheGregory BostonChristina BrewingtonDemarco BrownEbony BurnettAngela CannadySteven CarterDanielle Carter-LittleDoreen ColenburgKiara CripFred CruesJesceener CurryNyJaee DaleKeAnna DanielsToni DavenportKeena DavisLional DavisRegina DavisKen DolanBobby DeBerryJared DunnDarrick EasanMicheal EvansHarold FieldsAndrew GilesGreta GoosbyIsaiah HarperJordan HaynesLydell Jackson
Wanda JacksonCarl JamesVincent JonesHershall KempD. KennebrewLacey KindellsCatherine N. KongConnie LamkaKim LeDarrin LinearCynthia LinerAlfonz LusterRobert MasonRobert MasseyTerrell MaysDayona McCallShamaraus McCulloughDwaynette McguirePeggy McKinneyAndrew MedinaTerrence MelvinSteven MinnerEric MooreTerrell MooreLevi NelliganPam PasleyMike PaulNancy PercyBrian PhillipsWilliam PorterJames Redmond
Dana RichardsonD’Andre RobinsonHosea RobinsonPatrick RobinsonRonnie RobinsonRayenell RushingJuan SanchezJya ScaifeHugh ScottCharles ShawMary SimsTaliaferro SlaughterBrandy SmithJerry SmithLemond SmithSteven SmithBarbara SpatesMary StephanDonnell SullivanCharles SutherlandGeorgia ThanskillAlexander TignerLouis TownsendLouise WashingtonKiara WebbAntwon WilliamsCarl WilliamsEdward WillsPaul WilsonWilliam Wingo
Skeleton Key
St. Louis Affordable Housing Commission
Union Pacific Foundation
Art Weiss
Community Builders $25,000+
Daughters of Charity Foundation
Illinois Department of Human Services
Lutheran Foundation of St. Louis
Missouri Department of Corrections
Missouri Foundation for Health
Missouri Housing Development
Commission
Missouri Veterans Commission
St. Louis Agency on Training and
Employment (SLATE)
St. Louis City Department of Human
Services
St. Louis County Department of
Human Services
St. Louis County Housing Resources
Commission
St. Louis Mental Health Board
U.S. Department of Housing and
Urban Development
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
United Way of Greater St. Louis
Dedicated Volunteers
Administration
Brenda MahrChief Executive Officer37 years
David KesselChief Operating Officer19 years
Nathaniel DempseyExecutive Assistant9 years
John RobertsonDevelopment Associate2 years
Accounting Services
Sarah RobinsonSr. Manger, Accounting Services12 years
Nora DavisAccountant12 years
Managed Work Services
Jessie LaneSite Supervisor I12 years
Meredith McDuffieSite Supervisor2 years
Client & Training Services
Carla HarrisManager, Client Services1st year
Dollaree GlasperClient Services Specialist 11 years
Housing Services
Yusef ScogginManager, Housing Services4 years
Christina BrewingtonHousing Specialist1st year
Dominique EllisHousing Specialist1st year
Jim FoheyHousing Specialist1st year
Catherine HawkinsHousing Specialist1 year
Emily WoodruffHousing Specialist1 year
Competitive EmploymentProgram
Minnie McRobertsCareer Specialist37 years
Tamara WilliamsCareer Specialist15 years
Jessica AldagCareer Specialist1 year
Darron Collins-BeyOnline Career Specialist1 year
1 8 | 2 0 1 4 A N N U A L R E P O R T
Experienced Staff
Youth Services
Michael McCoyManager, Career Services7 years
Tracy ParksYouth Career Specialist1st year
Ron TedderYouth Career Specialist1 year
Pathbuilders
Veronica TravisCareer Specialist7 years
Back to Health/Back to Work
Steven HovenManager, Career Services11 years
Stephen ZegelLicensed Clinical Social Worker7 years
Illinois TANF & SNAP
Whitnee JonesCareer Specialist1 year
Custodial Staff
Oscar SelfeCustodian8 years
Jerry SmithCustodian1st year
Every year the Employment Connection staff take
the day on Columbus Day to participate in team
building activities and celebrate their good work. For
2014, the team spent the morning racing go-carts
and playing games as thanks for all they do during
the year to help those we serve!
2 0 1 4 A N N U A L R E P O R T | 1 9
2014 CEOStaff Appreciation Day
Satellite Office
Illinois Department of Human Services225 N. 9th Street
East Saint Louis, Illinois 62201
Hours of ServiceMonday-Friday8:00am-5:00pm
Telephone618.875.8665
Main Service Location
2838 Market StreetSaint Louis, Missouri 63103
Hours of ServiceMonday-Friday8:00am-5:00pm
Telephone314-333-JOBS (5627)