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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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: LaneJ@employmentstl.org

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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!

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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!

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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)