Employment Connection 2011 Annual Report

7/30/2019 Employment Connection 2011 Annual Report

1/16

Assisting individuals with limited opportunities

oself-sufficiency in the St. Louis area since 197

2011Annual Report


2/16

Brenda MahrCEO

J.D. LuhningBoard President

Table of ContentsWho we are Page 2 Clients of the Year Page 32011 Programs, Goals, and Outcomes Page 4 How Our Programs Work Page 5The Employment Connection Effect Page 6 New Programs for 2011 Page 7Program Spotlight Page 8 Managed Work Services Page 9Board of Directors Page 10 Financial Report Page 11Donors Page 12 Advisory Board and Volunteers Page 13Staff Page 14 Contact Information Page 15

1

Message from ourBoard President and the CEO

At Employment Connecon, our clients face challenges that most of us will never experience.Not having a place to call home, post-traumac stress disorder, and the ongoing consequences of

past convicons are just a few of the barriers our clients deal with on a daily basis. Working togeth-

er, we share with them the tools and training they need to face those challenges and change their

lives.

Looking back at 2011, it would be easy to simply say it was a challenging year, but the reality for

nonprot agencies like Employment Connecon is that everyyear is a challenge. Sll, that doesnt

deter our dedicated sta and Board of Directors. As always, we remain opmisc in the face of

ghtening budgets and the slow economic recovery, because we know that the services and sup-

ports we provide help clients face the ongoing challenges that stand between them and the safetyand security that self-suciency brings.

With that in mind, Employment Connecon constantly works to improve and expand services to

meet the needs of our clients. As needs and gaps in services are idened, we connue to rene

and improve our programs, and are only able to do so through the generous support of both our

local partners and the St. Louis community as a whole. Our mission, assisng individuals with lim-

ited opportunies to self-suciency, connues, and its through your ongoing support that were

able to connue fullling that mission, facing the challenges with our clients one day at a me.

JD Luhn i n g


3/16

Who We AreEmployment Connecon has over 35 years experienceinspiring St. Louis resi-dents and reducing crime through job placements and supporve services. The

agency was founded in 1977 aer a study by the Young Lawyers Division of the Bar

Associaon of Metropolitan Saint Louis (BAMSL) discovered that employed ex-

oenders were 66% less likely to return to incarceraon. Our agency immediately

began the work of reducing recidivism through employment.

In 1980, Employment Connecon became a full United Way member agency and

expanded its service beyond ex-oenders by assisng recovering substance abus-

ers, the homeless, high school dropouts, women on welfare, U.S. Veterans, and

non-custodial fathers. The agency connues to add addional services that ad-

dress the holisc needs of our clients working toward self-suciency. Employ-

ment Connecon assists nearly 1,400 individuals who have barriers to employ-

ment every year.

Our Mission

Assisng individuals with limited

opportunies to self-suciency.

Our Vision

To be the premier placement, retention, career development and

advancement program for persons with barriers to employment,

empowering them to take charge of their lives and fulill the needs

of the Saint Louis Regional business community.

2


4/16

My name is Demarko Moody, and I w

referred to the Building Blocks program

Employment Connecon through my Depu

Juvenile Ocer, Ms. Frieson. I went throug

the six day training course with Mr. Covingto

and learned the appropriate way to dress an

speak on an interview. In the training course

also learned about seng long term and sho

term goals. Short term goals were helpful t

me because they helped me achieve my lon

term goals.

We also talked about school and what I wante

to do aer school. They helped me set sho

term goals for applying for scholarships an

colleges. Aer I nished the classes, it too

about 4 months for me to get a job. Now

work at Burger King as a crew member and Iv

been there for three months. I also received

scholarship from my high school and now I a

majoring in Electrical Engineering at Fore

Park Community College.

If I hadnt goen into the Building Bloc

Program I would probably not have a job rig

now because of the dicules I had geng

job before I came here.

When Laraine Seabrook enrolled in Employment

Connecons employment readiness training program

she was homeless, unemployed and struggling with

addicon. A licensed Cered Nurses Assistant with

several years of experience and a United States

veteran, Larine had diculty with securing employment

on her own because of past legal issues. Laraine began

the training program ready to redirect her life and

eager to use the training she received. While preparing

for employment, she received addional services that

addressed the barriers to her gainful employment,including clothing and transportaon assistance,

housing, and counseling services from SLU Doctoral stu-

dents.

While working with Employment Connecon, Laraine

was sll experiencing homelessness, sleeping in parks,

alleys, shelters, churches and anywhere else she be-

lieved was safe. The stress of homelessness and the job

search challenged Laraines sobriety. She credits her

desire to nd employment for not relapsing. Employ-

ment Connecon worked with Laraine to secure a refer-

ral to an inpaent treatment center. Aer compleng

treatment and geng a hold on her addicon, she was

able to secure employment. Laraine has since been

back to Employment Connecon to share all the great

things that are happening in her life with the sta which

supported and encouraged her.

Meet our Clients of the YearLaraine Seabrook and Demarko Moody

3


5/16

53%of clients completing work readiness training secured employment

2011 Programs, Goals and Outcomes

Outcome Achieved Goal Percent of Goal

Admied to Work

Readiness Training

1,156 1,285 90%Completed Work

Readiness Training988 1,105 90%

Secured Employment 529 420 126%

Homeless Veteran

Reintegraon Program

Transional reintegraon to

help homeless U.S. Veterans

leave the streets, secure

employment and reach a state

of stability and self-suciency.

Managed Work ServicesSocial enterprise program thatprovides oversight to job

candidates for 90 days, giving

employers the ability to assess

aptude and make informed

hiring decisions.

WIA Youth Services ProgramTraining, and job placement

program for out-of-school

youth ages 19-21 assisng with

literacy, educaon, life skills

and employment.

Back to Health, Back to WorkCognive behavioral therapy

program addressing depres-

sion, anxiety, PTSD, and other

mental health disorders to as-

sist clients in obtaining and

retaining employment.

Supporve Services

for Veteran FamiliesProvides supporve services to

promote housing stability for

low-income U.S. Veterans and

their families.

East St. Louis

TANF and SNAP ProgramServing families on public

assistance by ensuring they

receive benets and job

placement services in Illinois.

New Americans and

Employment Project

Mentoring program that as-

sists legal immigrants over-

come barriers, including life

skills training, job skills train-

ing, and cultural adjustment.

Supporve Housing ProgramsPermanent supporve housing,

case management, and job

training for Disabled Heads of

Households in the County and

U.S. Veterans in St. Louis City.

Pathways to

Responsible FatherhoodAssisng low-income fathers

transion from non-custodial

parents into acve fathers

through parenng classes,

educaon , and relaonships.

4

1,364 total individuals attended orientation, with the following results:


6/16

Follow-Up, Retention and Contin-

ued Case Management

Client Maintains

Employment and Achieves

Self-Suficiency

Referral Network Corrections and Probation Ofices, Advisory Council Agencies, One Stop Career

Center, Shelters, United Way 211, Continuum of Care and Word of Mouth

Assessment and

Enrollment

Competitive Employment Program

Work Readiness Training

How our programs workChanging lives one step at a time

Employment Connecon clients begin the process with a referral from our

community partners or by word of mouth. Clients are assessed to idenfy

employment needs and enrolled in Compeve Employment Program.

This program introduces clients to the working world and begins to alter the

way they think about gaining and maintaining employment.

Aer compleon, clients collaborate with their Career Specialist to create an

Individual Employment Plan. This process idenes their employment needs

and goals, and fosters partnership between the client and Career Specialist.

When needed, clients are referred to supporve services housed at

Employment Connecon or partnering agencies. Clients begin their job

search guided by their Career Specialist, who provides job referrals, resume

and applicaon assistance and general support. Aer clients have been

successfully placed, Career Specialists maintain the relaonship to ensureemployment retenon and self-suciency.

Individual Employment Plan

The Job Search

Job Placements

Supportive Services

GED Classes

Business Clothing

Transportation

Job Development

Substance Abuse

Housing

Financial Literacy

Back to Health/

Back to Work

5


7/16

It costs tax payers and average $21,000 to incarcerate an individual for one year in the state of Missouri, and

$38,000 in Illinois. For a fracon of that cost, Employment Connecon can train, assist, and place ex-

oenders into employment opportunies that lead to self-suciency and reduce recidivism. Employment

Connecon clients add to the community, and have invested up to an esmated $7,335,360 in earnings over

the last two years.

The Employment Connection EffectInvesting in Individuals and the Community

The Cycleof Self-Sufficiency

6


8/16

Pathways to Responsible Fatherhood assists low-income fathers in the process of

transioning from noncustodial parents into acve fathers through training programs,

which include workshops on healthy marriage and relaonships, responsible parenng,

economic stability educaon and legal services.

Implementaon of the program was made possible through partnership with the Fathers

Support Center, St. Louis, in order to provide young parents with valuable instrucon in

personal development, communicaon, and relaonship building skills that will allow

fathers to work eecvely with their children.

Pathways to Responsible Fatherhood

Supporve Services for Veteran Families provides supporve services through a

partnership with St. Patrick Center, promong housing stability for low-income U.S. Veter-

ans and their families residing in or transioning to permanent housing.

Supportive Services for Veteran Families

Employment Connecon is constantly seeking new partnerships to ll gaps and expand services

where a gap is recognized. Through collaboraon with other area service providers, we were ableto implement two new programs in 2011 to help individuals reach a state of self-suciency.

New Programs for 2011Expanding to Meet Community Needs

7


9/16

Program SpotlightBack to Health, Back to Work

Back to Health, Back to Work serves unemployed individuals including homeless vet-

erans, ex-oenders, and other clients from St. Louis City who are parcipang in Em-

ployment Connecons World of Work job preparaon training, who are idened as

having undiagnosed or untreated behavioral health disorders. There is a strong link

between unemployment and health disorders, with some studies reporng that nearly

40% of all unemployed people suer from psychological distress.

Many people come to Employment Connecon to apply for free employment services

without realizing they have disorders such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumac

stress disorder, which are barriers to their reaching a state of self-suciency. The pro-

gram provides idencaon and treatment of those behavioral health issue in a non-

sgmazing seng, helping clients of Back to Health, Back to Work resolve those is-

sues and move on with their lives.

Back to Health, Back to Work is made possible through partnership with the St. Louis

Mental Health Board, St. Louis University, and the Peoples Clinic, all working togeth-

er to bring down barriers to self-suciency.

8


10/169

Managed Work ServicesSocial Enterprise at Work in the Community

The mission ofManaged Work Services of St. Louis

(MWSstl) is to enhance the St. Louis Metropolitan

community through the creaon of employment op-

portunies for individuals that lead to self-suciency

and assisng area businesses in becoming more eec-

ve with recruing and retaining employees.

Managed Work Services is a St. Louis area social enter-

prise stang agency, which does much more than just

help people nd jobs and connect companies with em-ployment ready entry-level workers. Our prots recir-

culate into the community through educaon, literacy

and training programs, transportaon aid, counseling

MWSstlBusiness Opons include:Temporary Stang/Short term on

-site support

Temporary to Direct Hire/Long term on-site support

Managed Work Sites/Full me on-site supervision

The MWSstlConnecon:Between employers and skilled workers

Between prots and producon

Between stability and performance

Between your boom line and success

For more informaon on how your business can benetfrom partnering with MWSstl, contact:

Jesse Lane

MWSstl Site Supervisor

(314) 333-5600

[email protected]

programs, career assistance , and addional supporve services that posively aect the

lives of area residents. Using Managed Work Services for your hiring needs is both a prudent

business and community investment.


11/16

PRESIDENT

J.D Luhning, Esq.

Aorney-at-Law

Pitzer Snodgrass P.C.

VICE PRESIDENT

Prevost V. Foushee

Rered

Anheuser-Busch Inc.

TREASURERArthur E. Weiss

Financial Advisor

Lisart LLC

SECRETARYRoy Anderson, Jr.

Local Sales Manager

Clear Channel

Communicaons

DIRECTORSJ. Sco Clark

Senior Labor Counsel

Ralcorp Holdings Inc.

Karen A. Davis

Senior Vice President,

Midwest Community Aairs

Manager

Regions Financial Corporaon

Bill B. Dorothy II, Esq.

Professor of Pracce

Washington University

School of Law

Vanessa Howard Ellis, Esq.

Assistant Aorney General

Mar Bloodsaw-Foggie

HR Consultant

Strategies Group

Steve Fiamingo, CPA

MBA Candidate

Olin Business School

Rodney Gee

Principal, Human Resources

Edward Jones

Leo Ming, Jr.

Rered Vice President,

Human Resources

St. Louis Convenon and Visi-

tors Commission

Michael Novack

Chairman, President, and

Chief Execuve Ocer

Kiosite

Jennifer Price, Esq.

Aorney-at-Law

Thompson Coburn LLP

Walter Robinson

Human Resource Consultant

Al Sears

Director, Fixed Income

Services

Buckingham Asset

Management

Frank A. Simmons

Rered

Mainline Informaon

Systems

Sandra Sneed

Crew Manager

McDonalds Restaurants

William Watkins

President

Watkins Building Group, LLC

10

Board of DirectorsLeading through Experience and Dedication


12/16

Community supporters can be assured their charitable dollars are ulized

in the most eecve and ecient way. As a result of this due diligence,

Employment Connecon meets all 20 BBB Standards of Charitable

Accountability. Employment Connecon works diligently to ensure thatevery dollar donated goes to those who need it most.

Below is the summary of our nancial year ending 2011 as audited by

Conner Ash, P.C. The agency remains in a solid nancial posion by dili-

gently appropriang its duciary responsibility. Please feel free to con-

tact Employment Connecon directly if you would like a complete copy of

our nancial statements.

11

Financial Report

Arthu r E . We i s s Arthur E. WeissBoard Treasurer

Cerfed Public Accountant

* Rounded 00

2011 Operang Revenues*

Building Rental Income $ 35,600 1%

Contribuons $ 216,000 7%

Grants and Contracts $ 2,151,200 77%

United Way of Greater $ 436,900 16%

St. Louis

Interest and Unrealized $ -29,300 -1%

Loss on Investments

2011 Total Revenue $ 2,810,400 100%

2011 Operang Expenses*

Compeve Employment $ 2,077,400 76%

Program

Managed Work Services $ 367,200 14%

Building Rental Expense $ 37,500 1%

Management and General $ 188,000 7%

Fundraising

$ 56,600

2%

2011 Total Expenses $ 2,726,700 100%

2011 Unrestricted Net Assets

$ 3,441,300


13/16

Employment Connecon Club


14/16

Advisory Board

ARCHS

Gail Dickson

Basic

Oval Miller, Sr.

Bridgeway Behavioral Health

Alecia Deutch

Catholic Charities Housing

Resource CenterJane Schoeck

Center For Life Solutions, Inc.Cheryl Gardine

Center For Women In TransitionSandy Sperino

Christian Friends for New Americans

Rev. Dr. Allen buckmanAdefris Mekasha

Criminal Justice Ministry

Society of St. Vincent DePaulSr. Carleen Reck

Division of Workforce DevelopmentDonny Carroll

Family Support NetworkSue Didier

Fathers Support CenterCheaster Deanes

Gateway Free And CleanShelly Wims/Karl Pickens

Gateway 180Toni Muhammad

Gateway Parents Support

Group HealthlineMartha Sylvester

Hope HouseVanessa McLaughlin

HumanitriEdwin Muhammad

Justine PetersenKristen Schell

Loaves and FishesDebbie Push

Moorish Science Temple Of America, Inc.Bro. Todd Irons-El

Neighborhood Outreach CenterLinda Thompson

New BeginningsCarrie Williams

Oasis International MinistriesMark Akers

Our Ladys InnJennifer Reinbold

Preferred Family HealthcareKim Feaman

Project CopeAdrienne Denson

Providence Inn

Angela Hamilton

Queen of PeaceMargo Adams

Rape And Violence End Now (RAVEN)Janeen McGee

Salvation Army Rehabilitation CenterAlan James

Soaring Spirit MinistriesJanis Frick

Timothy Evangelical Lutheran ChurchRev. Bill Wilson

St. Louis Community Release CenterJohn Young

Transiguration Lutheran ChurchDonnell Jackson

United States Probation and ParoleQuincy FountainJo Cooper

Urban LeagueJames Smith

Womens Safe HouseLaDonna Howard

Youth Empowerment Services (YES)Joseph Prophet

Eddie Stallings

YWCACrystal Small

Avi Allen

Jafra Allen

Chardrey Ausn

Bob Bell

Stephanie Benne

Nathan Bolden

Linda Bond

Giarra Boyce

Jasmine Burt

Darlene Carr

Lucille Clark

Darron Collins-Bey

Rachael Cubb

Jesceener Curry

Janice Dansberry

Anthony Deanes

Kevin Dent

Harold Fields

Chiquita Fisher

Breanna Fulton

Jackie Furlow

Leon Gardner

Shelton Green

Jerrell Hawkins

Delores Herron

Cortez Johnson

Eugenia Kilbert

Joseph King

Crystal Lancaster

Tiany Lecke

Kenneth Legrone

Dom Lupo

Keith McCrady

Maurice Murray

Caley Palmer

Natasha Porter

Uriyah Reed

Doris Rogers

Sandra Savage

Brenda Smith

Erica Tate

William Taylor

Rebekah Titswort

Brenda Smith

Joseph Stroud

Jeremy Stubbs

Charles Sutherlan

Ramone Triple

Roger Walsh

Benne Wills

13

Volunteers

The following volunteersdonated a total 3,844 hoursAt Employment Connecon

this year, giving of their me

and talents to help others.You are all

very much appreciated!


15/16

Administration

Brenda MahrChief Executive Oficer

34 years

David Kessel

Chief Operating Oficer

16 years

Nathaniel Dempsey

Executive Assistant

6 years

Jonathan Walz

Development Associate

2 years

Accounting Services

Sarah Robinson

Sr. Manger, Accounting Services

9 years

Nora Davis

Accountant

9 years

Managed Work Services

Jessie Lane

Site Supervisor

9 years

Krystal Bryant

Site Supervisor II

3 Years

Client & Training Services

Peggy McKinney

Manager, Client Services

9 years

Dollaree Glasper

Client Services Specialist

8 years

Housing Services

Yusef Scoggin

Manager, Housing Services2 years

Supportive Housing Program

Harry Little

Housing Specialist-SHP

9 years

Meredith McDufie

Housing Specialist-SHP

1st year

Erick Abernathy

Housing Specialist SHP

1st year

Supportive Services

for Veteran Families

Andre Alexander

Housing Specialist SSVF

1st year

Safiyah Muhammad


1st year

Stephanie Shaw


1st year

Custodial Staff

Oscar Selfe

Custodian

5 years

Steve WillkinsCustodian

1st year

Competitive Employment

Program

Eugene Fowler

Senior Manager, Career Services

8years

Steven Hoven

Manager, Career Services

8years

Ex-Offenders, Veterans,

Youth and Adults

Minnie McRoberts

Career Specialist

34 years

Tamara WilliamsCareer Specialist

12 years

Preston Vanderford

Career Specialist

3 years

Michael McCoy

Manager, Career Specialist

4 years

Veronica Travis

Career Specialist

4 years

New Americans

Pat Brown

Career Specialist

28 years

Back to Health/Back to Work

Steve Zegel

Licensed Clinical Social Worker

4 years

Illinois TANF & SNAP

Brian Crues

Career Specialist

8 years

14

Our Dedicated Staff


16/16

Main service location

Missouri2838 Market Street

Saint Louis, Missouri 63103

Hours of ServiceMonday-Friday

8:00am-5:00pm

Telephone314-333-JOBS (5627)

Satellite Office

IllinoisDepartment of Human Services225 N. 9

thStreet

East Saint Louis, Illinois 62201

Hours of ServiceMonday-Friday

8:00am-5:00pm

Telephone618.875.8665

www.employmentstl.org

@employmentstl

Employment Connecon Saint Louis

Employment Connection 2011 Annual Report

Documents

Transcript of Employment Connection 2011 Annual Report