View 2010 Annual Report

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ASSISTING INDIVIDUALS WITH LIMITED OPPORTUNITIES

TO SELF-SUFFICIENCY THROUGH EMPLOYMENT.


2/14

Message from Brenda Mahr and JD Luhning

This year has been challenging for the sta, clients and supporters of Employment Connecon. The economic environ-

ment has aected the majority of cizens in the St. Louis region and many of those hardest hit were the individuals

who walked through the doors of Employment Connecon in need of assistance. They came to the agency every day

determined to make a dierence in their lives. It was their determinaon that reminded the agencys sta, board and

volunteers of the importance of the services weve been providing the St. Louis metropolitan region for 33 years.

Employment Connecon viewed the challenges of 2010 as opportunies to evaluate our services and make moves to

strengthen our future. The agency sought out new partnerships and made strategic programming decisions. New pro-

grams and funding streams aligning with the agencys mission and vision were idened, sought aer and secured.

The Board of Directors provided guidance while establishing the agencys development and long term goals. This new

focus and strategic vision will result in the self-suciency of our clients and solidify the agencys future.

The needs of our clients and their successes are at the core of Employment Connecon mission, but without the gener-

ous support of individuals like you, the agency would not be able to have the impact it does. Individuals enter our

building with barriers and needs that are interfering with second chances and self-suciency. Your support is what

gives us the opportunity to empower, employ and inspire St. Louis. Visitors are always welcome at Employment Con-

necon to see rst-hand the eect we have on our clients lives.

Brenda Mahr

CEO

JD LuhningJ.D. Luhning

Board President

Introduction Who we are Page 2

The Employment Connection Effect Page 3

Competitive Employment Program Page 4

The Big Picture Page 5

Cooks Who Care Page 6

Technical Developments Page 7

Board of Directors Page 8

Finances Page 9

Donors Page 10

Advisory Board Page 11

Volunteers Page 11

Staff

Page 121


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Employment Connecon Who We Are

Employment Connection has over thirty years experience inspiring St. Louis residents

and reducing crime through job placements and supportive services. The agency was

founded in 1977 after a study by the Young Lawyers Division of the Bar Association of

Metropolitan Saint Louis (BAMSL) discovered that employed ex-offenders were 66%

less likely to return to incarceration. Our agency immediately began the work of reduc-

ing recidivism through employment.

In 1980, Employment Connection became a full United Way member agency and ex-

panded its service beyond ex-offenders by assisting recovering substance abusers, the

homeless, high school dropouts, women on welfare, U.S. Veterans, and non-custodial

fathers. The agency continues to add additional services that address the holistic needs

of our clients working toward self-suficiency. Employment Connection assists nearly

2,000 individuals who have barriers to employment every year.

Mission

To assist individuals with limited

opportunies to self-suciency

through employment.

Vision

To be the premier placement, retention, career development and ad-

vancement program for persons with barriers to employment, empow-

ering them to take charge of their lives and fulill the needs of the Saint

Louis Regional business community.

2


4/14

The Employment Connection Effect

Employment Connecon Clients of the Year

Bertha Russell and Kimberly Neal

Kimberly Neal moved into a two bedroom apartment

in January 2009 as a client of the Veterans Supporve

Housing Program Project Homecoming-Veterans.

Before enrolling in the program Kimberly struggled

with several barriers and health problems. In her me

as a client she has done everything that the Sup-

porve Housing Program was designed for and more.

She has enrolled at Lindenwood University and is pur-

suing a degree in Health Care Management. Kimberly

was hired by the VA hospital were she has been pro-

moted and put into posions of leadership. Kimberly

has remained an exemplary and inspiraonal client of

Project Homecoming-Veterans.

Bertha Russell came to Employment Connecon and enrolled in the

Managed Work Services (MWSstl) program. MWSstl provided

entry level training for employment in the healthcare eld. Aer

compleng her training, Bertha was placed into employment at a

local hospital and began working diligently. Due to her outstanding

performance she was hired on as a regular housekeeper within 90

days. She enjoyed her dues and became very comfortable with

her new surroundings. Aer 10 months of successful employment

Bertha decided to apply for the vacant housekeeper lead posion.

She completed several interviews and was promoted to the lead

posion. Bertha Russell would like to thank Employment Connec-

on and the sta for giving her the support and the opportunity to

achieve her employment successes.

Employment Connecons Investment to the Community

It cost tax payers $16,500 to incarcerate an individual forone year in the state of Missouri. For a fracon of that

cost, Employment Connecon can train, support and place

ex-oenders into employment opportunies that lead to

self-suciency and reduce recidivism. Employment Con-

necon clients add to the community and have invested up

to $7,335,360 in earnings over the last two years.

849 Job Placements

2009-2010

Work for

6 months

Average wage:

$9.00/hour

Earnings:

$7,335,360

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2010 Program Goals and Outcomes

43% of all persons completing work readiness training secured employment!

2010 Outcomes and Agency Programs

Orientations 1900 1452

Admissions to Work

Readiness Training

1186 987

Compete Work Readi-

ness Training

1030 889

Secure Employment 441 484

Homeless Veteran

Reintegraon Program

Transional reintegraon pro-

gram to help homeless U.S.

Veterans leave the streets for

vocaonal training that will

lead to employment and self-

suciency.

Managed Work Services

A social entrepreneurship thatprovides oversight to job candi-

dates for 90 days so that em-

ployers can assess aptude and

make an informed hiring deci-

sion.

Building Blocks

A life skills, training and job

placement program for at risk

youth ages 15-17 who are under

the supervision of the Juvenile

Jusce Courts.

Back to Health Back to Work

Cognive behavioral therapy

program that addresses depres-

sion, anxiety, PTSD and other

mental health disorders to as-

sist clients in obtaining and re-

taining employment.

Bridging Barriers

A mul-collaborave program

designed to reduce recidivism of

ex-oenders by focusing prima-

ry eorts on employment, men-

tal health, housing and sup-

porve services.

East St. Louis TANF and SNAP

Program

Serving families on public assis-

tance by ensuring they receive

benets and job placement ser-

vices.

New Americans and

Employment Project

A mentoring program that as-

sists legal immigrants overcome

barriers including life skills train-

ing, job skills training and cultur-

al adjustment.

Supporve Housing Programs

Providing permanent sup-

porve housing case manage-

ment and job training for Disa-

bled Heads of Households in

the County and U.S. Veterans

in St. Louis City.

Sustainable Reentry Project

Employment program created

to reduce recidivism, address

increase in release rates and the

diculty of locang jobs for ex-

oenders returning to high

crime and poverty areas.

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Follow-Up, Retention and Contin-

ued Case Management

Client Maintains

Employment and

Achieve

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

Employment Connection Services-The Big Picture

In 2010, nearly 2000 individuals

came to Employment Connecon

for assistance. Employment Connecon clients begin the process with a refer-

ral 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 and createan Individual Employment Plan. This process idenes the clients em-

ployment goals and needs and fosters the partnership between client and Ca-

reer Specialist. When needed, clients are referred to supporve services

housed at Employment Connecon or partnering agencies. Clients begin their

job search with the guidance of the Career Specialist who provided job refer-

rals, resume and applicaon assistance and general support. Aer clients

have been successfully placed, Career Specialists maintain the relaonship

to ensure employment 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

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7/14

is a volunteer program established in 2010 to engagemembers of the St. Louis Community through providing a nutritious mealfor ex-offenders, homeless Veterans and other residents looking to becomeself-sufficient. Employment Connection staff began to address the fact thatvery few clients would eat lunch despite being at the agency all day fortraining. The agency began to provide meals to individu-

als who are committed to changing themselves and their communities. Vol-unteers prepare a simple sack-lunch for 25-30 students and address an im-portant client need. For more information on volunteering for this pro-gram, please visit the Volunteer section of our website atwww.employmentstl.org/volunteers or call 314-333-5645.

Cooks Who Care

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8/14

Project e3

Employment Connection was in need of an update to the agencys technologyresources. Sta and clients were using dated programs and equipment. In someinstances the sta was unable to electronically communicate because of the dis-parity between individual computers. The agency was given the opportunity topartner with the St. Louis Empowerment Zone and address this need. The sup-port provided by the St. Louis Empowerment Zone assisted with the addition of43 new computers, updated hardware, four new laptops and servers to be usedby Employment Connection sta and clients at the main service location and

our satellite oce in East St. Louis. This update to the agencys technology al-lowed for an expansion to workforce development services, training and place-ment services and the increase in client employability.

St. Louis GiveCam

Following the upgrade to its internal technology, Employment Connectio

identied a need to update the agencys website and digital appeaEmployment Connection collaborated with St. Louis GiveCamp to address t

agencys IT needs. St. Louis GiveCamp is an annual weekend event where so

ware developers, designers, and database administrators donate their time

create custom software for non-prot organizations. Within three days the vo

unteers designed and created a modernand user friendly website. Please viour new website atwww.Employmentstl.org.

7
http://www.employmentstl.org/http://www.employmentstl.org/http://www.employmentstl.org/


9/14

PRESIDENT

J.D Luhning, Esq.

Aorney-at-Law

Pitzer Snodgrass P.C.

VICE PRESIDENT

Prevost V. Foushee

Rered, Anheuser-Busch

Inc.

TREASURER

Arthur E. Weiss

Financial Advisor

Lisart LLC

SECRETARY

Roy Anderson, Jr.

Local Sales Manager

Clear Channel

Communicaons

J. Sco Clark

Senior Labor Counsel

Ralcorp Holdings Inc.

Karen A. Davis

Senior Vice President

Midwest Community

Aairs Manager

Regions Financial

Corporaons

Bill B. Dorothy II, Esq.

Professor of Pracce

Washington University

School of Law

Vanessa Howard Ellis, Esq.

Assistant Aorney General

Old Post Oce

Steve Fiamingo, CPA

MBA, Candidate

Oin Business School

Mar Bloodsaw-Froggie

HR Consultant

Rodney Gee

Principal,

Human Resources

Edward Jones

Leo Ming, Jr.

Rered, Vice President,

Human Resources &

Administraon

St. Louis convenon and

Visitors Commission

Michael Novack

Chairman, President and

Chief Execuve Ocer

Kiosite

Jennifer Price, Esq.

Aorney-at-Law

Thompson Coburn LLP

Walter Robinson

Human Resource Manager

President casino

Al Sears

Director, Fixed Income

Services

Buckingham Asset

Management

Frank A. Simmons

Retred, Mainline

Informaon Systems

Sandra Sneed

Crew Manager

McDonalds Restaurants

Kay Tomlinson, Ph. D.

Community Volunteer

William Watkins

President

Watkins Building Group

LLC

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10/14

Community supporters can be assured that 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 that every dollar donated goes to those who need it most.

Below is the summary of our nancial year ending 2010 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.

Arthur E. Weiss

Arthur Weiss

Board Treasurer

Cered Public Accountant

2010 Operang RevenuesRounded 00

Building Rental Income $8,000 1.00%

Contribuons $153,000 8.00%

Grants and Contracts $2,360,100 69.00%

United Way of Greater $436,800 17.00%

St. Louis

Interest and Unrealized $70,600 5.00%

Loss on Investments

2010 Total Revenue $3,029,300 100.00%

2010 Operang ExpensesRound

Compeve Employment $2,360,500 81.0

Program

Managed Work Services $314,400 11.0

Building Rental Expense $7,700

1.00Management and General $175,500 4.00

Fundraising $65,00 3.00

2010 Total Expenses- $2,923,100 100

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11/14

Employment Connecon Club


12/14

ARCHS

Gail Dickson

BASIC

Oval Miller

CATHOLIC CHARITIES

HOUSING RESOURCE CENTER

Jane Schoeck

CENTER FOR LIFE SOLUTIONS

Cheryl Gardine

CENTER FOR WOMEN IN

TRANSITION

Sandy Sperino

CHRISTIAN FRIENDS FOR NEW

AMERICANS

Rev. Dr. Allan Buckman

CRIMINAL JUSTICE MINISTRY

Sis. Carllen Reck

DIVISION OF WORKFORCE

DEVELOPMENT

Donny Carroll

FAMILY SUPPORT NETWORK

Sue Didier

FATHER SUPPORT CENTER

Chester Deanes

GATEWAY FREE & CLEAN

Shelly Wims

Karl Pickens

GATEWAY HOMELESS

SERVICES

Toni Muhammad

GATEWAY PARENTS SUPPORT

GROUP HEALTHLINE

Martha Sylvester

HOPE HOUSE

Vanessa McLaughlin

HUMANITRI

Edwin Muhammad

JUSTINE PETERSON

Kristen Schell

LOAVES AND FISHES

Debbie Push

THE MOORISH SCIENCE

TEMPLE OF AMERICA, INC.

Bro. Todd Irons-El

NEIGHBORHOOD OUTREACH

CENTER

Linda Thompson

NEW BEGINNINGS

Carrie Williams

OASIS INTERNATIONAL

MINISTRIES

Mark Akers

OFFENDER WORKFORCE

DEVELOPMENT

Felix Mata

Charo Davis

OUR LADYS INN

Jennifer Reinbold

PREFERRED FAMILY

HEALTHCARE

Kim Feaman

PROJECT COPE

Adrienne Denson

PROVIDENCE INN

Angela Hamilton

QUEENS OF PEACE

Margo Adams

RAVEN

Janeen McGee

SALVATION ARMY

REHABILITATION CENTER

Alan James

SOARING SPIRIT MINISTRIES

Janis Frick

ST. LOUIS COMMUNITY

RELEASE CENTER

John Young

TIMOTHY EVEANGELICAL

LUTHERAN CHURCH

Rev. Bill Wilson

UNITED STATES PROBARTION

& PAROLE

Quincy Fountain

Jo Cooper

URBAN LEAGUE

James Smith

WESLEY HOUSE

Linda Jackons

WOMENS SAFE HOUSE

LaDonna Howard

YOUTH EMPOWERMENT

SERVICES (YES)

Joseph Prophet

Eddie Stallings

YWCA

Crystal Small

Ali Bennet David Distelath Guerret McKinney Joel Christensen Samantha Young

Alicia Crittenden Derrick Sykes Harold Fields Jordan Covington Sandra Savage

Anthony ODaniel Dyana Jones Ikeshia Wre Joseph King Shelton Green

Bennett Willis Ed Bennet Jamar Robinson Kamina Loveless Stephanie Taylor

Betty Grifin Edward Vaughn Jammie Moss Katee Thornton Steve Wilkins

Briana Lewis Erica Burnett Janice Densberry Margery Union Tamara Anderson

Cathleen Lewis Esmond Sanford Jeffery Browley Maurice Murray Terry Brown

Chris Hughes Eugenia Kilbert Jenny Murphy Myesha Penn Tyler Vachio

Crystal Lancaster Garry Williams Jerrell Hawkins Rebekah Titsworth

Curry Mitchell III Gayla Rich Jeruisha Jackson Roosevelt Bynum

These volunteers logged more than 3,000 hours of service to Employment Connection.

You are all very much appreciated!11


13/14

Administration

Brenda Mahr

Chief Executive Oficer

33 years

David Kessel

Chief Operating Oficer

15 years

Nathaniel Dempsey

Executive Assistant

6 years

Jonathan Walz

Development Associate

2 years

Accounting Services

Sarah Robinson

Sr. Manger, Accounting Services

8 years

Nora Davis

Accountant

9 years

Managed Work Services

Jessie Lane

Site Supervisor

8 years

Client & Training Services

Peggy McKinney

Manager, Client Services

9 years

Dollaree Glasper

Client Services Specialist8 years

Housing Services

Yusef Scoggin

Manager, Housing Services

2 years

Harry Little

Housing Specialist9 years

Custodial Staff

Oscar Selfe

Custodian

4 years

Steve Willkins

Custodian

1st year

Competitive Employment Program

Eugene Fowler

Senior Manager, Career Services

7 years

Steven Hoven

Manager, Career Services

7 years

Ex-Offenders, Veterans, Youth and

Adults

Minnie McRoberts

Career Specialist

34 years

Tamara Williams

Career Specialist

11 years

Preston Vanderford

Career Specialist

4 years

Michael McCoy

Manager, Career Specialist

4 years

Veronica Travis

Career Specialist

4 years

New Americans

Pat Brown

Career Specialist

27 years

Back to Health/Back to Work

Steve Zegel

Licensed Clinical Social Worker

4 years

Illinois TANF & SNAP

Brian Crues

Career Specialist

7 years

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14/14

Main service location

Missouri

2838 Market Street

Saint Louis, Missouri 63103

Hours of Service

Monday-Friday

8:00am-5:00pm

Satellite Ofice

Illinois

Department of Human Services

225 N. 9th Street

East Saint Louis, Illinois 62201

Hours of Service

Monday-Friday

8:00am-5:00pm

Telephone

618.875.8665

EMPLOYMENT CONNECTION

2838 Market Street

Saint Louis, Missouri 63103

314-333-JOBS (5627)

www.employmentstl.org

View 2010 Annual Report

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