R e po r t

l
200 9 Annua
Assisting individuals with limited opportunities
to self-sufficiency through employment.
 Bill B. Dorothy
Bill Dorothy Brenda Mahr
Board President CEO

A message from Bill and Brenda:

It has been a year full of challenges for staff, supporters, and above all for those we serve at Employment
Connection. Every day we see the effects of the economic downturn on those who can ill afford an extra
burden: the father returning home from prison, the veteran sleeping on the street, the mother on welfare.
The job search can be daunting for these individuals and they often run into one wall after another on
their journey to become self-sufficient. Employment Connection is here to break down those walls, one at a
time, and to connect people to the training, resources, and opportunities they need to succeed.

For 32 years, people with barriers to self-sufficiency have turned to Employment Connection. Despite the
current economic challenges, our agency continues to assist people into jobs. With unemployment hovering
at 11%, many of the most underserved populations are forgotten. The talented and dedicated staff,
volunteers, and donors give hope to those with limited opportunities in an uncertain time.

Much of the revitalization of St. Louis is centered on safe and productive communities. Employment Con-
nection works to break the cycle of poverty and the revolving prison door for residents in the St. Louis

Region. Nearly 90% of donated dollars go toward programs that directly assist our clients. We invite you
to share our vision to empower, employ, and inspire St. Louis.

Table of Contents
Mission and Vision Page 2
Program Outcomes Page 3
Treecia Bryant Story Page 4
Staging Old Masters Page 5
Other Programs Page 6
2nd Chance Art Studio Page 7
Board of Directors Page 8
Finances Page 9
Donors Page 10
Advisory Council Page 11

1 Volunteers
Staff
Page
Page
11
12
 WHO ARE WE?
Employment Connection has over thirty years of experience of fulfilling its mission of “ assisting
individuals with limited opportunities to self-sufficiency through employment.” Founded in 1977 after a
study by the Young Lawyers Division of the Bar Association of Metropolitan Saint Louis
determined that employed ex-offenders were 66% less likely to return to incarceration,
Employment Connection began to work on lessening recidivism through employment of those
leaving prison. In 1980, Employment Connection became a full United Way member agency and
expanded its service beyond ex-offenders, assisting recovering substance abusers, the homeless,
high school dropouts, and non-custodial fathers. In 2009, Employment Connection assisted
more than 1,600 individuals with training, supportive services, and job placement.

Employment Connection’s nationally recognized services include:

Employment readiness training Case management Individual job placement

Financial literacy courses  Job retention and career advancement services
 On-site adult basic education or GED services Behavioral Health Screening/Counseling
Small Business Loans/Counseling  Project Re-Connect  St. Louis County Offender Housing
Building Blocks – Youth Development Services  Career Assistance Program (TANF) (SLATE)
Managed Work Services (Staffing Service)  Safer – Illinois Ex-offender Employment Services
Alton, IL Weed & Seed  IL (TANF) & Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP)

Vision
To be the premier placement, retention, career development and advancement pro-
gram for persons with barriers to employment, empowering them to take charge of
their lives and fulfill the needs of the Saint Louis region business community.

2
 Competitive Employment Program 989 Job Placements Average wage:
2008-2009 $9.00/hour
The Competitive Employment Program is Employment
Connection’s oldest program and has been a community
asset to those individuals with barriers seeking employment Cycle of Self-
from ex-offenders to the homeless. The program focuses on Sufficiency
intense case management to ensure clients have all the tools,
preparations, and education necessary to obtain and main- Earnings: Work for
tain employment. The following numbers demonstrate the $8,544,960 6 months
demand for services by the community.

2009 Program Goals and Outcomes

Outcome Achieved Goal Percent of Goal
Orientations 1619 1191 136%
Admissions to Work 976 810 120%
Readiness Training

Complete Work 901 731 123%

Readiness Training

Secure Employment 408 433 94%

Average Wage: $9.00 an hour

65 % of all persons served by Employment Connection's Competitive
Employment Program were ex-offenders and/or recovering substance abusers

45 % of all persons (non-CAP) completing work readiness training secured

employment!

Nationally, less than 30% of parolees become employed.

Return on Investment
$16,500 to incarcerate one individual for one year
90% of all who complete Work Readiness Training do not return to prison
{ 810 clients X $16,500 = $13,365,000 }

Every $1 invested in Employment Connection programs

yields $8 in contributable earnings and community savings

3
 now
are they
Where

the Treecia Bryant story

Almost everyone who comes to Employment Connection has a unique story and life circum-
stance. In 2007, Treecia Bryant decided to move back to St. Louis to be closer to her family.
She had worked hard to obtain her Master’s Degree in Criminology from the University of
Cincinnati and had been working in Las Vegas for the State of Nevada and the Economic Op-
portunity Board for about three or four years. She had career success in Nevada, but the
draw of her daughter and the advantages of St. Louis living brought her back to Missouri.
Treecia arrived on the cusp of the economic recession and, like many, became caught in a
barren job market that was very difficult to traverse alone, especially having been gone for
several years. It was, as she says, “kind of a dark period in my life.”

After several months, Treecia had no choice but to apply for public assistance through the
State of Missouri. It’s not a decision she came to lightly, but one that was necessary to con-
tinue to at least provide basic needs for herself and her family. As part of her responsibility
for receiving TANF benefits, Treecia was told that she must continue to job search and was
referred to Employment Connection.

Treecia was not a typical candidate for job assistance. After all, she had two higher educa-
tion degrees and a good work ethic. Why couldn’t she find work? Not knowing what to ex-
pect, Treecia attended Employment Connection’s certified work readiness training and WOW
(World of Work) job skills course. She was blown away by the little things she had been
missing. Tips on resume writing, how you look in a recorded interview, what and what not
to say, carrying a professional demeanor and other applications which helped her build a
more marketable persona. “I still have my Employment Connection workbook to this day
and I use it all the time,” she says.

Soon Treecia secured a position with the Children’s Division for the State and not long after
became a full-time Probation and Parole Officer. Now Treecia handles the referrals. She sees
clients every day that need help getting into a job so that they can stay off the streets and
out of prison. She says she often references the information she learned at Employment Con-
nection and will never forget the people there who helped her. According to Treecia, help-
ing the most difficult populations – the homeless, ex-offenders, high school dropouts, - can be
“relentlessly challenging, but extremely rewarding.”

4
 s t e rs
a
d M
S t a g O l
i n g Spring, 2009

"Staging Old Masters: Former Prisoners Perform at the Pulitzer" was an innovative program intended
to help released prisoners and former homeless veterans develop skills for their future lives through
art exploration. The actors performed short theatrical pieces in the gallery space of The Pulitzer in
front of the exhibited works of renowned artists from the 14th to the 18th centuries.

Scripts for the hour-long performances were based on the observations and reactions of the actors to
the art, the result of a six-week training and education program led by Agnes Wilcox, founder and
artistic director of Prison Performing Arts. The program featured a collaboration of The Pulitzer
Foundation for the Arts, Washington University, and Employment Connection.

Staging Old Masters Actors

Michael Alexander Daryl Kimbrough
Robert Cruz Karen Sammons
Travis Dean Dawn Shaw
Gregory Golliday Reuben Stewart
Ronald Gore Samantha Thomas
Raheem Thorpe
“I can't remember anything else
Don Hake
Naheem Houston Steven Tyler
like this in my life, and I really believe Lamonte Johnson Scott McBride
I will never be the same." - Don Hake Calvin Robinson

5
Other Employment Connection Programs
A life skills, training, and job place-
ment program for youth ages 15-17
Transitional reintegration program to
who are under the supervision of
help homeless U.S. Veterans get off
Juvenile Justice Courts
the streets and into vocational training
that will lead to employment and self-
sufficiency

Homeless Veterans
Reintegration Program
Building Blocks
Serving families on public assistance
with help getting benefits and job
placement services.

East St. Louis TANF and

Cognitive behavioral therapy pro-
gram that addresses depression, anxi-
SNAP Program
ety, PTSD, and other mental health
disorders to help clients be able to
Mentoring and cultural adjustment for
retain their jobs.
legal immigrants who need help with
barriers they face in their new country:
includes life and job skills training

Back to Health, New Americans

Back to Work

Social entrepreneurship that provides over-

Providing permanent supportive housing, sight to job candidates for 90 days during
case management, and job training for which employers can assess aptitude and
Disabled Heads of Household in the County make an informed hiring decision
and U.S. Veterans in St. Louis City.

Managed Work Services

Supportive Housing
Programs Reengaging welfare recipients who have been
“sanctioned” due to lack of active job search
and other requirements to keep their full bene-
fits; job training and placement provided to
help clients transition off welfare

Career Assistance
Program
6
 2nd Chance Art Studio
1,800 square feet of unique craftsmanship by unlikely artists
In conjunction with Robert Powell’s Portfolio Gallery, the second floor
of Employment Connection is now a converted art studio where clients
gain craftsmanship skills in painting, sculpting, pottery, woodworking,
sketching, and other techniques. Periodic “exhibits” showcase the work
of these unique artists who all have a special vision for the work they do.
A tour of the space can be arranged by calling 314-333-5645.

7
 Employment Connection Board of Directors
PRESIDENT Karen A. Davis
Bill B. Dorothy II, Esq. Senior Vice President
Professor of Practice Midwest Community
Washington University School of Law Affairs Manager
Regions Financial Corporation
VICE PRESIDENT
J.D. Luhning, Esq. Vanessa Howard Ellis, Esq.
Attorney-at-Law Assistant Attorney General
Rabbitt, Pitzer & Snodgrass Old Post Office
TREASURER Marti Bloodsaw-Foggie
Arthur E. Weiss HR Consultant
Financial Advisor
Lisart LLC Prevost V. Foushee
Retired, Anheuser-Busch Inc.
SECRETARY
Roy Anderson, Jr. Rodney Gee
Local Sales Manager Principal, Human Resources
Clear Channel Communications Edward Jones
Steven D. Graham, Esq.
Attorney-at-Law
Thompson Coburn LLP
Sandra Sneed
Crew Manager
McDonalds Restaurants
Leo Ming, Jr.
Retired, Vice President, Human
Resources & Administration
St. Louis Convention and
Visitors Commission
Michael Novack
Chairman, President, and
Chief Executive Officer
Kiosite
H. Dwayne Richardson
Certified Public Accountant
Walter Robinson
Human Resource Manager
President Casino
Kay Tomlinson, Ph.D.
Community Volunteer
William Watkins
President
Watkins Building Group LLC
8
Employment Connection is attentive to the needs of the community and works hard to assure
that charitable dollars are utilized with maximum efficiency. We continue to meet the Better
Business Bureau Wise Giving Alliance Standard of Charitable Accountability*. You can be
assured that every dollar donated goes to those who need it most.

Below is the summary of our financial year ending 2009 as audited by Randle and Associ-
ates, LLC. The agency remains in solid financial position by diligently appropriating its
fiduciary responsibility. Please feel free to contact Employment Connection directly if you
would like a complete copy of our financial statements.

Arthur E. Weiss

Arthur Weiss
Board Treasurer
Certified Public Accountant

2009 Operating Revenues 2009 Operating Expenses

Rounded 00 Rounded 00

Building Rental Income $8,500 1.00% Competitive Employment Program $2,067,100 81.00%

Contributions $224,100 8.00% Managed Work Services $270,700 11.00%

Grants and Contracts $1,799,700 69.00% Building Rental Expenses $8,400 1.00%
United Way of Greater $436,900 17.00% Management and General $116,000 4.00%
St. Louis
Fundraising $69,500 3.00%
Interest and Unrealized $131,900 5.00%
2009 Total Expenses $2,531,700 100.00%
Loss on Investments

2009 Total Revenue $2,601,100 100.00% 2009 Unrestricted Net Assets $3,251,400

9
DONORS
Employment Connection Club Wiley Smith Club Opportunity Fund
<$100 $100+ $1,000+
Albert Lee Bill Dorothy Arthur and Lisa Weiss
Brian and Mignonne Ashworth Carl Lyss Boeing Employee's Comm. Fund
Dan Okall Bradley Scott David Lander
Doris Cooper Carol Burkholder John O. Shields
Eugene Fowler David and Sarah Anderson William and Sandy Herrmann
Fred Evans Jay and Maria Shields
Halbert & Jean Sullivan Jeffery Randle Visionaries Club $5,000+
Harry Little Jessie & Joseph Day Edward Jones
James O Horn Lawrence Thomas Emerson Charitable Trust
James Rittenbaum Leo Ming Fox Family Foundation
Jesse Lane Levell Littleton Jordan Charitable Foundation
Johathan Walz Martha Bloodsaw Foggie Pott Foundation
Judith Hogan Michael Karasick Royal Vagabonds Foundation
Justyna Bates Mulligan Graphics Simon Foundation
Kay Tomlinson Nathaniel Dempsey William A. Kerr Foundation
Larry and Debbie Brown Preston and Brenda Vanderford
Larry and Janice Richardson Rodney and Karen Gee Community Builders
Laura Dyer Sal Martinez $25,000+
Mel Ballenger Sandral Daniell Lutheran Foundation
Minnie McRoberts Three J Realty LLC Pulitzer Foundation for the Arts
Nora Davis Veronica Travis
Patricia Brown Vincent Schoemehl, Jr.
Peggy McKinney
Reba E. Gales Directors Club
Refija Habibovic $250+
Ronald & Dollaree Glasper Brenda Mahr
Rose Tripp David Kessel
Sarah Robinson Frank A. Simmons BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU
Scott Utry Jerod D. Luhning
Stephen and Sandra Colbert
WISE GIVING SEAL
Leo Ming Is awarded to
Stephen Zegel Prevost Foushee
Steven Hoven Steven and Ann Graham
EMPLOYMENT
Suzanne Poggio CONNECTION
Tamara Williams Founders Club The BBB Charity Information Service
Thomas and Suzanne Rhodenbaugh evaluates more than 600 regional
$500+
Watkins Building Group charities for compliance with its 20
Charles and Betsy Newman standards for accountability. These
Joseph M. Arndt Jr. standards include financial account-
John Niemann ability, governance and oversight,
Michael Novack effectiveness measures and fund
raising and informational materials.

“Empower, Employ, Inspire!”

10
 Advisory Board
AARP HUMANITRI PROJECT COPE TRANSFIGURATION
Lisa Bishop Edwin Muhammad Adrienne Denson LUTHERAN CHURCH
Donnell Jackson
ARCHS HOPE HOUSE QUEEN OF PEACE
JINNA’S Vanessa McLaughlin Margo Adams SOCIETY OF ST.
COMMUNITY VINCENT DE PAUL
OUTREACH HUMAN DEVELOPMENT REGIONAL RESPONSE Anita Cohn
Gail Dickson CORPORATION COALITION
Stanley Miller Ahmav Mahdi UNITED STATES
BASIC PROBATION &
Oval Miller LINKS TO LIFE REACH ST. LOUIS PAROLE
Wanda Stroter Sandi Colquitt Quincy Fountain/Jo Cooper
BEYOND HOUSING
Sabrina Baldwin LUTHERAN PROVIDENCE INN URBAN LEAGUE
Roxanne Tyler CHILD & FAMILY Angela Hamilton James Smith
SERVICES
CENTER FOR LIFE Rev. Phoenix Barnes, Jr. ST. CLAIR COUNTY WELLSTON
SOLUTIONS, INC. PROBATION COMMUNITY
Cheryl Gardine MISSOURI BOARD OF AND PAROLE SUPPORT AGENCY
PROBATION & PAROLE Oscar C. Hughes Pearl Hughes
CENTER FOR Chris Heisel
WOMEN IN ST. LOUIS WOMEN’S SAFE
TRANSITION NEW BEGINNINGS COMMUNITY HOUSE
Sandy Sperino Carrie Williams RELEASE CENTER Melinda Mimes
John Young
CHRISTIAN SERVICE OPERATION EXCEL: WESLEY HOUSE
CENTER YOUTHBUILD SAINT VINCENT Linda Jackson
Toni Muhammad Lee Brotheron DEPAUL CRIMINAL
JUSTICE MINISTRY YOUTH
FATHERS SUPPORT OUR LADY’S INN Sis. Carleen Reck EMPOWERMENT
CENTER Jennifer Reinbold SERVICES (YES)
Chester Deanes SALVATION ARMY Joseph Prophet
PREFERRED FAMILY REHABILITATION
GATEWAY FREE & HEALTHCARE CENTER YWCA
CLEAN Kim Feaman Alan James Crystal Small
Shelly Wims/Karl Pickens

Volunteers
Alicia Crittenden Derrick Sykes Laranis Searrools
Andre Taylor Dustin Day Libby Toenjes
Bernard Johnson Fredica Leonard Marcell Phiffer
Breanna Eshghi Helen Davis Marquis Huntley
Brittany Davis Ikeshia Ware Marsha Thompson
Byron Davis Jamar Robinson Marsha Thompson
Cassandra Silas James Davis Nichall Barton
Cedric Winthrope James Elgin Sara Fallwit
Chris McKinney Jennifer Parker Sarah Placzek
Christi Griffin Joshua Scott Sean Hogan
Darrell Sutton Katherine Ambrose Sean Jackson
David Distelrath Kiesha Lockett Sondra Brooks
Dawn Fleming Kristin Schell Stephanie Radcliff
Deandre Tyson La Vell Clay Tincy Maroor
Yulanda Brazelton
These volunteers logged more than 2,200 hours of service to
11 Employment Connection. Thank you so much!
Administration Housing Services Competitive Employment Program

Brenda Mahr Harry Little Eugene Fowler

Chief Executive Officer Supportive Housing Manager Senior Manager, Career Services
32 years 7 years 6 years
David Kessel Paula Carey Steve Hoven
Chief Operating Officer Supportive Housing Manager Manager, Career Services
14 years 2 years 6 years
Dave Dietrich Yusef Scoggin
Director of Development Supportive Housing Manager Ex-Offenders, Veterans, Youth, and
1st year 1st year Adults:
Nathaniel Dempsey Terrance Holmes Minnie McRoberts
Executive Assistant Supportive Housing Manager Career Specialist
5 years 3 years 33 years
Tamara Williams
Accounting Services Oscar Selfe Career Specialist
Custodian 11 years
Sarah Robinson 3 years Veronica Travis
Sr. Manager, Accounting Services Career Specialist
7 years 3 years
Nora Davis Career Assistance Program Preston Vanderford
Accountant Career Specialist
8 years Michael McCoy 3 years
Senior Career Specialist Fred Evans
Managed Work Services 3 years Career Specialist
Patricia Woods 1st year
Jesse Lane Career Specialist
Site Supervisor 7 years New Americans:
7 years Veronica Rhodes Pat Brown
Career Specialist Career Specialist
Client & Training Services 3 years 26 years
Jonathan Walz
Scott Utry Career Specialist Back to Health/Back to Work:
Senior Manager, Client Services 1st year Steve Zegel
20 years Refija Habibovic Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Peggy McKinney Career Specialist 3 years
Manager, Client Services 5 years
8 years Illinois TANF & SNAP:
Dollaree Glasper Brian Crues
Client Services Specialist Career Specialist
6 years 6 years
Brandi Searcy
Career Specialist
1st year

12
 Main Service Location Employment Connection is a
Missouri community asset that assists
2838 Market Street individuals by preparing them to
Saint Louis, Missouri 63103 meet and exceed employer
expectations. Free services are
available to employers and job
Hours of Service seekers by calling or visiting our
Monday-Friday service locations.
8:00am-5:00pm
BACK COVER
Telephone
314.333.JOBS (5627)

Satellite Office
Illinois
Department of Human Services
225 N. 9th Street
East Saint Louis Il, 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