Employment Connection

What Employment Connection does

Employment Connection of St. Louis is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 1977 that delivers free workforce development and supportive services to individuals facing barriers to employment across St. Louis City, St. Louis County, and St. Clair County, Illinois. Its target population includes homeless individuals, ex-offenders, U.S. veterans, high school dropouts, women on welfare, non-custodial fathers, justice-involved young adults, and at-risk youth. The organization emerged from a Young Lawyers Division of BAMSL study showing employed ex-offenders were 66% less likely to recidivate, and became a full United Way member agency in 1980.

The core service is the DESE Certified World of Work (WOW) job readiness training program, a 2-day curriculum covering resumes, interviewing, and job search techniques, delivered in classes held Monday and Tuesday at the 2838 Market Street headquarters and at the North City Corridor satellite office at 5504 Natural Bridge Avenue opened in January 2026. Around WOW, the organization layers Career Services for job placement, Managed Work Services of St. Louis (MWSstl) — a social-enterprise staffing arm placing candidates with employers like BJC Healthcare, Schnucks, Commerce Bank, and St. Louis Public Schools — and wraparound services including housing case management, eviction prevention, rapid rehousing, permanent supportive housing, and the Back to Health, Back to Work cognitive behavioral therapy program. Specialized programs include the Illinois SNAP/TANF Employment & Training program, Ticket to Work for SSI/SSDI recipients, the Green Jobs solar training cohort, Young Adult Services (in partnership with the St. Louis Circuit Attorney's Office of Diversion), and the Dutchtown Opportunity Coalition for Youth (DOCY) for ages 10-17.

The business model combines grant-funded service delivery with fee-for-service staffing. Revenue is not publicly disclosed but draws from United Way core funding (since 1980), government grants from Missouri DSS, City of St. Louis Department of Human Services, HUD, St. Louis Continuum of Care, and Illinois SNAP/TANF programs, individual and corporate donations, and the no-fee-to-employer Managed Work Services staffing revenue. All client-facing services are provided at no cost to participants; the 2024 operating model reports 92% of expenditures going directly to client programming and assisted nearly 2,000 individuals annually, with a 93% WOW completion rate and 60% workforce reentry within 90 days. The organization is governed by a Board of Directors led by President Richard E. Buckley, with Sal Martinez as CEO and Nora Davis as CFO.

Name

Employment Connection

Legal name

Employment Connection of St. Louis

Website

https://employmentstl.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1977

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

Employment Connection of St. Louis is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 1977 that delivers free job-readiness training, career placement, and wraparound services to individuals facing employment barriers — including the homeless, ex-offenders, veterans, and at-risk youth — across the St. Louis metro region.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Workforce Development Services

NAICS

Employment Services (5613), Employment Placement Agencies (561311), Technical and Trade Schools (6115), Apprenticeship Training (611513), Vocational Rehabilitation Services (6243)

SIC

Services-Employment Agencies (7361), Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Workforce Readiness, Career Pathways & Youth Employment Nonprofits (BPAGADAF)

akta.pro secondary industries

Job Placement, Matching & Career Navigation Services (EDAAAOAL), Employment & Job Readiness Support Services (BPAGAEAJ), Public Workforce Development Programs (WIOA/One-Stop Career Centers) (EDAAAOAA), Apprenticeships, Internships & Work-Based Learning Programs (BPACANAK)

Keywords

• Workforce development services
• Job readiness training
• Employment placement services
• Supportive housing programs
• Nonprofit community services

Headquarters

HQ city

St Louis

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Others

Revenue model

1. United Way Funding: Became a full United Way member agency in 1980. United Way provides core operational funding as the primary financial supporter.
2. Government Grants and Contracts: Funded by various government agencies including Missouri Department of Social Services, City of St. Louis Department of Human Services, HUD, St. Louis Continuum of Care, and Illinois SNAP/TANF programs.
3. Donations and Charitable Contributions: Accepts donations from individuals, businesses, and foundations. Clothing, home goods, toy donations, and monetary contributions support client services.
4. Employer Partnership Services: Provides no-fee search and pre-screening services to employers. Staffing services through Managed Work Services social enterprise.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels10 records

Core offering

Employment Connection is a nonprofit community organization that delivers free job readiness training, career placement, staffing, housing assistance, mental health counseling, and wraparound supportive services to individuals in the St. Louis region who face barriers to employment, including the homeless, ex-offenders, veterans, and at-risk youth. Its flagship World of Work (WOW) program is a DESE-certified two-day training, complemented by Managed Work Services staffing, Green Jobs training, Ticket to Work, and youth diversion programs.

Product overview

Employment Connection offers a comprehensive suite of employment and supportive services organized around its core World of Work job readiness training program. The portfolio includes Career Services for job placement, the Managed Work Services (MWS) staffing division, specialized training programs (Solar/Green Jobs, SNAP/TANF, Ticket to Work), youth and young adult services (Young Adult Services, DOCY), and wraparound supportive services (housing assistance, mental health, eviction prevention). Services are delivered through the main headquarters and a satellite North City Corridor Services office, with partnerships supporting clients across St. Louis City, St. Louis County, and St. Clair County, Illinois.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• World of Work (WOW): Cornerstone job readiness training program covering resumes, interviewing skills, and job search preparation
• Managed Work Services of St. Louis (MWSstl)
• Dutchtown Opportunity Coalition for Youth (DOCY)
• Green Jobs
• Ticket to Work
• Back to Health, Back to Work
• University Crossing
• Impacted Tenants Fund
• Senior Services

Products and services

• World of Work (WOW) Job Readiness Training A two-day job readiness class covering resumes, interviewing skills, and job search techniques, followed by career specialist support for placement. Free to qualifying individuals with employment barriers in the St. Louis region.
• Career Services Employment placement and support services providing resources, training, and assistance to help individuals gain and maintain employment throughout St. Louis City, St. Louis County, and St. Clair County, Illinois.
• Managed Work Services (MWS) of St. Louis Staffing Staffing service offering contract-to-hire, long-term and short-term projects, and direct placement in healthcare and other positions; a social enterprise assisting individuals to acquire employment.
• Solar Training and Green Workforce Development Solar Workforce Development program promoting equity in green jobs; provides free OSHA, CPR, and photovoltaic certifications to open doors to careers in electrical trades and solar energy.
• Illinois SNAP/TANF Employment & Training Program for Illinois SNAP/Food Stamp recipients with dependents offering free services including paid on-the-job training, job skills development, supportive services, transportation assistance, and uniform support.
• Young Adult Services Program serving justice-involved young adults ages 18-24 in partnership with St. Louis Circuit Attorney's Office of Diversion and St. Louis Office of Violence Prevention; develops individual employment plans with potential for criminal charge dismissal upon completion.
• Dutchtown Opportunity Coalition for Youth (DOCY) Program serving at-risk young people ages 10-17 in Dutchtown, Gravois Park, Marine Villa, and Mount Pleasant neighborhoods through education, meaningful work opportunities, safe spaces, and engaging activities.
• Ticket to Work Free Social Security program providing employment services to individuals ages 18-64 receiving Supplemental Security Income or Social Security Disability Insurance, helping recipients find meaningful work while maintaining benefits.
• Eviction Prevention Program providing financial assistance to individuals in disconnect or eviction status, with funds disbursed directly to landlords to prevent homelessness.
• Back to Health, Back to Work Cognitive-behavioral therapy program addressing depression, anxiety, PTSD, and other mental health concerns to help clients retain employment; offers confidential virtual, phone, and in-person sessions.
• Rapid Rehousing (PROJECT TRANSITION) Supportive housing program providing case management and job training to assist homeless individuals and families transition to permanent housing; by referral only through 2-1-1 or local shelters.
• Permanent Supportive Housing Long-term housing assistance program for individuals and families who are literally homeless; by referral only through 2-1-1.
• Senior Services Home maintenance services for City of St. Louis seniors including lawn mowing, cleanup, and minor repairs to help them age safely and comfortably in their own homes.
• Impacted Tenants Fund Disaster recovery program in partnership with City of St. Louis providing financial assistance to renters displaced by May 2025 tornado or building condemnation.

Quantifiable outcome

• 93% World of Work completion rate
• +6 more outcomes

Named customers13 records

Segments9 records

Ideal customer profiles8 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

24 partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and minor.

• United Way of Greater St. LouiscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUnited Way has been the primary funder and member agency supporter since 1980. Their funding enables Employment Connection to provide comprehensive services including the World of Work program and housing assistance. United Way support is credited with making Lisa's transformation from homelessness possible.
• Bywater Development GroupcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership for University Crossing, a 60-unit mixed-income development adjacent to North Hanley MetroLink Station. Development includes satellite Employment Connection office to serve North County clients. Construction on track for fall completion.
• ARCHS (St. Louis Agency on Teaching and Learning)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLong-standing partner for Breaking Down Barriers program providing training and placement for young adults. ARCHS support enables collaboration with Missouri Department of Social Services for youth employment initiatives.
• Missouri Department of Social ServicescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGovernment partner for Breaking Down Barriers program and other workforce initiatives. Supports employment fair and provides funding for training programs including Certified Nursing Assistant training.
• City of St. Louis Department of Human ServicescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership for Impacted Tenants Fund launched late 2025 to assist renters displaced by May 2025 tornado and/or building condemnation. Over $241,137 disbursed to 180 approved applicants as of June 2026.
• Missouri Housing Development CommissionmajorOthersMade disaster recovery funds available to St. Louis City and St. Louis County residents affected by May 2025 tornado. Funds limited and awarded on first-come, first-served basis.
• St. Louis Circuit Attorney's Office of DiversioncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership for Young Adult Services program serving justice-involved individuals ages 18-24. Program provides employment planning with potential for criminal charge dismissal upon IEP completion.
• St. Louis Office of Violence PreventioncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGovernment partner for Young Adult Services program addressing violence prevention through employment and workforce development for young adults.
• Mercy HospitalminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCorporate volunteer partner providing ongoing volunteer support including courtyard maintenance, clothing donation sorting, and Green Jobs resume assistance.
• United Way of Greater St. Louis VolunteersminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerVolunteers from United Way participated in Unite With Us Days community-wide volunteerism during Global Volunteer Month, organizing Client Marketplace and Clothing Closet.
• StraightUp SolarminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSolar industry partner supporting Solar Panel Installation Training Program, providing industry expertise and career pathways for graduates.
• Seed St. LouisminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity partner providing hands-on training opportunities for Green Jobs cohort at various urban agriculture sites.
• Forest ReLeaf of MissouriminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner providing Green Jobs training sites and arboriculture experience for conservation workforce development.
• Fresh Starts Community GardenminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity garden partner hosting Green Jobs tryouts and training. Founder Rosie Willis received Circle of Care Award for community service.
• New Roots Urban FarmminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerUrban agriculture partner providing hands-on training for Green Jobs participants. Recently hired Green Jobs graduate as farm worker.
• Beyond HousingminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity partner providing Green Jobs training opportunities and neighborhood development collaboration.
• ProvidentminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSocial service agency partner collaborating on grants and proposals for community programs.
• City of St. LouismajorOthersMunicipal government partner providing Community Development Block Grant funding and various collaborative initiatives including Impacted Tenants Fund.
• Family Resource CenterminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSocial service partner collaborating on cooperative funding efforts and client referrals.
• MERS/GoodwillminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerWorkforce development nonprofit partner for collaborative funding and service delivery.
• Salvation ArmyminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMajor nonprofit partner for collaborative social service programs and funding.
• St. Patrick CenterminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHomeless services partner collaborating on housing and employment programs.
• Grace HillminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity services partner for collaborative funding and client referrals.
• Bridgeway/Preferred Family HealthminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHealthcare partner for behavioral health and wraparound services collaboration.

Scale indicators10 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• St. Patrick Center: St. Louis-based nonprofit serving homeless and low-income individuals with housing, employment, and behavioral health services. Directly overlapping mission and service model, listed as an Employment Connection partner.
• Grace Hill: St. Louis community services nonprofit providing workforce development, early childhood education, and housing services. Comparable as a regional provider of employment and wraparound services to low-income populations; named partner.
• MERS/Goodwill: St. Louis-area workforce development and social enterprise nonprofit. Directly comparable as a regional provider of employment placement, vocational training, and wraparound services to individuals with barriers; explicitly listed as an Employment Connection partner.

Broad incumbents

• Goodwill Industries International: National nonprofit employment and workforce development organization with a major St. Louis affiliate (MERS/Goodwill). Comparable mission of placing individuals with barriers into employment, but operates at much larger national scale.
• Catholic Charities of St. Louis: Large regional social services nonprofit providing employment, housing, refugee resettlement, and family services. Comparable in offering comprehensive social services to underserved populations; named partner.
• Salvation Army (St. Louis): National nonprofit with major St. Louis presence providing employment readiness, housing, and social services. Comparable in scope (workforce + housing + social services) but operates nationally and at larger scale; explicitly named as an Employment Connection partner.

Regional players

• Provident: St. Louis behavioral health nonprofit providing counseling and employment-related mental health services. Comparable as a regional social impact provider with overlapping employment and mental health offerings; named partner.
• International Institute of St. Louis: St. Louis-based nonprofit providing employment, training, and resettlement services to immigrants and refugees. Comparable employment placement and training model serving a specific barrier-to-employment population.

Emerging players

• Bridgeway / Preferred Family Health: St. Louis-area behavioral health and social services provider. Comparable via the wraparound (mental health + employment) service model intersection; named Employment Connection partner.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/employmentstl
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCBC_XD5KShJTJLQDKv4EO3g
• Facebookfacebook.com/EmploymentStL
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/3044484/admin
• Instagraminstagram.com/employmentstl

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles18 records

Subsidiaries2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Employment Connection