Employment Connection

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) discovered that employed ex-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 homeless and low-income individuals and families, at-risk youth, U.S. veterans, new Americans, individuals with untreated and undiagnosed mental health disorders, and non-custodial fathers. Today Employment Connection assists 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.