ST. LOUIS — A new north St. Louis community center is off to a bright start thanks to a $20,000 donation from the Electrical Connection. The labor-management organization funded a complete electrical upgrade to the new UJAMMA Cultural Arts, Education and Wellness Center at 5076 West Florissant. The Electrical Connection is a partnership of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local One and the St. Louis Chapter, National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA).

“The Electrical Connection gave us the boost we needed. The donation allowed us to upgrade our electric service significantly to support our vision of serving the community with a medical clinic and other vital services,” said St. Louis First Ward Alderman Charles Quincy Troupe.

UJAMMA, which is Swahili for “cooperative economics,” plans to open in 2011 and will serve residents of the Walnut Park East, Mark Twain, Kingsway East, Kingsway West, Penrose and Wells Goodfellow neighborhoods. In addition to plans for a medical clinic, it will support the family structure with services for all ages including a GED program, wellness and exercise, a seniors program, an after-school enrichment program and life skills development.

“While the Electrical Connection cultivates new business for IBEW and its signatory contractors, part of its mission is to support programs that build community in our hometown,” said Stephen P. Schoemehl, business manager, IBEW Local One.

The new community center is housed in a former police station that is being refurbished. The $20,000 donation funded the upgrade, by RJP Electric L.L.C, of the 70-year-old electrical service found in the 15,000-square-foot building. It was transformed from single-phase 200-amp service to three-phase 800-amp service to support the medical clinic plus a recording studio, radio station and a business incubator. The facility now also has a back-up generator.

“We’re delighted to help launch UJAMMA by donating funds that ensure its electrical upgrade was delivered with the highest skill and safety,” said Douglas R. Martin, executive vice president of the St. Louis Chapter, NECA.

Members of the Electrical Connection provide safe and reliable electrical construction, maintenance, repair and replacement services across eastern Missouri. More is online at www.electricalconnection.org.

The Electrical Connected donated $20,000 to upgrade electrical services to the new UJAMMA Cultural Arts, Education and Wellness Center in north St. Louis. The Electrical Connection is a partnership of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local One and the St. Louis Chapter, National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA). At the check presentation (l to r) were Gus Mantia, service division manager, RJP Electric L.L.C.; Douglas R. Martin, executive vice president of the St. Louis Chapter, NECA; St. Louis First Ward Alderman Charles Quincy Troupe; and Stephen P. Schoemehl, business manager, IBEW Local One.