ST. LOUIS – For the seventh year, the IBEW/NECA Electrical Connection partnership hosted a special holiday giving program for families served by the U.S. justice system.  Persons on supervision and their families celebrated at the U.S. Probation Officers Holiday Giving Event at the IBEW Local 1 Union Hall.  A total of 105 families, including 310 children, were served dinner and received gifts at the Dec. 10, 2024 festive event. The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 1 and St. Louis Chapter of the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) partner to form the Electrical Connection.  In addition to hosting, the IBEW/NECA partnership also donated $2,500 to support the event.

“It is wonderful to have community partner in the IBEW/NECA Electrical Connection that understands fostering hope to energize productive pathways in life to strengthen those we serve in the justice system,” noted Lisa White, Supervising U.S. probation Officer.

At the event, children received gifts, including a bicycle and helmet for every child from 4 to 10 years old.  Children also picked out a gift for their parents.  In addition, families were treated to a holiday dinner and given a turkey or ham to take home. Missouri State Representative Kimberly Ann Collins welcomed the families to the event.

Tim Green, executive vice president of the Electrical Connection addresses families.

 “It’s hard to miss families bonding at the U.S. Probation Holiday Event celebration,” said Frank Jacobs, business manager, IBEW Local 1.  “We host and support the program because it furthers a sustainable turning point in life that welcomes parolees and their families into the community.”

“The proximity of our IBEW/NECA Electrical Industry Training Center also plants a seed to a better future” noted Kyle McKenna, executive vice president, St. Louis Chapter NECA. “Our IBEW/NECA representatives encourage parolees and their families to consider a career in the electrical and communications technology industry.”  Launched in 1941, the training center is the oldest of its kind in Missouri and has trained more highly skilled and safe electricians and communication technicians than any other program in the state.

The event drew coverage from Fox 2

The holiday giving event is part of the U.S Probation Office’s Family Program an innovative approach to rehabilitation. It is a holistic program focused on family inclusion, led by Lisa White and Clark E. porter, MSW, an ex-felon himself, who now serves as a program support specialist for the United States Probation Office in the Eastern District of Missouri.  The U.S Probation Office offers substance abuse treatment, community service, employment assistance, and support for ex-offenders to reduce recidivism and reorient their lives to give greater purpose beneficial to society.  Learn more about Porter in this video.

Members of the Electrical Connection provide safe and reliable electrical construction, maintenance, repair and replacement services across Missouri, the nation and the world.  For more information visit www.electricalconnection.org.