ST. LOUIS – A program to help rehabilitate inmates and ex-offenders in the justice system is being energized by the Electrical Connection through its support of a holiday gift giving program.  In the process, the Electrical Connection is also introducing construction careers to ex-offenders in the justice system.  On December 12, 2018, the Electrical Connection presented a check for $2,500 to support a children’s holiday event, which is co-sponsored by the St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church in partnership with the U.S Probation Office.  The money supported holiday gift giving to families served by the United States District Court Eastern District of Missouri, Probation Division.  The Electrical Connection is a partnership of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 1 and the St. Louis Chapter, National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA).

On December 12, 2018, children gathered with families at a holiday party the St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church gym at 4967 Forest Park Ave in the Central West.  They were given winter coats, Christmas gifts and celebrated the holiday season with festive activities. Up to 250 children were served in the program.  At a separate event, Children of inmates in the federal system were able to visit with their mothers via a teleconference.

            “The Electrical Connection has built a reputation for supporting the St. Louis community and we greatly appreciate its support of our gift giving program to strengthen families served by our justice system,” said Scott A. Anders, Chief U.S. Probation Officer.  “The Electrical Connection is adding even greater value by introducing a solid career path in the electrical industry to those we rehabilitate.”

            In many ways, the U.S. Probation Officers Children’s Holiday Event is much like the “Shop with a Cop” program long supported by the Electrical Connection.  The law enforcement community trust-building program provides holiday gifts to children that they would not otherwise receive.  The Electrical Connection supports “Shop with a Cop” programs in Ferguson, Mo. and in St. Francois County, Mo.

            “We are greatly impressed by the U.S. Probation Office’s Project Re-Direct and the support it provides to inmates and ex-offenders,” said Jim Curran, executive vice president, Electrical Connection.  “Its creative approach to rehabilitation, which the holiday giving event is part of, goes a long way to stabilizing lives and families while strengthening our community.”

            Project Re-Direct is led by Clark E. Porter, MSW, an ex-felon himself, who is now a program support specialist for United States District Court Eastern District of Missouri.  It is an intense seven-month program that consists of 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 and Project Re-Direct 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.