St. Louis Campus

2125 Bissell, St. Louis, MO 63107

Phone: 314.584.6857 fax: 314.534.7600 www.connectionstosuccess.org

Personal Professional Development (PPD) Classes

PPD Classes offered in December at both locations. Call for more details!

St. Charles 636.940.8027

St. Louis 314.584.6857

Professional Women’s Group (PWG)

November 21st 9:30-11:30 am - StL

December 10th 6:00-8:00 pm - StC

December 19th 9:30-11:30 am - StL

Professional Men’s Group (PMG)

November 21st 9:30-11:00 am - StL

December 19th 9:30-11:00 am - StL

Toastmasters

November 21st 12-1:00 pm - StL

December 7th 6:00-8:00 pm - StC

December 10th 10-11:00 am - StL

December 19th 12:00-1:00 pm - StL

Employment Workshop

Fridays: 9-10 am

Both campuses

Computer Lab

Mondays-Fridays: 9am-4 pm

Both campuses

Connect Group - St. Charles

Mondays 6:00-8:00 pm

Meal provided

Talent Show - Dec. 14th

Zumba Exercise Class

Saturdays: 10-11 am

RSVP - Dr. Puzzo 314.497.5439

St. Charles campus

Limited Transportation is available

C rafting the perfect resume is an art form that, once

mastered, can be a powerful tool to find employment. Here are some easy tips in order to create and tweak a great resume.

Cater your resume to different jobs and industries.

Have multiple versions of your resume that can be adjusted to each industry and potential employers. For example, if you are looking for employment in the customer service industry, as well as the hospitality industry, have two versions of your resume. Each resume can be adjusted accordingly to highlight different skills particular to each industry.

Proof reading is key to avoiding mistakes.

You can never have too

going to differ on what they want your resume to look like. Have family, friends, and colleagues look over your resume for grammar, formatting, and content. A fresh pair of eyes on your resume can catch mistakes that you might have missed.

Check your resume every three to six months.

As you look for new jobs or gain more experience within a current job you will have new skills to highlight and new experiences under your belt to showcase. Constantly updating your resume allows for your resume to reflect who you are and what you have learned recently.

Attention to detail is everything.

A resume has a finite amount of space to show who you are to employers. You want to maximize every inch of your resume.

read resume. A cluttered or confusing resume is the quickest way to fall to the bottom of the stack. Good formatting, an easy to read font, and consistency are all attractive ways to keep an employer’s attention.

Word choice can take a resume from good to great.

Employers want to know more about you, not just the positions that you have had. It’s important to use powerful action words in order to describe your job roles and personality. For example, “Data entry” is a sufficient description. “Entered data quickly and accurately into an online database,” is a more specific statement. It shows both your attention to detail in your resume and in your work. The trick to a great resume is being concise and yet specific.

Tips for a Successful Resume By Taylor Vincent, Employment Specialist Assistant VISTA

Upcoming Events

@hoperesplan

At Connections to Success, we know that every new employment position is one step closer to the dream job and financial independence. Join us as we celebrate with these individuals who have taken that step!

TEN Ways to Sleep Well! By Dr. Puzzo, Chiropractor & Nutritionist

Brown Sisters Foundation

Dress for Success Worldwide

Emerson

Franz Family Foundation

Gazelle Magazine

Group 360 Worldwide

Lutheran Foundation

iHeartMedia

IMPACT Group

Institute for Black Male Achievement

Jones Family Foundation

MasterCard

Missouri Foundation for Health

Nike

Sigma-Aldrich

Southwest Airlines

StreetScape Magazine

Walmart

Women on Mission St. Louis

Women’s Foundation of Greater St. Louis

Health and Wellness Center

St. Charles campus: 9-4, M-F

Dr. Puzzo : M/W/F (St. Char les)

M any people do not

realize just how

important proper sleep

is for their health. In

today’s hectic society, we are working

more and sleeping less. It is in the

research people - sleep deprivation

decreases quality of life, longevity and

overall health in many ways. How

many of you feel worn out even after a

full nights “sleep?” Well, you all know

how I feel about life changes and

habits, so let’s go through this. Some

of this will sound elementary, but you

would be surprised how many people

don’t realize this stuff.

1. Set out to go to bed and wake up

at the same time everyday - yes,

even on the weekends! This will

create a rhythm within your body,

as many already know, because

they have a hard time sleeping in

on the weekends. Actually, that is

great!

2. Sleep in darkness - light on the

3. Avoid eating huge meals right

before bedtime - the digestion of

food will disrupt sleep due to the

energy given off, especially from

sugars.

4. Avoid caffeine - now there is a

shocker!

5. Avoid alcohol - even though you

may feel drowsy and sleepy after

drinking, the effect is short-lived.

Alcohol also prevents REM sleep,

the deep, healing sleep we need for

rejuvenation.

6. For you wandering, never-stop

minds - write in a journal - get

those thoughts out so you don’t

think about them all night.

heart) - protein not only prolongs

metabolism throughout the night

but also provides the L-tryptophan

(the sleepy turkey stuff on

Thanksgiving) needed to make

melatonin and serotonin.

8. Stay away from liquids before

bed - getting up in the middle of

the night is no fun.

9. Take a warm shower or bath -

heat calms the body.

10. Make sure you are comfortable

in your bed with a sturdy

mattress - avoid water-beds, they

do nothing to support your spine.

It is all about small changes.

Remember, it takes 21 days to create a

healthy, functioning habit! Please

don’t underestimate the power of sleep

— your health depends on it.

Brian B. Bruce B. Aamber W. Craig S. Anttawanna G. Jeannine W.

Dionne B. Felicia P. Anthony J. David M. Bryan H. Monica P.

Farrah L. Jerrica W. Demetria R. Debra C. Cynthia R. Paula A.

Josh R. Keisha W. Dionne B. Dexter W. Ebony M. Regina G.

Kathryn Y. Kim J. Shirley P. Jennifer M. Felicia R. Ruby A.

Nathaniel B. Theresa M. Stephon R. Joshua P. James M. Sheila C.

Ronda H. William W. Travis I. James T. Zoeletia J.

Tammy B. Valerie I. Jayne M.

Tashay S.

Employed 30 Days

Employed 60 Days

Employed 90 Days

Employed 6 Months

Employed 1 Year or More

Dear PPD Trainer,

I recently came out of a training program that is very different than my past job history. How do I create a resume with no real work experience in the field I'm trying to get into? Sincerely, Educated and Confused Dear Recent Graduate, I understand the confusion and frustration you must have with your new start. It's exciting to have the opportunity to begin a new career and rewarding that you accomplished completing your education, however, you can quickly feel defeated if you don't know how to start your new job search. First of all, I would suggest you make a list of skills you have attained in past jobs that might transfer into the field you are currently going into. For example, if you managed inventory for a warehouse and you are now going into restaurant management, the skills would probably work well in both industries. The key is building the bridge from one position to your future position you are now seeking. Tell the employer how your skills could be utilized in the current position through an accomplishment statement. The more you show common themes from your past work experience, the easier it is for the employer to understand the connection. If you are wanting more assistance with this, feel free to contact your Life Transformation Coach or simply re-enroll in the next Personal and Professional Development class. We are here to assist you as you grow and develop in your new career. Sincerely,

Vivial

Use your SMART Goals

Specific Do I know precisely what has to happen?

Measurable How will I know if I’ve achieved my goal/action step

Attainable Is it realistic or do-able?

Result-oriented Will it really move me toward my goal?

Time-limited Does it have a due date?

“Once you have a goal, you will need a plan to achieve it. Creating a plan helps you prioritize

The Professional Women’s Group (PWG) is a networking association dedicated to assisting women with career advancement. The program focuses on five core pillars: leadership, financial literacy, health & wellness, work/life balance and written & unwritten rules in the workplace. There are many opportunities for continued professional development, including company visits with executive leadership teams, community service projects and professional mentoring. Meetings are held monthly on the second Thursday from 6:00-8:00 pm at our St. Charles campus and the third Saturday from 9:30 to 11:30 am at our St. Louis campus. Feel free to attend one or both meetings each month. Contact Vivial Lopez at vlopez@connectionstosuccess.org or 314.584.6857.

PWG’s Day of Empowerment: for the Next Professional Women’s Group Leaders

By Andrea Klipsch, PWG Assistant VISTA

T he Professional Women’s Group (PWG) is excited about the opportunity to give back!

The PWG members invest in the community annually through the Community Action Project (CAP).

Every year, a new PWG emerging leader is selected to create and lead a CAP. This emerging leader attends a weekend long success summit along with over 100 other PWG members from across the globe. During this summit, she learns leadership skills and project management skills.

The 2015 CAP is A Day of Empowerment, led by Kesha Kent. PWG is leading a

forum for Young Women 18-25, though all women are welcome, in an effort to Equip, Empower and Support women on their Paths to Success!

“As a young woman, I lacked resources. I grew up in the city of St. Louis and didn’t have a role model or mentor in arms reach.

If we EMPOWER them early, we can surely BREAK the cycle that plagues the St. Louis area. [If we] teach them to speak up and speak out, statistics show they’ll bring six people out of poverty with them—family members, husbands, children, parents etc!” said Kent.

Activities at the event include, networking,

mentoring, a panel discussion of the current and future state of young women, a catered lunch and door prizes & raffles! This wonderful event will be held on December 5th from 1-5 pm at the Julia Davis Library Auditorium, 4415 Natural Bridge Ave, St. Louis, MO 63115.

To learn more about the project please contact Kesha Kent at kentdynasty77@yahoo.com or call/text 314-825-4069.

For more information about the PWG, please contact Vivial Lopez at vlopez@connectionstosuccess.org or 314.584.6857.

I f you are looking to improve your public speaking and leadership skills, then Toastmasters is right for you!

Toastmasters International is a non-profit educational organization made up of local self-led clubs that strive to enhance the speaking, listening and thinking skills of its members.

Connections to Success and PWG have created three separate clubs that meet once a month. These groups are helping each

other become competent leaders and speakers.

Members run the meetings as designated speakers, evaluators, and other exciting roles. The Grammarian listens for appropriate grammar. The Wizard of Ahs counts filler words like “um, ah, like, so.” The Timer keeps the meeting and speakers on time. Lastly, there is a Toastmaster who serves as the leader, running the meeting and introducing all the speakers and roles. There is never a bad time to improve or

maintain your speaking and leadership skills! Men and women, join us monthly!

First Monday 6-8pm at the St. Charles campus. Second Thursday 10-11am and Third Saturday 12-1pm both at the Grace Hill campus.

For information about Toastmasters, please contact Andrea Klipsch at 314.584.6702 or aklipsch@connectionstosuccess.org.

A Toast to Becoming a Better Public Speaker!

By Andrea Klipsch, PWG Assistant VISTA

PROFESSIONAL MEN’S GROUP

Do you have a job but need a promotion?

Do you want a better career?

Do you want to surround yourself with others who

WE WANT YOU!

DRIVE PROFESSIONAL MEN’S GROUP

[PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND NETWORKING GROUP]

By surrounding yourself with others who have the same drive and ambition as you, you will be able to learn the skills and techniques that push you to that next level in your career.

DR

IV

E

EVERY THIRD SATURDAY 9:30-11:00 AM

Connections to Success (Grace Hill Water Tower Hub)

Mentoring Spotlight By Miranda Bell, Regional Volunteer and Mentoring Manager

“Y ou will get there when you are

meant to get there and not one moment sooner…so relax, breathe, and be patient.” - Mandy Hale This is the sentiment that mentor and GED/Hi-Set volunteer Linda shared with PPD Graduate Kim at the genesis of their mentoring relationship. The ladies, who both regularly attend Connect on Monday nights, found a natural rapport with each other while sharing

Kim’s son, Nick. When we asked Linda to be Kim’s mentor, Linda enthusiastically responded without pause, “a BIG YES! I LOVE HER and NICK!” After graduation in October, Kim faced discouragement during her job search. However, Kim remained engaged with Connections programs, met with her Life Transformation Coach frequently and continued to build her relationship with her

encouraged she’d been by their time together, saying, “[Linda] gave me a word I needed to work on freeing myself . . .” Linda also empowered Kim to overcome her barriers to employment by calling on Kim’s strengths as an athlete. “She is a runner,” writes Linda, “and I [compared] being confident in areas that she excels in to the confidence she has when running a 5K or 10K. Running is something that is very hard for most

the other without thought.” We’re overjoyed to say that Kim is now off and running in her new position. In January, Kim was hired for a new position at Equifax. We celebrate Kim’s accomplishment and her new found friendship with mentor Linda! Ready to be in a mentoring relationship? Do you know someone who is? Call Miranda for more information. Help build powerful relationships like

BUSINESS PROFESSIONAL

MEN PRESSED SUIT DRESS SHIRT FRESH HAIRCUT CLEAN SHAVEN CONSERVATIVE TIE MINIMAL OR NO

COLOGNE POLISHED DRESS

SHOES DARK DRESS SOCKS

WOMEN PRESSED PANT OR

SKIRT SUIT DRESS WITH JACKET NATURAL MAKEUP NO BULKY OR NOISY

JEWELRY MINIMAL OR NO

PERFUME CLOSED-TOE SHOES

BUSINESS CASUAL

MEN PRESSED SLACKS MATCHING BELT &

SHOES BUTTON-UP SHIRT

OR POLO CLEAN SHAVEN OPTIONAL TIE LOAFER STYLE

SHOES

WOMEN PRESSED SKIRT,

KHAKIS OR PANTS COLLAR SHIRT,

KNIT SHIRT OR SWEATER

CLOSED-TOE SHOES

PROPERLY FITTING CLOTHING

*ALWAYS CHECK WITH YOUR COMPANY’S DRESS CODE

St. Charles, MO 63301 PERMIT NO 201

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 15 16Connect 6-8 PM

(StC)

17 18 19 20Employment Workshop-9-10

21Zumba StC-RSVP PWG-StL 9:30-11:30 PMG-StL 9:30-11:00 Toastmasters StL-12-1

22 23Connect 6-8 PM (StC)

24 25 CtS CLOSED

26 Happy Thanksgiving CtS CLOSED

27 CtS CLOSED

28 NO Zumba

29 30Connect 6-8 PM (StC)

1 2 3 4Employment Workshop 9-10

5Zumba StC-RSVP

6 7Connect 6-8 PM (StC) Toastmasters 6-8 PM (StC)

8 9 10PWG-StC 6-8 PM

11Employment Workshop 9-10

12Zumba StC-RSVP

November/December 2015

Please call Dr. Puzzo at (314) 497-5439 to RSVP for Zumba on Saturday mornings.