A Bright and Productive 2023

In 2023, Just A Start continued along our steep trajectory towards deeper and broader impact with our “building homes, careers and futures” mission. Central to our work and vision has been the development of Rindge Commons. The project - with our new headquarters, a state-of-the-art education and training center, space for four pre-k classrooms, and 24 affordable apartments – will be complete in the spring 2024. Our capital campaign in support of it is closing in on $5 million, a testament to our strong partnerships and to the compelling nature of the project and what it will mean for our work. 

With our eye to the future, we also kept our nose to the grindstone, continuing to deliver on our impressive array of services:

• This week, we began building a 106-unit affordable apartments at 52 New Street.
• We secured two sites that will eventually yield 30 more affordable homes.
• We trained and supported over 60 people for living-wage careers, with plans to increase those numbers at Rindge Commons.
• We assisted hundreds of families to remain stably housed through our combination of mediation, financial assistance and support services. 
• We coached hundreds of families to improve their financial status and prospects. 

And, with your continued partnership, we have every reason to believe that 2024 will be even more productive.  

Best Regards,

Carl Nagy-Koechlin, Executive Director

IN MEMORIAM

I would also like to take a moment to remember Paul Parravano, Just A Start’s longest-tenured board member and outstanding co-director of Government and Community Relations at MIT, who died after a year-long battle with pancreatic cancer in December. Paul joined the board in 1996 and served for 26 years. Paul was blind and yet, paradoxically, has been praised by many for his ability to really see people. I always felt that way - he appreciated the work I do at Just A Start, but more than that made sure he knew and supported me as a person and a friend. He played an instrumental role in our work to make Rindge Commons a reality and was a strong advocate for our workforce development programs. He was all about diversity, equity and inclusion and brought that commitment to our board and to the work we are doing to be a more equitable, diverse, and inclusive organization. He also played a key role in recruiting at least four board members, including Junardy Jean-Charles, our new chair. Paul’s passing is a terrible loss and yet how fortunate we have been to have had Paul in our lives and engaged in Just A Start's mission. Rest in peace, Paul.

Read Paul's obituary HERE.