OCTOBER 2022

Just A Start Breaks Ground at The Economic Mobility Hub at Rindge Commons

On October 20th, Just A Start broke ground at the Economic Mobility Hub at Rindge Commons, a new, 70,000-square-foot, mixed-use development that will bring together an education and job training center and affordable housing, as well as expand services to families spanning Cambridge and beyond. The hub, located at the intersection of Rindge Avenue and Alewife Brook Parkway in North Cambridge, is adjacent to the 402 Rindge Avenue tower, Just A Start’s affordable housing development with 273 apartments.

Check out the following media coverage and press releases about the project:

• Just A Start Breaks Ground at The Economic Mobility Hub at Rindge Commons
• Construction has begun on Rindge Commons, combining affordable housing with job training
• MassHousing Closes on $8.5 Million in Financing for the New, 24-Unit Rindge Commons in Cambridge
• Rindge Commons: Groundbreaking

Pictured L to R: Senator Patricia Jehlen, Representative Steven Owens, Cambridge City Manager Yi-An Huang, Senator Sal DiDomenico, Just A Start Executive Director Carl Nagy-Koechlin, Mayor Sumbul Siddiqui, Vice-Mayor Alanna Mallon, Councillor Marc McGovern, Councillor Quinton Zondervan.

Photo Credit: Christopher McIntosh

Just A Start Celebrates Biomedical and IT Career Program Graduates

In mid-September, 30 students in Just A Start’s Career Connect Program graduated at ceremonies held at the Asian Cultural Center and Donnelly Field, both located in Cambridge. Valedictorians Banchgize Temesgen (IT) and Subrata Das (Biomedical), both received certificates of distinction in their respective ceremonies and offered their comments and well wishes to the classes of 2022. 

In her remarks at the IT graduation ceremony, Ms. Temesgen said, “I tried to apply to different universities in the data science field, but it was not possible because of the cost. When one of my friends told me about Just A Start’s career training program, I was happy and skeptical at the same time. Working while being a full-time student for 9 months was not easy, but I am a witness that this program will change everything in your life. Don’t hesitate to take advantage of this golden opportunity.”

Students in Just A Start’s Career Connect Program come from diverse backgrounds. The Classes of 2022 include immigrants from Ethiopia, Nepal, Bangladesh, Eritrea, India, Morocco, Sri Lanka and Brazil. With the addition of the IT Career program in 2018, Just A Start has now graduated over 400 adult students who have gone on to sustainable careers in the biomedical, life science, and IT industries. Graduates of the program typically increase their annual income by $29,000 through employment at local companies.

Photo Credit: Lee-Daniel Tran

YouthBuild Just A Start Celebrates Graduates

At the end of September, YouthBuild Just A Start celebrated graduates from the classes of 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022 in the first in-person graduation program since the pandemic. Held at the Cambridge Public Library, the event was a joyful celebration for student, families, teachers and staff. Two awards, the Dave Mac Award and Charlie Parker Award were presented by their namesakes to a student and staff member. The Dave Mac Award recipient, Kendall Joslin, is a graduate who during the program, exemplified dedication to a job well done, compassion for all and a generosity of spirit. The Charlie Parker Award was awarded to Andrea Chery, Case Manager and Counseling Program Manager, for her outstanding student support and dedication to the YouthBuild Just A Start Mission. Congratulations!

Photo Credit: Binita Mandalia

We Are Grateful - September & October Funders

Capital One

Wingate Management Company

Curtis Construction Company

Davis Square Architechts

Leggat McCall

Santander Bank

Winchester Co-operative Bank

Just A Start is Hiring!

Join the Just A Start team to make a difference every day in the lives of our residents, students, program participants, and the broader community.