AUGUST 2023

Junardy Jean-Charles Named New Board Chair

We're pleased to announce the election of board member, Junardy Jean-Charles, as the new Board of Directors Chair. The position was previously held by Peter Munkenbeck, who will remain an active member of the board. Additionally, the Board has recently welcomed five new members: Hiwot Behabtu, Max Clermont, Carlos Espinoza-Toro, Donna Lewis and RJ Panzo. 


Hiwot Behabtu is a resident of Just A Start's Rindge Tower and a senior technical support professional at Duckcreek Technologies. 


Max Clermont is a Senior Advisor at Partners in Health.


Carlos Espinoza-Toro is the Director of Equitable Economic Development at Enterprise Community Partners.  


Donna Lewis, a graduate of YouthBuild Just A Start, is a Cambridge resident and a professional at the Harvard Graduate School of Design.


RJ Panzo is a long-time volunteer with Just A Start’s Biomedical program and is the Senior Director, Scientific Operations, at Breakthrough Properties.


“I am so excited to embark on this endeavor with Just A Start,” said Ms. Jean-Charles. “Over the past three years that I have served on the Just A Start Board of Directors, I have witnessed the organization to be a catalyst for impactful change within the community. It’s an honor and a privilege to be a part of that narrative and I am looking forward to engaging in this transformative work on a deeper level.”

What's Happening at Rindge Commons

There has been exciting progress at the Rindge Commons site over the last month. The building is taking shape with the windows installed, as well as the vapor barrier for the entire building. The siding will occur next with the insulation under install. Much has been accomplished, and we will be moving inside the building with an internal drywall scope underway from the top floor down. It is all coming together and taking shape, within and without.


Just A Start launched a $4.25 million campaign to provide needed funding for Rindge Commons. To date, we have raised over $4 million, 95% towards the goal!


Last Dollar In Challenge and Double your Impact! An anonymous donor has offered a challenge grant of $200,000 for any donations towards the capital campaign. This means your gift will be matched dollar-to-dollar.  Donate HERE and contact Carmen Chan, Director of Philanthropy at CarmenChan@justastart.org with any questions.

Applications Open for Affordable Housing at Rindge

Located across the street from the Alewife MBTA station, Rindge Commons North shares a site with Just A Start’s Rindge Tower Property. It is also home to Just A Start’s headquarters. The building includes a roof deck, bike room, and community room. Residents will share the Rindge Tower onsite Community Coordinator and outdoor playground. Applications will be open until October 16th and the lottery will be held on October 30th. CLICK HERE TO APPLY TODAY!

Celebrating Our Community

Every year, Just A Start hosts a celebration for residents with food, fun, games and community. Check out the wonderful moments from this year's Annual BBQ in Squirrel Brand Park in mid July.


A warm and heartfelt thank you to all who joined us, making the event a tremendous success. Your presence added so much joy and vibrancy to the day and strengthened the bonds that define our community.

We Are Grateful - August Funders

Capital One

Comcast

JPMorgan Chase & Co. 

Kearsarge Energy

Liberty Mutual

Santander Bank

YouthBuild USA

Our mission is to promote equity by creating access to stable housing and building pathways to economic opportunity. 
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1035 Cambridge Street #12 | Cambridge, MA 02141 | 617-494-0444