Just A Start Inc.
Building Homes, Careers, and Futures
Programs and results
What we aim to solve
Our programs
What are the organization's current programs, how do they measure success, and who do the programs serve?
Real Estate Development
JAS Real Estate Development develops affordable homes for low- to moderate-income families. Our multi-family developments for first-time homebuyers and renters have affordability protection through long term Affordable Housing Agreements with the City of Cambridge and State funders. Our rental properties have deeded income restrictions and our homeownership units are repurchased at a restricted resale prices, preserving long term affordability. In the design process the JAS Real Estate team collaborates to incorporate many green and sustainable features to help keep operating costs low for new homeowners and rental operations. Two of our more recent developments were awarded Platinum status under the LEED™ for Homes program. Whether new construction, adaptive reuse or preservation, all our homes get high efficiency boilers with programmable thermostats, high performance energy star windows, low flush toilets, shower heads, and faucets, and energy star appliances.
JAS YouthBuild
JAS YouthBuild is a comprehensive youth development program providing young men and women who have dropped out of high school with a second chance to earn a high school diploma or HiSET and transition into productive citizenship. Building on two national program models, YouthBuild & AmeriCorps, JAS YouthBuild engages youth in service to their communities by rehabbing affordable housing while simultaneously enabling them to develop academic, vocational, employability, leadership, and life skills and to make a successful transition to employment, training, and/or post-secondary education. Over a one to two year period, rigorous academic instruction is provided in English language arts, math, social studies, and science to prepare for HiSET tests, MCAS tests for diploma students, and future postsecondary education and training. Certificate training and other postsecondary transition supports put graduates on career pathways in building trades, health careers, and other in-demand occupations. JAS YouthBuild serves approximately 50 out-of-school youth each year, all of whom are ages 17-24, high school dropouts, and low-income, and approximately 30% of whom are young women. Many are homeless, parenting, court-involved, learning disabled, and have poor work histories. A number of youth come from immigrant families in which English is not the primary language spoken at home. Many students come to the program viewing it as their ""last chance to get their lives together."" These youth typically come from southern tier Metro North communities, including Cambridge and Chelsea, and reflect the ethnic and racial diversity of those communities. In the spring of 2015, 8% of you in the program were black, 80% were Latino/a, 5% were white, and 8% identified as some other race/ethnicity.
Housing Services
Individuals and families referred to Housing Services are typically at risk of eviction, at risk of homelessness, and are unstable with respect to financial, educational, and work issues. Housing Services assist these individuals and families to become stable for the long term with respect to preserving affordable housing, establishing financial independence, advancing personal, educational and work goals, and strengthening family stability. Housing Services also assists these individuals and families to establish effective communication and conflict management practices and gain knowledge of and access to a wide range of resources, programs and services available to them. Additionally, Housing Services works with homeowners to resolve conflicts and educate condominium associations as to how to maintain their housing asset and work together. The individuals served by Housing Service learn what their legal rights and responsibilities are to help them become effective advocates for maintaining stable housing and resources for themselves and their families.
Biomedical Careers Program
The Biomedical Careers Program is an intensive, tuition-free, 9 month, 760 hour program that prepares graduates for entry level jobs in the biomedical industry. Classroom instruction includes biology, chemistry, computers, and medical terminology, followed by laboratory skills training at Bunker Hill Community College. Support services are also provides to address potential barriers to students' success, while career development training, including interviewing skills, resume preparation, and letter writing, prepares them to enter the job market. Job placement assistance is provided for at least 12 months after graduation. Partners with biomedical industry representatives provide curriculum review, guest speakers, fieldtrip visits to local biotech companies, an annual Job Fair, and job referrals. Recent industry supporters and employers include Biogen, Genzyme, Shire, and MA Biologic Laboratories. The Biomedical Careers Program enrolls 20-30 low/moderate income individuals annually, most of whom are unemployed, underemployed or displaced workers. The average age of students is mid-30s, and many continue to hold jobs while enrolled to support families during enrollment in the program. Many students are immigrants with good educational/skills backgrounds who have been unable to access career-level employment in the US. The student population is very diverse, with recent classes having the following demographic characteristics: 49% male, 51% female; 20% Asian, 35% Black/African American, 12% Latino/a, 18% white, 15% other; 54% having first language other than English. Most students live in Greater Boston/Metro North communities.
Information Technology (IT) Careers Program
JAS offers the Information Technology Careers Programs to help a diverse population of low- to moderate-income adults to develop the skills and knowledge to enter sustainable careers with opportunities for economic mobility.
To create more access to opportunity and a more diversified workforce, JAS’s programs recruit diverse students who are underrepresented in the information technology industry. The inaugural cohort of the IT Careers Program was comprised of nine women and six men from seven different countries, ranging from 26-58 years of age. 46% of students were Black and 33% were Asian; 65% were born outside of the United States; and 42% were unemployed. A program with this dual-customer model is designed to benefit all parties, shaping a sustainable and effective pipeline to employment.
In the IT Program, coursework at Bunker Hill Community College and at Just-A-Start includes PC Hardware/Software, Networking, and Computer Concepts as students build their technical skills towards CompTIA+ certification. Students receive ongoing individualized career counseling as well as instruction in career readiness, job search, and “soft” skills; students also benefit from wraparound support services (such as help navigating childcare, housing, and public benefits) to help mitigate the real-life circumstances that can challenge retention, in order to assist with successful program completion. Once students have graduated, they are provided at least one year of post-program follow up support with job search, employment retention, and work-related counseling and advocacy for long-term career planning.
Where we work
Awards
Summer Program Best of the Best Award 2012
Office of Workforce Development
Award for Outstanding Non Profit 2007
Cambridge Chamber of Commerce
Affiliations & memberships
Massachusetts Nonprofit Network
Associated Grant Makers
Mass Association of Community Development Corporations (MACDC)
External reviews
Our results
How does this organization measure their results? It's a hard question but an important one.
Number of people affordably housed
This metric is no longer tracked.Totals By Year
Population(s) Served
Economically disadvantaged people, Families
Related Program
Real Estate Development
Type of Metric
Output - describing our activities and reach
Direction of Success
Increasing
Context Notes
This metric specifies the number of individuals living in Just-A-Start's affordable housing properties, located in Cambridge, MA.
Number of students who graduated from JAS YouthBuild
This metric is no longer tracked.Totals By Year
Population(s) Served
Children and youth, Adults, At-risk youth
Related Program
JAS YouthBuild
Type of Metric
Output - describing our activities and reach
Direction of Success
Increasing
Context Notes
JAS YouthBuild provides comprehensive education for 16 to 24 year-old youth leading to grade level increases and credential attainment (high school diploma or HiSET, HBI PACT and OSHA certificates)
Number of adult students who graduated from our Biomedical Careers Program
This metric is no longer tracked.Totals By Year
Population(s) Served
Adults, Economically disadvantaged people, Unemployed people
Related Program
Biomedical Careers Program
Type of Metric
Output - describing our activities and reach
Direction of Success
Increasing
Context Notes
The BCP prepares local low- to moderate-income adults for careers in the biotechnology, life sciences, and medical research industries, and supply local employers with work-ready, diverse employees.
Number of Cambridge residents served by our Home Improvement Program
This metric is no longer tracked.Totals By Year
Population(s) Served
Adults, Families, Economically disadvantaged people
Related Program
Housing Services
Type of Metric
Output - describing our activities and reach
Direction of Success
Increasing
Context Notes
JAS’s experienced rehab specialists secure low interest mortgage loan funding and grant assistance for home improvement repair/rehab projects, as well as guide homeowners through the entire process.
Number of people served by our housing stabilization programs and services
This metric is no longer tracked.Totals By Year
Population(s) Served
Economically disadvantaged people, Homeless people
Related Program
Housing Services
Type of Metric
Output - describing our activities and reach
Direction of Success
Increasing
Context Notes
Our housing stabilization services include: Homelessness Prevention, Re-Housing, Landlord-Tenant and Community Mediation, and Affordable Condominium Self Governance.
Number of adult students who graduated from our Information Technology (IT) Careers Program
This metric is no longer tracked.Totals By Year
Population(s) Served
Adults, Economically disadvantaged people, Unemployed people
Related Program
Information Technology (IT) Careers Program
Type of Metric
Output - describing our activities and reach
Direction of Success
Increasing
Our Sustainable Development Goals
Learn more about Sustainable Development Goals.
Goals & Strategy
Learn about the organization's key goals, strategies, capabilities, and progress.
Charting impact
Four powerful questions that require reflection about what really matters - results.
What is the organization aiming to accomplish?
JAS’s priorities are for all people to have affordable, safe housing, sustainable employment, and be engaged in their communities. The programs and services of JAS are designed to allow low- to moderate-income individuals and families achieve these ends in a community with a very high cost of living. Long-term success for JAS’s work is measured by:
1) The number of individuals and families who have a safe, secure home in JAS-owned rental housing, through affordable homeownership opportunities, or in the community through JAS’s housing stabilization or home improvement work.
2) The number of individuals who have obtained the skills needed for employment or to continue their education towards a career that will provide economic stability. Measured through attainment of educational credentials, job placement, job retention, increases in wages, etc.
3) The number of individuals served by JAS who become more involved and invested in the place they live and their neighbors.
Each one of JAS’s programs has its own goals, objectives, and indicators that are monitored and measured to guide the design and adjustment of the service delivery model.
What are the organization's key strategies for making this happen?
JAS provides a continuum of housing and education and training programs and services. Housing is a basic human need, one that is essential for the stability and security needed to allow individuals to thrive, learn, and find gainful employment. Towards this end, JAS provides housing ranging from affordable rental apartments in Cambridge to affordable first-time home ownership opportunities. Housing services for clients and other city residents include mediation to resolve housing-related disputes, guiding homeowners with rehabilitation projects, and financial assistance and case management to prevent homelessness. Long-term success of the housing priority is measured by the number of residents housed, the resolution of housing disputes that provide for stabilized residencies, and the residents who are able to stabilize themselves and their families within their homes.
Sustainable careers are the second area of focus for JAS. JAS works to provide underemployed or unemployed adults and disconnected youth with the education and skills training necessary to be successful in the workforce and achieve upward economic mobility. JAS operates youth programs for Cambridge high school students who need supplemental education and work experience to be successful in and after high school. JAS’s YouthBuild program, designed following the nationally recognized YouthBuild model, allows youth who have dropped out of high school to gain their high school credential and real world work experience through classroom education as well as job-site experience, community service, and leadership training. For adults, the Biomedical Careers Program and the IT Careers Program provide adult learners with a free, nine-month, skills-based education and a pathway to entry-level jobs in related industries that provide stability and opportunity for advancement.
What are the organization's capabilities for doing this?
In 2018, JAS celebrated its 50th anniversary! Just-A-Start was founded in 1968 as a community revitalization and youth training program focused on improving Cambridge’s Wellington-Harrington neighborhood. The agency has since grown into a multi-service community development corporation (CDC), offering diverse programs that support low- to moderate-income people from Cambridge and surrounding communities. Through innovative, comprehensive, and integrated programs, JAS provides and preserves affordable housing, offers education and workforce training for youth and adults, and builds community engagement. JAS’s vision is a better future for each community member through a secure home, a sustaining career, and engagement in the community. The organization has maintained its commitment over 50 years to continually building upon a strong, results-oriented, evidence-based foundation. Program staff include licensed teachers and social workers, experienced project managers, worksite managers with relevant experience in the trades, and attorneys. All JAS programs are community based and are delivered in partnership with numerous organizations including educational institutions, local employers, and public and community agencies. JAS has the long-term experience, community relationships, professional staffing, and strategic orientation to deliver its diverse range of programs towards the highest possible impact.
What have they accomplished so far and what's next?
On an ongoing basis, JAS provides affordable rental housing and residential services to approximately 1,500 low- to moderate-income individuals living in 598 apartments in 19 developments across Cambridge. In 2018, JAS provided mediation, conflict resolution, and homelessness prevention services that helped to keep approximately 500 households or over 1,000 individuals in stable housing. JAS also managed the rehab and resale of 9 affordable units through the City Deed Restricted condo program, and provided financial and/or technical assistance to homeowners to improve 27 units.
In 2018, a diverse group of 17 students participated in our Biomedical Careers Program, which is now in its 27th year. Graduates are expected to increase their annual income by about $14,000 the year after graduation, as demonstrated by the findings of an independent evaluation completed by UMass Boston’s Center for Social Policy. Meanwhile, JAS YouthBuild celebrated the graduation of 21 students who completed this rigorous youth development program. A total of 81 students participated in JAS’s YouthBuild in 2018, working together to acquire a high school credential, work experience at affordable housing community service sites, leadership and life skills training, and supportive services. Each YouthBuild student completed 1,500 hours of construction community service on job sites in Cambridge and nearby communities, in 2018. JAS’s Youth Programs at Cambridge Rindge and Latin School provided job readiness, career development services, and supportive employment experiences to a total of 58 young people.
JAS continues to offer programs that meet the needs of community residents. In 2018, JAS’s Financial Opportunity Program offered financial education to residents, students, and community members through workshops, one-on-one financial coaching, and free tax preparation. The Financial Opportunity Program tax site helped community residents complete 213 tax returns and returned $451,065 back to the community through refunds and the Earned Income Tax Credit. In January 2018, JAS launched the Information Technology Careers Program, modeled after the Biomedical Careers Program’s 25 years of success, and the first cohort of students graduated in September 2018 with credentials and training to begin IT careers through Health Desk User Support positions. The IT Careers Program also works in partnership with Bunker Hill Community College, like the Biomedical Careers Program, so that graduates of the program can also earn community college credits.
How we listen
Seeking feedback from people served makes programs more responsive and effective. Here’s how this organization is listening.
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How is your organization using feedback from the people you serve?
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Which of the following feedback practices does your organization routinely carry out?
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What challenges does the organization face when collecting feedback?
Financials
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Operations
The people, governance practices, and partners that make the organization tick.
Connect with nonprofit leaders
SubscribeBuild relationships with key people who manage and lead nonprofit organizations with GuideStar Pro. Try a low commitment monthly plan today.
- Analyze a variety of pre-calculated financial metrics
- Access beautifully interactive analysis and comparison tools
- Compare nonprofit financials to similar organizations
Want to see how you can enhance your nonprofit research and unlock more insights? Learn More about GuideStar Pro.
Connect with nonprofit leaders
SubscribeBuild relationships with key people who manage and lead nonprofit organizations with GuideStar Pro. Try a low commitment monthly plan today.
- Analyze a variety of pre-calculated financial metrics
- Access beautifully interactive analysis and comparison tools
- Compare nonprofit financials to similar organizations
Want to see how you can enhance your nonprofit research and unlock more insights? Learn More about GuideStar Pro.
Just A Start Inc.
Board of directorsas of 08/31/2022
Mr. Peter Munkenbeck
Consultant
Term: 2015 -
Zoe Weinrobe
2Life Communities
Joel Miranda
YouthBuild USA
Peter Munkenbeck
Consultant
Paul Parravano
MIT
Susan Stockard
Retired
Jesse Kanson-Benanav
Somerville Community Corporation
Lisa Drapkin
Compass
Shawn Fitzpatrick
Wuxi Biologics
Michael Kuhn
Cambridge Savings Bank
Barbara Aiken
Retired from Commonwealth of MA
Tara Dendy
Samuel Gebru
Generation Citizen
Richard Harding
Cambridge Health Alliance
Zoe Weinrobe
2Life Communities
Junardy Jean-Charles
MIT Job Connector
Jeff Myers
Massachusetts Port Authority (Massport)
Tia Vice
LISC
Board leadership practices
GuideStar worked with BoardSource, the national leader in nonprofit board leadership and governance, to create this section.
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Board orientation and education
Does the board conduct a formal orientation for new board members and require all board members to sign a written agreement regarding their roles, responsibilities, and expectations? No -
CEO oversight
Has the board conducted a formal, written assessment of the chief executive within the past year ? No -
Ethics and transparency
Have the board and senior staff reviewed the conflict-of-interest policy and completed and signed disclosure statements in the past year? No -
Board composition
Does the board ensure an inclusive board member recruitment process that results in diversity of thought and leadership? No -
Board performance
Has the board conducted a formal, written self-assessment of its performance within the past three years? No
Organizational demographics
Who works and leads organizations that serve our diverse communities? Candid partnered with CHANGE Philanthropy on this demographic section.
Leadership
The organization's leader identifies as:
Race & ethnicity
Gender identity
Transgender Identity
Sexual orientation
No data
Disability
No data