About Just-A-Start YouthBuild
Just-A-Start YouthBuild: Building Equitable and Thriving Communities
Just-A-Start YouthBuild is a non-profit organization that aims to build equitable and thriving communities by guiding individuals and families on their path to economic stability. The organization was founded in 1968, with the mission of providing affordable housing, job training, education, and community development services to low-income families in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
Over the years, Just-A-Start has expanded its services to include a wide range of programs that help young people from disadvantaged backgrounds achieve their full potential. One such program is YouthBuild, which provides education and job training opportunities for young adults who have dropped out of high school or are at risk of dropping out.
The YouthBuild program at Just-A-Start offers participants a chance to earn their high school diploma or GED while also learning valuable construction skills. Participants work on real construction projects under the guidance of experienced professionals, gaining hands-on experience in carpentry, electrical work, plumbing, painting and other trades.
In addition to vocational training opportunities through YouthBuild program participants also receive support services such as counseling and mentoring aimed at helping them overcome personal barriers that may have hindered their academic progress or career development.
Another key program offered by Just-A-Start is its affordable housing initiative. The organization owns several properties throughout Cambridge which provide safe and affordable housing options for low-income families. In addition to providing housing units themselves Just-A-Start also offers financial assistance programs aimed at helping residents achieve long-term financial stability through savings plans or credit counseling.
Just A Start's commitment towards building equitable communities extends beyond just providing affordable housing options; they also offer community development initiatives aimed at improving access to resources like healthcare facilities or public transportation systems within underserved neighborhoods throughout Cambridge.
The organization's workforce development programs are designed specifically for individuals who face significant barriers when it comes to finding employment due either lack of experience or educational qualifications. These programs provide participants with job readiness skills such as resume writing workshops interview preparation sessions along with access various employment opportunities available within the local area.
In conclusion Just A Start's mission is clear: they aim towards building equitable communities where everyone has an opportunity thrive regardless of background socioeconomic status race ethnicity gender identity sexual orientation religion age ability level etcetera. Through its various programs focused on education workforce development affordable housing community development initiatives this non-profit organization continues making strides towards achieving this goal every day!
justastart.org
