Just A Start Inc

Education and training - just a start's education and training programs provide tuition-free pathways to careers in the region's growing employment sectors. Our adult career training program is an intensive, nine-month education and training program for adults with low incomes to develop the knowledge and critical problem-solving skills needed to enter family-sustaining and fulfilling careers in the growing biomedical and information technology (it) fields. Approximately 85% of graduates of the program gain employment within 6-12 months of graduation and increase their annual income by an average of $20,000. Another pillar of just a start's education and training programs is youthbuild, which annually provides comprehensive youth development services to approximately 50 out-of-school youth between the ages of 16 and 24. Students receive education and training that leads to a high school credential, construction or retail industry credentials, career exploration, and employment.

Housing resources and services - just a start provides housing resources and services to its 1,500 residents and approximately 1,000 community members each year. Through financial assistance, mediation, and follow-up services, our housing stabilization program allows families threatened with homelessness to remain in their homes or helps them find new affordable housing. Our economic mobility programs provide financial education, one-on-one coaching, and free tax services to people with low incomes seeking to improve their financial status and prospects.