The Founder of Just-A-Start, Gordon Gottsche, is Honored

JAS founder, Gordon Gottsche is surrounded by some of the well-wishers who turned out to honor him

Just-A-Start supporters came together to recognize Gordon Gottsche, the organizations founder and his contributions to Cambridge and beyond.

It was a ‘who’s who’ of people who love Cambridge:  state senators and representatives past and present, city councilors and school committee members, dignitaries from the city’s corporate and educational institutions, neighbors, and youth.

All came together to recognize the man who founded Just-A-Start and through his passion and perseverance, built the small non-profit into a major player in creating opportunity, strengthening community, and improving the lives of low to moderate income families of Cambridge.
 
“Gordon went about not just fixing buildings, but changing lives,” said state Senator Sal DiDomenico. “Gordon, I hope you realize the impact you’ve had on so many people. I hope you do, but I don’t think you do.”

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“Gordon has left quite a legacy,” said Cambridge Mayor David Maher. 

Victor Santos, a graduate of Just-A-Start’s YouthBuild program, said he is eternally grateful for what Gordon started all those years ago. “This community means a lot to me. This is not just a building, this is a home… You started this and I’m proud to help carry on your legacy.”

Senator Sal DiDomenico offers his thanks for all of Gordon's accomplishments

Gottsche, who retired in 2013, started Just-A-Start in 1968. Then, it was a small, grassroots program helping at-risk youths through small projects such as cleaning up playgrounds and parks or basic housing rehabilitation work. Through Gottsche’s stewardship, Just-A-Start has become a dynamic and successful multi-service agency focused on issues important to low and moderate income families: affordable housing, community engagement, workforce development, and educational initiatives.

“Gordon embodies all of the characteristics of a really great community development professional,” said Van Spanos. “Vision, creativity, and dedication made JAS what it is today.”

More than 100 people came to the ceremony for renaming Just-A-Start’s education center at 1175 Cambridge Street as the Gordon N. Gottsche Education Center, a testament to the number of people Gottsche’s work impacted.

“What Gordon has done over these past 40 years is remarkable,” said JAS’s executive director, Deborah Ruhe. “It’s up to us now to not just commemorate what he’s done, but to preserve it and ensure we continue to build on his success.”

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Victor Santos with elected officials

Dignitaries read proclamations from the state house and city hall.  “He has given so much to our community over the years,” said State Rep. Tim Toomey, “Gordon was always fighting for the right thing to do and he didn’t care who he offended or what he said. We owe such a debt of gratitude to Gordon Gottsche, we could name the city of Cambridge after you.”

“Gordon has left quite a legacy,” said Cambridge Mayor David Maher.  


Victor Santos, a graduate of Just-A-Start’s YouthBuild program, said he is eternally grateful for what Gordon started all those years ago. “This community means a lot to me. This is not just a building, this is a home… You started this and I’m proud to help carry on your legacy.”

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