Literacy Pittsburgh, the area’s largest provider of literacy services for more than 4,500 people annually, will honor longtime Executive Director, Don Block, at its Leaders for Literacy Luncheon on Friday, October 26th at the Fairmont Pittsburgh.
Mr. Block will retire at the end of 2018 after 34 years in his position. His successor, Carey Harris of the PA Early Learning Investment Commission, will assume leadership of Literacy Pittsburgh on November 1st as Chief Executive Officer.
“Don Block has been instrumental in shaping Literacy Pittsburgh into the vibrant, dynamic organization it is today,” said Gary Singery, Literacy Pittsburgh Board President. “Under his leadership the organization has grown in both size and scope to meet the changing needs of our community. Don’s passion for improving lives through education has made him a tireless advocate for adult and family literacy at the local, state and national levels. He has been honored numerous times for his commitment to the field of literacy and to nonprofit excellence. Literacy Pittsburgh is well positioned for continued success due in large part to Don’s leadership and vision.”
Literacy Pittsburgh was founded as an all-volunteer organization and incorporated as a nonprofit in 1982. Two years later, in 1984, Don Block was hired as its first executive director. The organization served just 100 people that first year. Mr. Block built the organization from a $50,000 budget to a $4 million organization that served more than 4,500 people last year through nine programs.
“It has been my pleasure to serve Literacy Pittsburgh as its executive director for the past 34 years,” Don Block said. “I have devoted my career to adult and family literacy, and while I look forward to spending more time with my family, I will miss witnessing our students’ achievements firsthand. Literacy Pittsburgh means far more than simply building skills, it means building a future that offers security and stability for local families.”
While the organization’s roots may have been in teaching people to read, Mr. Block made sure that the organization evolved to meet the needs of today’s students. This meant adding offerings such as English as a second language, career transitions counseling, workplace literacy, GED prep classes, immigrant and refugee support, and digital literacy. He wants the community to understand that adult education students are more diverse and more advanced than most people believe.
Over the past two years, Mr. Block led an effort to adopt a new vision and mission, an ambitious strategic plan, and a new name for the organization. On May 2, Greater Pittsburgh Literacy Council became Literacy Pittsburgh.
“While our core mission remains the same – to create better lives through learning with inclusive, welcoming literacy services for students – the change to Literacy Pittsburgh marks a milestone in our 36-year history. Our new name and brand reflect our broadened scope of services,” Don Block said.
Prior to joining Literacy Pittsburgh, Mr. Block directed the Adult Literacy Project of New Castle Public Library, New Castle, PA, for four years. That project covered four counties in western Pennsylvania. He holds a master’s degree from Indiana University, Bloomington, and a B.A. from Yale University. He served in the Peace Corps in Niger, West Africa. Mr. Block has been recognized with the Pittsburgh Business Times Diamond Award, the Coalition on Adult Basic Education’s Outstanding Administrator of the Year award, and two honors from the Pennsylvania Association for Adult Continuing Education.
About Literacy Pittsburgh
Literacy Pittsburgh (formerly Greater Pittsburgh Literacy Council) helps create better lives through learning. Recognized as a national leader in adult and family literacy, Literacy Pittsburgh is the largest provider of adult basic education in Allegheny County. Last year, it helped more than 4,500 individuals acquire reading, writing, math, English language, computer and workforce skills so they may reach their fullest potential in life and participate productively in their communities. Literacy Pittsburgh provides free, personalized instruction in workforce readiness, high school diploma test preparation, English as a second language, basic skills, and family literacy through one-to-one and small class instruction, along with referrals to other family support organizations. Founded in 1982, it serves local adults through numerous neighborhood locations and its Downtown Center. Visit: www.literacypittsburgh.org