Gregory Block

Block, Gregory
Gregory Block— social entrepreneur and philanthropist, died August 14 in Atlanta, Georgia at the age of 54. He was the CEO and owner of American Pacific Enterprises, a successful home textiles firm, prior to turning to philanthropy with the founding of First Step Staffing in 2007 in Atlanta. First Step is a non-profit organization that provides a path out of homelessness by getting jobs for those who are often rejected when seeking employment like those experiencing homelessness, returning citizens, and veterans. It is the largest non-profit staffing agency for homeless people in the U.S., connecting thousands to employment each year. First Step Staffing received many awards including having its model cited as a best practice by the US Interagency Council on Homelessness. Greg was the recipient of the Impact Leaders Award from Business to Business Magazine, a Grand Innovator Award by United Way of Greater Atlanta, the Humanitarian Award from the Georgia Alliance to End Homelessness, and the Turner Downtown Community Leadership Award. While he was born in Chicago, Illinois, he spent his young years in Worthington, Ohio. He is a graduate of Columbus Academy and Emory University. Greg was an active member with the Young President's Organization. His courage and tenacity was demonstrated in his reaction to a diagnosis of stage 4 non-smoking lung cancer at age 47. Through almost seven years of treatment until his death, he persevered in his work helping homeless people, remaining Board Chair of First Step Staffing and expanding the model in five cities outside of Atlanta. No matter what physical challenges he faced, he continued to have hope and a generous heart. He told his family, "I'll quit fighting when the lights go out." Greg leaves behind his loving wife, Monica; and three children, Will, CaroleAnne and Jack. He leaves brothers, Steve Block (Dana) and Jeff Block (Karen); nephews and nieces; and his mother, Nadine Block. Greg's grandparents Sarah and Franklin Ludwig and Eli and Lillian Block and his father, Jared Block preceded him in death.