Empowering the Community: UPMC Health Plan Neighborhood Center and Literacy Pittsburgh

Thomas Washington, Jr. has served as the Program Director of UPMC Health Plan’s Neighborhood Center since 2022. His lifelong commitment to community service and the trusted relationships he has built with local leaders and organizations have been vital in establishing the Neighborhood Center as a heavily utilized and impactful resource. Under his direction, the Center has served close to 7,500 individuals and has launched programs addressing workforce development, financial security, housing support, literacy, maternal health, and other community needs. Previously, Thomas worked at Homewood Children’s Village as a Community Schools Site Manager. He holds a Master of Business Administration degree from Point Park University and thrives on collaborating with others to improve his community.

Lisa Morse has been the Pittsburgh East Program Coordinator since November of 2016. As lead Program Coordinator, she assists in providing training and mentoring to area Program Coordinators new to Literacy Pittsburgh as well as supporting students and tutors who are matched in her area. She joined the agency in July of 2016 as the tutor trainer. Prior to that she was a volunteer tutor, taught students at levels K-12 and got her PA Certificate in English as a Second Language teaching. Lisa has a Master of Arts in Teaching from the University of Pittsburgh and is happiest when she is working with others. Her current passion is to think about Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in all aspects of life.