Joe Eastman

“I believe everyone has it within themselves to improve their situation to some extent, whatever that situation may be. To have the opportunity to empower someone towards that improvement, to show confidence in them and be a partner in that journey with them, is the most humbling and rewarding experience one could be privileged to have.”

Joe Eastman founded Community Service Initiative, a grassroots organization providing job development, educational and social services to immigrants, refugees and inner city adults, in June 2003.  In response to a need he witnessed daily in the community, he also started an after-school tutoring program for immigrant high school students that now includes tutoring services for first-generation immigrant college students.

Joe Eastman, Jr. has also been an extraordinary Center for Literacy volunteer tutor for more than five years, serving in various capacities including tutor, new tutor guide, and administrator.  He currently tutors more than 10 English as Second Language students for the Center for Literacy.

A Gulf War veteran, Mr. Eastman entered the United Navy in 1971 as an enlisted sailor and retired in 1996 as a commissioned officer.  His career progressed through increasingly responsible assignments in various national and international posts, both at sea and ashore.  His last posting was as Executive Officer at the Ship Repair Facility at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.

Mr. Eastman is active in the Philadelphia community as well. He is a founding member and officer of Chinatown Town watch, a member of the 6th Police District Community Advisory Committee, the Anti-Human Trafficking Coalition of Philadelphia, School District of Philadelphia Center City Region Stakeholders Group, and is a CFL 2008 Literacy Champion.