Many Blocks. One Family.

For more than forty years, Doris Theresa Harris was the quiet backbone of her North Philadelphia block — block captain of 1800 W. Thompson Street, a Gesu Church youth leader, and founder of Camp Butterfly, a summer camp she ran out of her own home for the neighborhood's children. She organized haunted houses, block parties, sewing classes, and the coat and toy drives that got families through Christmas. As her daughter Takada put it, "she looked at all of the children in the neighborhood as hers." When Doris passed in 2015, the City of Philadelphia sent a representative to read a formal citation — and in the years since, she's also been honored by the Pennsylvania State Legislature, Philadelphia City Council, and Gesu itself, recognition that came, fittingly, after decades of work she never did for that reason.

The name "Many Blocks, One Family" comes from somewhere real. For more than 25 years — the family stopped counting exactly early on — the Harrises have thrown an annual reunion cookout that grew into a neighborhood institution in its own right, with Doris at the center of it while she was still with us. Hundreds of neighbors, cousins, and friends gathered on the block each year, and Doris's own former Camp Butterfly campers came back too — grown now, often with kids of their own in tow. We were calling it "Many Blocks, One Family" long before there was ever a nonprofit attached to the name.

When Many Blocks, One Family became a formal youth initiative, it simply gave structure to what this family had already been doing for a generation: showing up for the block, year after year. Founded by Doris's son William Harris — Realtor, tax professional, and President of the United Neighbors Alliance Civic Association in the 47th Ward — MBOF exists to give today's youth what Doris gave hers: consistent mentorship, safe spaces, and a neighborhood that shows up.

That family commitment runs even wider. William's brother, Lorenzo "Rennie" Harris, built Rennie Harris Puremovement into one of the most respected hip-hop dance companies in the world — and today, that same company partners with MBOF, connecting our youth to stages like The Annenberg Center and the historic Freedom Theater. The same family that raised a neighborhood is still investing in it, one generation at a time.

William T. Harris has spent over three decades in youth engagement and education, and founded Many Blocks, One Family to give North Philadelphia's youth the same consistent presence he grew up seeing in his mother, Doris. From 1991 to 2001, William worked at Gesu School — the same school and church where Doris devoted her own life to the community — serving as Physical Education Teacher, Athletic Director, Youth Services Director, and Summer Camp Director, while also coaching track, basketball, and tennis. He later directed the Gesu Beacon Center for Catholic Social Services, managing a $500,000 youth services budget funded by the City of Philadelphia.

A realtor since 2001, William guides buyers, sellers, investors, and developers through the real estate process, with a particular commitment to cultivating first-time homebuyers. He serves as President of his Registered Community Organization (RCO) in the 47th Ward — a City of Philadelphia-recognized role reviewing zoning variance appeals before they reach the Zoning Board of Adjustment — and as 2nd Chair committeeperson, ensuring his community's voice is heard where decisions get made. As a tax professional, he has helped return over $2.8 million in refunds to more than 2,000 families — including $959,000 in Earned Income Tax Credits — earning five consecutive years of recognition from the U.S. Department of the Treasury.

William studied child psychology at Temple University and Saint Joseph's University and has taught adult education courses including a Black parenting class.

A graduate of Roman Catholic High School, William played basketball all four years and across leagues citywide. He still DJs, and calls himself an excellent cook and grill master — the same instincts that make him effective with the young people he mentors today.