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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 6, 2025

BuildingBlocs Literacy Acquires Way Beyond Measure to Expand Youth & Family Programming

Wappingers Falls, NY / Colorado Springs, CO – BuildingBlocs Literacy, LLC is proud to announce the acquisition of Way Beyond Measure (est. 2011, Colorado Springs, CO), a nationally recognized provider of character education and family-focused programming. This partnership expands BuildingBlocs’ geographic footprint from New York to Colorado, giving the organization a truly nationwide presence and strengthening its ability to reach schools, families, and ministries across the country.

With this acquisition, BuildingBlocs formally launches the Way Beyond Measure Division, led by Coach David Verdu, Founder of Way Beyond Measure, who will serve as President of the new division. Under his leadership, the division will oversee all youth and family initiatives, including K–12 character education, SEL curricula, and family engagement programs.

“This acquisition unites two missions that have always shared the same heartbeat, equipping young people and families with tools to grow stronger together,” said Aaron B. Kershaw, CEO & CFO of BuildingBlocs Literacy. “By joining forces, we are now positioned to serve schools and communities from coast to coast, with scalable programs that are both trauma-informed and deeply practical.”

As part of the restructuring, BuildingBlocs will integrate and expand its family programming systems, aligning initiatives such as Family Reset, Trustwork, and BrightPathFamilies with Way Beyond Measure’s proven school and ministry-based models. This creates a unified pathway of support that reaches across classrooms, churches, reentry programs, and communities nationwide.

The newly combined efforts will provide families and organizations with turnkey curricula, facilitator-led workshops, and scalable resources, designed to foster emotional healing, leadership, and long-term stability.

Who Is BuildingBlocs Literacy?

BuildingBlocs Literacy is a mission-driven educational publisher and online learning provider dedicated to empowering individuals, families, and communities through financial literacy and Social Emotional Learning (SEL). We create trauma-informed, CASEL-aligned systems that bridge the gap between knowledge and application, turning education into real-world growth and lasting change.

Our programs span the full spectrum of life stages:

Youth & Families: K–12 character education, family healing systems, and trust-building curricula.
Adults & Veterans: Financial empowerment, reentry preparation, workforce readiness, and leadership development.
Communities & Institutions: Turnkey curricula, facilitator-led workshops, and scalable implementation models for schools, corrections, nonprofits, and ministries.

Through partnerships with nonprofits, schools, correctional institutions, and ministries, we co-create opportunities that extend impact at the local and national level. Our integrated offerings include book series, certification pathways, facilitator guides, and digital courses, ensuring accessibility across diverse learning environments.

At its heart, BuildingBlocs is more than a publisher, it’s a systems-level solution designed to foster emotional healing, skill-building, and long-term stability. Every program we deliver is rooted in lived experience, professional expertise, and a belief that education, when done right, is not just information, it’s transformation.

For more information, visit

www.BuildingBlocs.org

https://www.thebrightpathacademy.com/

https://waybeyondmeasure.com

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Founder Launches Inspiring Blog to Share Knowledge and Empower Entrepreneurs

Wappingers Falls, NY – July 13, 2024 – BuildingBlocs Literacy (BBL) is excited to announce the launch of a new blog, crafted by our founder, Aaron Kershaw, a dedicated US Marine and visionary leader in the field of literacy and community empowerment. This blog serves as a platform for sharing valuable knowledge, inspiring learning, and encouraging others to join Aaron on his journey of continuous growth and contribution.

Accessible at https://buildingblocs.org/?blog=y, the blog covers a wide variety of topics that are essential for individuals, families, educators, and community leaders.

Aaron Kershaw leverages his extensive experience and insights to provide readers with practical advice, industry trends, and innovative strategies that can help them succeed in various aspects of life and learning.

Key Topics Covered in the Blog:

Early Childhood Education: Engaging methods and tools to foster a love for reading and learning from a young age.

Adult Literacy: Effective strategies and resources for adults aiming to improve their reading and writing skills.

GED Preparation: Comprehensive guides to help individuals prepare for and succeed in obtaining their GED.

English as a Second Language (ESL): Tips and resources for non-native speakers to enhance their English proficiency.

Community Programs: Insights into successful community initiatives that promote literacy and lifelong learning.

Veteran Empowerment: Dedicated posts on supporting veterans through educational and business initiatives.

Aaron Kershaw’s blog is not only a resource for knowledge but also a platform to connect with like-minded individuals who are passionate about literacy and community development. By sharing his journey and expertise, Aaron hopes to build a community of learners and leaders who can benefit from each other's experiences and insights.

About BuildingBlocs Literacy:

BuildingBlocs Literacy is a pioneering organization dedicated to empowering individuals through education and community support. Founded by Aaron Kershaw, a US Marine, BBL is committed to enhancing literacy for all ages. Although we have applied for 501(c)(3) nonprofit status, our mission to enhance literacy and learning for all ages remains unwavering.

We offer a wide range of programs, including early childhood education, GED preparation, and ESL courses, providing pro bono and reduced-rate services to underserved communities to ensure everyone has access to quality education.

For more information about the blog and BuildingBlocs Literacy's services, visit https://buildingblocs.org/?blog=y.

Media Contact:

BuildingBlocs Literacy

Aaron Kershaw
Email: akershaw@buildingblocs.org
Phone: 845-600-9767

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Building Blocs Literacy LLC: Empowering Communities Through Financial Literacy

Hudson Valley, NY - July 1, 2024 – BuildingBlocs Literacy LLC proudly announces its launch, dedicated to empowering underprivileged Americans with essential financial knowledge. Founded by Aaron B. Kershaw, a disabled veteran who served in Iraq during Desert Storm, Building Blocs aims to foster economic stability and resilience within local communities.

Aaron B. Kershaw's Vision

Aaron B. Kershaw, founder and Executive Director, brings extensive experience and dedication to BuildingBlocs Literacy LLC. As a lifelong entrepreneur and communications expert turned financial advisor and literacy advocate, Aaron holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Management from Manhattanville University and numerous financial licenses including Series 7, Series 66, New York Life & Health, P & C, and AHIP/Medicare.

He has worked with Habitat for Humanity of Westchester and Ameriprise Financial, where he collaborated with five advisors managing over $600 million in assets. Aaron was honored with the Digital Award for Excellence in 2023, highlighting his commitment to financial planning and education.

"Aaron's journey from combat-related disabilities to financial literacy advocacy is inspiring," said Mike Dardano, long time friend considering getting involved. "People often need just a nudge in the right direction to take control of their finances, and that’s what Aaron aims to provide."

Mission and Services

BuildingBlocs offers:

Financial Literacy Workshops: Covering budgeting, savings strategies, debt management, and financial planning.
One-on-One Financial Counseling: Personalized financial assessments and plans.
Youth Financial Education: Interactive workshops and materials in partnership with schools and community centers.
Medicare Consultations: Enrollment assistance and workshops on Medicare Advantage and Supplemental plans available in the Fall.

Community Engagement

BuildingBlocs engages with local nonprofits, businesses, and community organizations to promote financial literacy. With our 501(c)(3) status pending, we are actively seeking partnerships with nonprofits to service their clients, providing valuable financial education and support. The organization is also exploring partnerships with local financial advisors to enhance the value of its programs and services, providing participants with expert insights and personalized financial guidance.

Upcoming Events

Events are being planned, with locations in Westchester, Fishkill, Poughkeepsie, and Newburgh under consideration. Stay tuned for details.

Sponsorship Opportunities

Businesses and organizations can support financial literacy and community empowerment through sponsorships, gaining visibility in promotional materials.

Get Involved

Visit our website at [www.buildingblocs.org] and sign up for our weekly financial newsletter filled with useful tips. For more information on events, volunteer opportunities, or partnerships, visit [www.buildingblocs.org] or contact us.

About BuildingBlocs Literacy LLC

BuildingBlocs Literacy LLC is a Hudson Valley-based organization transitioning into a nonprofit dedicated to promoting financial literacy and economic stability among underprivileged communities through workshops, counseling, and community engagement. Learn more at [www.buildingblocs.org].