SOS—A Man's Vision to Save Swissvale

Benjamin Stahl is so proud of his Swissvale roots, he has some borough references tattooed on his arm.

Born and raised in the borough, he said it's time to give back. After being away for almost nine years while he served with the U.S. Navy, Stahl came back to Swissvale in 2010. Instead of the borough he used to know, he came back to a place with a bad reputation and many empty storefronts.

"If you Google Swissvale, what comes up is all negative," he said. "If you're not from here, you think it's all guns and drugs, but that's not who we are."

Since then, Stahl has founded a new organization to rally the community and hopefully make the borough a source of pride for all of his neighbors.

Save Our Swissvale—or SOS—is a community action organization aimed at promoting civic awareness, as well as combating the numerous social ills and crime that have befallen the borough.

The organization's first meeting will be held at GMK Dance Studio, 2021 Noble St., on Wednesday, July 24, at 6:30 p.m.

At the meeting Stahl said he will discuss the vision of the organization, as well as short- and long-term goals. He said those who attend will have an opportunity to get to know fellow members of the community. Volunteers will also be sought out for positions within the organization.

"Our first step is getting to know the neighbors," he said. "Then we can get everything ironed out."

Short-term goals include engaging the community, establishing a presence in Swissvale, creating a neighborhood crime watch and beautifying the community.

In the long run, Stahl said he would like to build a community center and start the Swissvale Civic Association.

Stahl's efforts began when he received a project for graduate school in which he was to serve as a leader. The cause, he said, was a no-brainer.

"I love the Mon Valley," he said. "Our history is so rich, and it kills me to see the dilapidation and people not caring.

"Things have to change. Nothing will change without the collective voice of the people."

Though Stahl has been working on ideas for Save our Swissvale for about two years. He's actively been working on plans to get things moving over the last month.

He's created fliers, made a Facebook page—he is working on a new website—and reached out to local businesses and officials for their support. A fundraiser for the organizations also has been scheduled for Aug. 3 (details at the end of the article).

"There are people who are really into it," Stahl said excitedly. "We're getting the ball rolling. I'm ready for it to be more than a one-man show.

"People need to have the courage to stand up for their community. We can't leave the weight on the shoulders of the councilmen, the mayor and just a few citizens."

Stahl's fiance, Desi Henderson, has been with Stahl every step of the way.

"You can't help but be excited about this," she said. "Everyone, so far, has been really enthusiastic about it. I really think it's going to make a difference.

"This is something Ben has been wanting to do for a long time. I see great things coming."

Stahl said he hopes she's right.

"There's no reason Swissvale can't make a comeback."

FUNDRAISER

Save Our Swissvale's first fundraiser will be held on Saturday, Aug. 3, at 4 p.m. at Pub in the Park Inc., 7034 Blackhawk St.

Show your support for the cause and help raise startup capital for Save Our Swissvale. There will be raffles, basket auctions, food, "famous Swissvalians" guest bar tending and music.

Click here for more information.