Who are we?
Like many other steel mill towns in Western Pennsylvania, Beaver Falls has felt the effects of a devastated economy and suffered from a lack of hope. In order to preserve the dignity of our community and point towards a vibrant future, a new and different narrative must emerge. It seems imperative that we, as a CDC, begin to address the ways in which our surroundings and circumstances keep us stuck in a narrative of defeat rather than point towards a more hopeful future.
We see ourselves as an umbrella organization, using our 501(c)(3) non-profit status and connections to support community projects. As a CDC, we intend to build upon three overall objectives: restoring and beautifying physical spaces, generating social capital, and stirring imagination and creativity towards a more healthy and confident social fabric. This approach, we believe, can communicate value, influence expectations, offer hope, and provide a context for real change.
Our History
The Beaver Falls CDC grew out of the city’s Comprehensive Plan completed in 2013. The plan suggested the use of a CDC to work on some of the revitalization tasks described throughout the document. Three community members, Brad Frey (a Sociology professor at Geneva College), Doug Carson (a city councilman), and Wendy Whelpley (had just completed her MA in Community Development) began researching the work of CDCs and how to begin building an organization to work on revitalization projects in Beaver Falls. This group was assisted by two additional recent graduates, Jon Bacon and Daniel Favand who contributed much of the leg work in the first year.
This group of residents was energized not only by the suggestions mentioned in the Comprehensive Plan, but by their deep commitment to the city and its well-being. While none of the group members were born or grew up in Beaver Falls, each has chosen to root themselves in the community, enjoy their friendships and everyday interactions, and work toward the city’s health and flourishing in various ways. The formation of a CDC seemed like an effective way to do this in a more formalized way.
While researching the work of CDCs and evaluating their commitments and desires, it became clear that this organization could determine a focus and path that best suited Beaver Falls – there were no definitive boundaries in the type of work that CDCs do. In light of this, the group identified important values that would guide their work, but the organization has, in large part, grown organically as community leaders and opportunities emerged.
Most notably, the CDC is now comprised of hundreds of members, volunteers, and investors who each contribute a critical voice and effort toward the future of the city. While some have stepped up and begun significant revitalization projects, others show up consistently whenever there is a meeting or need for volunteers. After nearly ten years, the Beaver Falls CDC is most proud of this – the investment, work and ongoing engagement of our community members.