Preble Street leader honored for challenging unjust systems [Video]

Longtime Preble Street Executive Director Mark Swann – known by many as “Swannie” – received the 2024 Access to Justice Award from the Muskie Fund for Legal Services June 5 at Ocean Gateway Portland.

“Mark has pulled this agency along from what it was to what it is now,” said David Kreisler, whose father, Joe Kreisler, founded a soup kitchen called Preble Street in a church basement in 1975. “Mark has kind of made things happen in a way that only he can do.”

Today, Preble Street is a comprehensive social service agency providing housing and shelters, emergency food programs, health services, street outreach, anti-trafficking services, teen services and advocacy for systemic solutions.

“Some groups focus on policy and advocacy, and other focus on direct service,” said Robyn Merrill, executive director of Maine Equal Justice. “But Preble Street – led by Mark – appreciates the importance of both and making …