Our Mission

The Piqua Compassion Network (PCN) exists to transform lives by providing Christian hope, education and basic needs assistance to Piqua area residents. We are committed to providing a hand up by empowering individuals to move forward from crisis and poverty.

History

The Piqua Compassion Network (PCN) was organized in April 2007 to help meet the needs of Piqua residents in crisis or living in poverty.  Organized under the umbrella of the Piqua Association of Churches, the Network, comprised of 17 churches and agencies, created a Board and adopted by-laws.

At the end of June 2007, the Board voted to establish an office at the Bethany Center building and a team of volunteers agreed to oversee the renovation needs.  It is estimated that a minimum of 27 individuals donated more than 391 volunteer hours during July and August of 2007 for the renovation of the office.

With funding provided by area churches, the Piqua Association of Churches, local foundations and from grants, Piqua Compassion Network opened its doors on Tuesday, September 4, 2007.  The office was open Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM with a staff of 17 volunteer men and women.

For three full years, PCN was volunteer-driven.  The initial function of the organization was that of providing limited resources for direct assistance to client needs as well as serving as a central referral agency.

By 2010, PCN had given assistance in over 1,300 instances.  They had expanded into a four-day week with the addition of Monday hours.

By the beginning of PCN’s fourth year, the founders transitioned PCN into its current mission.  In addition to Basic Needs Assistance, we began providing a Getting Ahead Anti-Poverty Course led by a hired, part-time Coach.  Also, PCN’s Board hired a part-time Executive Director.

From September 2010 through 2016, Piqua Compassion Network:

  • Established the faith-based curriculum to assist clients to move sustainably out of poverty.
  • Was established as its own 501(c)(3) organization.
  • Strengthened its income sources.
  • In an effort to assist Getting Ahead clients obtain a stable income, a Jobs for Life component was added after the 12-week Getting Ahead course.
  • Assisted a client with the acquisition of a Habitat for Humanity Home.
  • Worked together with Evenflo Company, Inc. based in Piqua, and the Miami County Public Transit system to provide four car seats to assist parents who need to bring a child to an appointment of daycare when using the Transit system.
  • Moved into a larger location, providing better client privacy, safe exit capability, handicap accessibility and childcare space that is separate from the classroom.

From 2017 through 2021, Piqua Compassion Network:

  • Established the faith-based curriculum to assist clients to move sustainably out of poverty.
  • Was established as its own 501(c)(3) organization.

Leadership

Staff

Rebecca Sousek, Executive Director

Executive Committee
President Dr. Jane Salisbury
Greene Street United Methodist Church
Vice President Mimi Crawford
Westminster Presbyterian Church
Secretary Pastor Stacey Scott
True Vine Church
Treasurer Tom Hill
Grace United Methodist Church
At-Large Rick Nicodemus
Piqua Church of the Nazarene
At-Large Gloria Riley Smith
Quincy United Methodist Church
At-Large Jana Warren
Joyful Noise Fellowship
Board Members
Paul Couch First Light Church/Grace Christian Bookstore
Pastor David Fishback Piqua Christian Church
Barbara Hartzell St. Paul’s Evangelical and Reformed Church
Dr. Nancy Luce St. Paul’s Evangelical and Reformed Church
Linda Peltier St. Mary’s Catholic Church
Church Partners
Christian Life Center – Dayton Salvation Army
Grace Family Worship Center St. Boniface Catholic Church
Grace United Methodist Church St. James Episcopal
Greene Street United Methodist St. John’s Lutheran
Joyful Noise SS Class St. Mary Catholic Church
Our Savior Lutheran St. Paul’s Evangelical Church
Piqua Baptist Church The Valley Church
Piqua Christian Church Transformed Life
Piqua Church of the Brethren True Vine Church
Piqua Church of the Nazarene Westminster Presbyterian Church
Community Partners
Anthem Foundation Oswald Family Foundation
Crayex Corporation Patricia Recker Fund
Hartzell-Norris Trust Paul G. Duke Foundation
Isaiah Industries Paul Sherry Chrysler Dodge & RV
ITW (International Tool Works) Piqua Catholic Schools
Kathryn L. Johnston Fund Piqua Community Foundation
Kroger Paul G. Duke Foundation
Lundgard Trust Piqua Concrete
Miami County Foundation Piqua Concrete Corporation
Miami Valley Centre Mall St. Anthony Foundation
Mullenbrock & Associates Thrivent Financial
MyMiamiCounty.com United Way of Miami County
And Numerous Private Individuals…
The Piqua Compassion Network (PCN) exists to transform lives by providing Christian hope, education and basic needs assistance to Piqua area residents. We are committed to providing a hand up by empowering individuals to move forward from crisis and poverty.