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