Our Mission

Our mission is to build community, develop skills and inspire creativity in individuals who reside or work in Vanderburgh, Posey, Warrick, and Gibson Counties, Indiana;

To provide opportunities for purpose of self to individuals through programming and group activities, which may include the arts, use of textiles, sewing, creative activities, and therapy animals, with special attention given to individuals the Corporation believes to be underserved, disadvantaged and/or disabled;

To instill self-confidence in individuals through faith education and instruction of creative skills; and 

To help build the Kingdom of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, through programs and activities that impact and enrich the lives of individuals. 

Courageous Community Evansville is 501(c)(3) charitable organization. 

"I joined Courageous Community Evansville to learn how to sew, but it turned into something so much more. It is a group of people that I now do life with. Wonderful people I can talk with, laugh with, and pray with. I truly appreciate the skills I've learned and people I have met through this group." 

 —  Stacy J.

"I have participated in the sewing class and Bible study art time.  I have loved each group. This program empowers all in attendance to feel comfortable and be part of the group. I also attended a women's luncheon and had the best experience. I'm so thankful for Courageous Community Evansville and what they have to offer. It's not just classes, it is being a part of something and making a difference." 

 —  Barbie D.

Community is the foundation of our program.  We provide opportunities for individuals to have fellowship with others through creative activities.  Participants from all different backgrounds collaborate, inspire one another, and enjoy being part of something larger than themselves. Community is especially important to those that have experienced loss, trauma, or feel isolated.  People working together towards common goals and giving back to those in need can provide a sense of purpose and belonging. 

Learning new skills enhances cognitive development, boosts memory capacity, as well as sharpens concentration, and focus. Heightened mental agility, elevated problem solving abilities, strengthened mental resilience, and a sense of accomplishment are also benefits of acquiring a new skill. 

Creative activities help relieve stress and have a positive impact on mental health. It is known to improve confidence, increase motivation, and assist with problem solving skills.  Through art a person can express personal thoughts, emotions, and experiences. In addition, it can help an individual rediscover a strength and perceive the world in new and different ways. 

In November of 2020, Stacie Kierstead and her family moved to Evansville, Indiana.

Her niece, who is disabled, was beginning her senior year at a new school and had trouble connecting with others. However, she had shown an interest in sewing. Stacie’s niece loves animals and they heard on the news that a local animal shelter was in need of blankets. This was it! An opportunity! 

Diana Symanowicz and Stacie decided to teach her how to sew. They purchased some fabric and the three of them began to work in Diana's bedroom. Together, they taught her how to cut fabric and pin blankets. Stacie and her niece pinned the fabric and Diana sewed all 3 blankets that same day!

The next time they got together, Stacie's niece did more than pinning. She sat down at the sewing machine and learned how to use it. This was very exciting! Over the next several days 2 more blankets were completed. As she finished sewing her first blanket, she was beaming, so proud of her accomplishment.

They continued to sew together at Stacie's house, making more blankets for animals. As her skills grew she made 2 quilts that year to be given away at Christmas. Stacie wanted to create an opportunity for her niece to have community and thought that sewing would be the perfect way to do it.

In 2022, Courageous Community Evansville became a program at The Gathering Church in Evansville, Indiana offering free weekly sewing classes where all of the equipment, fabric, and tools were provided. The participants learned how to make fabric coasters that they got to keep as well as blankets and quilts that were donated to local animal shelters and people in need.

As the year progressed the program grew. A Dream Boards and Deserts Event took place, the group visited a local animal shelter to deliver the blankets they had made, weekly crochet classes began which included a meal, and they partnered with the Backpack Ministry to put together and distribute blessing bags to individuals in need at Christmas.

In March of 2023 Courageous Community Evansville Incorporated was established as a

501(c)(3) charitable organization.

Today, Courageous Community Evansville continues to serve the community by teaching life-enriching skills, introducing new creative experiences, fostering meaningful connections, and giving back to those in need.

Stacie Kierstead - President 

Stacie has been working with paper, fabric, beads, and anything else she could get her hands on since she was a child.  Sewing with her 3 sisters, making blankets, quilts and aprons has been something that they have done as family for years.  She had been involved in performing arts, photography, event planning, and volunteering throughout her life.  Having a love for Jesus and a heart for service, she is bringing all of that together for fellowship and creativity with others.

April Harris - Vice President

 April has been leading Restore Outreach Ministries as administrator for 15 years and was ordained as the Women's Pastor for The Gathering Church in 2007, empowering women and igniting positive change in the community.

Tracy Kierstead-Kearns - Treasurer

Tracy graduated from the University of Iowa with a Bachelor of Arts Degree. 

She has over 30 years experience in finance and business management. Her understanding of bookkeeping and investing will ensure that we are good stewards of all that is entrusted to us.

Shellie Best Jones - Secretary

Shellie was the previous president of a teaching 501c3 non profit corporation. As such she has ministry leadership experience and is a helpful advisor. 

Diana Symanowicz - Board Member

A special education teacher with a love for designing, creating, crafting, and cooking. Diana is an accomplished quilter and cook extraordinaire.  Her passion is to serve and bring joy - which she does!  In addition, her humble approach and sincere heart make her a wonderful asset to our ministry.

Heather Williams - Board Member

Heather has been involved in children’s, family, and women’s ministries for the past 25 years. Her solid leadership helps us in every facet of what we do at Courageous Community Evansville.  Her love of sewing, fabrics, arts, and crafts began at a young age and continues to this day.  She enjoys being a part of what the Lord inspires each of us to create.

Mary Morgan - Board Member

Mary “Michelle” Morgan has been a Christian wife, mother, grandmother and now a single senior.  As a registered nurse she worked in maternal-child health and mental health units. At a mental health clinic she worked for 12 years with homeless, incarcerated, and low income individuals. Michelle has always dabbled in sewing and needle work.  We appreciate that she helps all our participants in a caring and respectful way.