PCL is a 501(c)(3) that combines training opportunities to create a holistic, systematic approach to break the cycle of poverty. We focus and operate in five main project areas: Build a City, Sustainable Farming, Common Grounds, Learning Centers, and Children’s Homes.
PCL is a community of people devoted to breaking the cycle of poverty.
We know poverty is not a simple issue and all factors are dependent on one another. Poverty encompasses everything from environmental challenges to health, vulnerability, gender inequality, and education. We address individual variables within the cycle of poverty at once by providing holistic, sustainable solutions and creating replicable projects. We are dedicated to serving the poor by helping children, widows, and their communities worldwide reach their full potential through five main areas: Sustainable Farming, Build a City, Children’s Homes, Common Grounds, and Learning Centers.
For more information about the story of PCL
Purchase our Book “Light in the Window” here or from Amazon.
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The temptation is to work harder, sleep less, do more. That is a good but, unsustainable path to getting things done. There is another, more joyful path: Create a platform where exponentially beautiful things can happen.
I enjoy bringing together hope-filled, ambitious people who do good locally and around the world. I believe People for Care and Learning is a tremendous platform made up of truly exceptional people who coalesce around hope and transformation.
As Executive Director, I want to see that platform be as robust and ambitious as possible, building off the enormous success of the past decade.
My background is in marketing, community engagement, and Christian ministry. In business, I've solved problems for some of America's most recognizable brands. In ministry and community engagement, I've enjoyed a broad scope of activity.
My educational background is at Lee University and Church of God Theological Seminary.
Dr. Fred Toke, Psy.D., a Clinical Psychologist by training, was a former adjunct professor at Nanyang Technological University. He is also a guest lecturer at University Malaysia Sabah’s Faculty of Medicine. Besides teaching, he also provides clinical psychotherapy services to the downtrodden and the discouraged
A much sought after speaker, Dr. Toke regularly conducts leadership, managerial, motivational training and seminars for community leaders and multi-national corporations such as Intel, Abbot Laboratories, Ernst & Young, Singapore Airlines, DBS Bank, HSBC Bank, and many others in the Asia Pacific Region.
His founding company, Lee Community College was awarded the Asia-Pacific Brands Award in 2011. Dr. Toke was also a nominee for the Singapore’s Spirit of Enterprise award in 2009. In June 2016, he was invited to speak in the Asian TEDx Conference held in Penang, Malaysia.
Fred came to PCL as the Executive Director in August of 2005 following the retirement of the Founder, Bob Pace.
He was born and raised in Charlotte, North Carolina. He holds a PhD in Organizational Leadership and is a University level lecturer and instructor— Fred integrates over 35 years of practical ministry experience with years of academic preparation in the field of Leadership Studies.
Dr. Garmon also serves on the Board of Directors of SOW – Serving Orphans Worldwide, is an adjunct professor at several universities, and is the founder of Leader Labs Inc., a nonprofit 501(c)3 providing consulting and leadership development solutions for marketplace leaders and nonprofit alike.
Fred is a marathon runner and was honored as an Olympic Torchbearer in 2002. He has been married to his wife, Shirley, since 1982. They have two daughters and two granddaughters.
Scott Sheppard is the Lead Pastor of Cornerstone Church in Athens, Georgia which is one of the fastest growing churches in America. Pastor Scott's dynamic leadership and servant's heart set the direction of Cornerstone. He is committed to seeing people flourish and reach their full potential in life, regardless of their background or economic status. He is a visionary leader and talented communicator. Scott regularly speaks at conferences and seminars on relationships and leadership development. He and his wife, Elizabeth, have two wonderful children now in college, Hope and Harrison.
It's among my highest of honors to serve alongside such passionate, capable, and hard-working leaders in the PCL family, who are completely committed to the fulfillment of the Great Commission. I'm always inspired by people, whose passions are fueled by the HOPE of what could and should be. That's why I do, what we do... Rallying other passionate people around a big, but possible goal, that together we can inspire hope and transformation both locally and globally all to the glory of God. I'm "All In".
Sandi Todd joined PCL in March of 2017 as the Stateside Project Manager. She and her husband, Freddy, have served as Children's Ministers since 1998 and are currently the Family Life Pastors at their church. She manages/oversees the new program, Common Grounds Coffee. She is originally from Mobile, AL and they have two children.
Being a joint bi-vocational Tentmaker with her husband, Dr. Fred Toke for more than 20 years, Agnes brings her wealth of experience to the ministry.
Professionally, she had worked for then Chase Manhattan Bank in the Private Banking Department (Singapore) in the mid 80's as well as being the Program & Administrative Director at Lee Community College (Singapore) since 1999.
A mother of two young adults, Matthew (25) & Tiffany (24), Agnes is passionate about family life. She juggled being a full-time mother and entrepreneur during their growing years.
Isaac first came to Cambodia in 2011 where he quickly fell in love with Cambodia and the Khmer people.
Since 2013 he has been residing in Cambodia full time where he became a student of the Khmer language and culture. Isaac stared working and living in Takam Village, a remote area of Siem Reap province where he helped develop the PCL Integrated Training Farm. In 2015 he started the Takam Community School. Since then he has helped lead numerous endeavors and projects on the ground in Cambodia.
Originally from Southwest Georgia, Isaac grew up in the country on a sweet potato farm. He graduated from Lee University where he studied Intercultural Studies with an emphasis in Global Missiology; which helped prepare him for working with the poor in the developing world. He is fluent in Khmer and while he is American on the outside a big part of him is Khmer on the inside.
Isaac has served as the PCL Cambodia Country Director since January of 2018.
Isaac@pcl.is
Daniel Tan's background is in Engineering and Systems Analysis. He has worked in organisations ranging from Start-ups, Small Medium Enterprises to Multinational companies in a managerial capacity. He has also served as Church Administrative manager for several years.
A graduate from the University of Strathclyde (UK) with an honours degree in Mechanical Engineering, he also obtained a Postgraduate Diploma in Systems Analysis from the Institute of Systems Science, National University of Singapore.
daniel@pcl.is
JD Woodside has served in full time ministry since 1999. A 1998 graduate from Lee University with a B.A. in History Education, his desire has always been "as ministry goes forth, that the Holy Spirit go forth to save, heal and set people free." JD has served as Associate Pastor, Worship Pastor and Executive Pastor. Now an Ordained Bishop in the Church of God, JD considers his biggest responsibility to "be a great husband to Angie, Dad to our children, and try to make disciples everywhere I go" The Oklahoma City native is an avid Oklahoma Sooner fan, so needless to say, Angie and their 4 children are following suit.
MattB@pcl.is
In May of 1997 I graduated from Lee College. In August of that same year I made a one year commitment to teach at a school in East Jerusalem. I thought I was coming for a one year adventure. I was actually stumbling into what would become my life's calling, helping children in the Middle East. Over twenty years later I still get excited about bringing hope into hopeless situations and light into the dark.
A lot has happened since 1997. I met and then married my wife Kelli. I picked up a Master's Degree in Middle Eastern Cultures and Religions from Jerusalem University College. Kelli and I also had five kids along the way, Andrew, Abigail, Madeline, Micah, and Nathaniel.
2011 was a year of great change for us. In January of that year we moved from Jerusalem to Bethlehem and in June I was appointed as the superintendent of Jerusalem School – Bethlehem. That same year I reached out to PCL and asked if they would partner with us in helping children in this region. The board agreed and I have been working for PCL ever since. I absolutely love PCL's commitment to enable hope and empower potential. I am also excited about the future as we explore more ways to help more people all over this region and the world.
Jonny@pcl.is
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