People for Care and Learning Receives Highest Rating from Charity Navigator
People for Care and Learning (PCL), the Cleveland, Tennessee-based nonprofit organization that works to alleviate poverty from Southeast Tennessee to Southeast Asia, received news this week that it has earned Charity Navigator’s 4-Star rating, the highest distinction offered by the national charity evaluation company.
PCL, which has its roots in the Church of God, received commendation for its sound fiscal management practices, commitment to accountability and transparency, ethical practices, and for freely sharing about their organization with donors and other stakeholders. The group went through several months of investigation, submission of outside audits, minutes of meetings, and explanations of operational practices.
Michael Thatcher, president and CEO of Charity Navigator, in awarding the top rating, said, “Out of the thousands of nonprofits Charity Navigator evaluates, only one out of four earns 4 stars—a rating that demands rigor, responsibility, and commitment to openness. People for Care and Learning joins a select group of high-performing charities.” In Tennessee, 31 nonprofits have been awarded the top ranking. Besides PCL, the only other Cleveland area organization on the list is the United Way.
Dr. Fred Garmon, CEO of PCL, praised the volunteers and donors, whose commitment to the organization makes it successful. “Our Cleveland supporters take the lead in championing the causes that PCL undertakes. We would be extremely limited without our local backing.” While its primary focus is international, PCL has also contributed to Cleveland causes, principally development of the local Greenway, including building restrooms, providing water fountains, and a playground.
PCL presently focuses its efforts in Cambodia, where a recent three-year project called Build A City provided housing for hundreds of families that had been evicted from an urban slum and relocated to an open field without water, sewers, or electricity. The new town is a model village with paved streets, water, sewers, and electric service. A medical clinic will open when new equipment and supplies arrive. An exemplary preschool education program helps children take the first steps that will help lift them out of poverty. Job training for adults will enable them to secure employment.
The organization also operates two orphanages, a demonstration farm, a coffee shop—Common Grounds—that earns operational funds and has earned top ratings in international tourist guides, and educational programs that offer English-language instruction.
People for Care and Learning, is interdenominational and is governed by a board of directors whose members represent several different church backgrounds. Its motto is “Giving the poor a working chance.” Information about PCL is found at www.pcl.is and about Charity Navigator is at charitynavigator.org.
