About us

Place to Grow is a 100% volunteer-led nonprofit that strives to connect and inspire a rising generation of leaders in disaster-stricken Tohoku communities.

OUR MISSION

To inspire the next generation of Tohoku

“We believe People Inspire People, and while you cannot empower another human, you can inspire them to choose self empowerment.”

– Angela Marie Ortiz, NGO Founder – PLACE TO GROW

Founded in 2011 in the aftermath of the March 11 earthquake, Tsunami and Nuclear disasters, Place To Grow has developed from a first responders emergency aid organization, to providing long term community support.

OUR VALUES

Inclusion In Support

Shared experiences bring people together, “ working together for a common goal connects individuals and fosters community beyond the small problems of everyday life.

People Inspire People

Peer To Peer role models inspire us to pursue a life of self development and empowerment.

Role models inspire us to choose hobbies, academic pursuits, travel experiences, career paths and more.

Healthy Body, Healthy Mind

Fitness is a basic foundation for a healthy life, we believe children who learn the simple fundamentals of fitness will become more confident and empowered adults.

Place To Grow programs create life-changing opportunities for children – fostering communication and confidence through fitness & language exchange.

Place To Grow Volunteers visit small communities in Miyagi prefecture on a monthly basis, to hold workshops and community planning events with local families; children and the city leaders.

The annual Santa Soul Train project spans 3 days in December and brings together the wider community – fostering solidarity, community spirit, and connections. 1500 children in Tohoku and Tokyo are currently part of this pen-pal style project.

OUR TEAM

The leadership Team of Place To Grow consists of three work streams:

Volunteers join according to personal interests and skills. Self development courses from public speaking, networking to NGO management are held throughout the year.

Angela Ortiz

CEO/Programs Lead

Kyal Hill

Membership Lead

Chen Chen

Marketing Lead

Ayako Kobayashi

Administration Lead

Kayleigh Ward

Programs

Roselle

Marketing

Erwin Ortiz

IT, Media

Lisa

Marketing

Dominique

Marketing

Hi! 😀 My name is Dominique and I work with the PTG Marketing and social media team. I'm originially from the Washington D.C. area but currently live in Tokyo. I was introduced to PTG by a former member and was so impressed by the volunteers and the "Develop Yourself to Inspire Others" workshop that I decided to join!

Anicia

Programs

Hi, my name is Anicia from Switzerland. I found out about PTG after a Spartan race where I participated with Angela and Kevin. It makes me happy to support PTG and the kids through sports workshops and language exchange.

Organization Name:
特定非営利活動法人Place to Grow
Registration Number法人番号5011005006522

Tokyo Office:
Takahara Building 4A, 1-6-8 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, 150-0001
Telephone: 090-6851-5834

Minamisanriku Office:
22 Tomarihama, Utatsu, Minamisanriku-cho, Motoyoshi-gun, Miyagi, 988-0444
Telephone: 090-6851-5834