PENNY

Penny is the co-founder and Treasurer of Retained Lives, and her heart is the soul of our mission. From the very beginning, Penny has poured her love, dedication, and unshakable faith into creating a brighter future for the families we serve in Cambodia.

An expert seamstress with a gift for bringing joy through her craft, Penny not only teaches the women in our program to sew quilts—both by machine and intricate hand stitching—but she also selects fabrics with care here in the U.S., creating beautiful quilt kits alongside Pastor Pat. Each stitch represents hope, resilience, and the possibility of a better tomorrow. Beyond sewing, Penny manages all our expenses, bookkeeping, purchasing supplies and day-to-day operations, keeping everything running smoothly.

During the pandemic, Penny saw the devastating impact of COVID on rural Cambodian villages and took action. She spearheaded food distribution efforts to alleviate hunger, Together with Pastor Pat, they also funded the construction of wells, bringing clean water to communities in need—transforming lives with their kindness.

Penny’s love for the mission runs so deep that she gets teary-eyed and speechless when she speaks about Cambodia. Through every quilt she designs, every meal she helps provide, and every dollar she meticulously tracks, Penny embodies the love of Jesus, radiating warmth and compassion.

She doesn’t just lead—she inspires. Penny has a way of making everyone she meets feel connected to something greater than themselves. Her tireless work is a beautiful reminder that one person’s love can ripple across the world and change countless lives.

Thank you, Penny, for being the heart and hands of Retained Lives.