Our Mission

Empowering women with substance use disorder through a supportive network of resource providers promotes resilience, stability, and family strengthening.

GOAL

Our objective is to address the impact of substance use disorder and trauma by offering transitional services and/or housing to individuals leaving rehabilitation centers or correctional facilities. COGO, Inc. acts as a bridge to help these individuals rebuild trust, boost self-esteem, and foster responsibility, enabling them to reintegrate as productive members of the community.

Meet the Team

  • Founder & Executive Director

    Barbara Pinnock is a remarkable individual dedicated to helping others overcome challenges and rebuild their lives. As the visionary founder and Executive Director of the Community of Grace Organization (COGO), she leads a mission to support individuals in their recovery journeys. Her personal experiences of long-term recovery from substance abuse, domestic violence, and childhood trauma have shaped her into a beacon of hope for others facing similar hardships.

    Tragically, Barbara lost her beloved son Tikya Francis to gun violence on November 1, 2023, becoming a survivor of this senseless tragedy. Despite her grief, she remains steadfast in her dedication to helping others. Offering hope, support, and a path toward recovery, Barbara continues to inspire those around her.

    Having retired from the local government sector, Barbara now serves as a Peer Recovery Specialist at COGO, providing invaluable support and advocacy for individuals in recovery. Her diverse skill set, including Reiki, massage therapy, and sound healing, adds a holistic and mindful approach to the organization's services. Barbara's unique perspective and empathy stem from her ability to overcome obstacles, giving her a deep understanding of addiction, trauma, and the healing process.

    Barbara is particularly passionate about assisting survivors of substance use disorder trauma and helping them reintegrate into society successfully after treatment or incarceration. Her primary goal is to empower and advocate for individuals, bridging the gap between the recovery community and essential resources.

    As the driving force behind COGO, Barbara is committed to making a significant impact in the community. She achieves this by providing job opportunities, transitional housing, and access to resources for families in need. COGO's services aim to create a supportive and nurturing environment where individuals can rebuild their lives and thrive.

    Barbara Pinnock's personal journey and dedication to helping others make her an inspiring figure within the community. Through her leadership and the services provided by COGO, she continues to positively influence the lives of many, offering hope, support, and a path toward recovery.

  • Chair

    Jarena Griffin-Price serves as the Chair of the Board for Community of Grace Organization. With a deep rooted passion for helping women and children, Jarena brings both personal heart and professional experience with this work. As a former caseworker for the state of Maryland, she witnessed firsthand the challenges families face in rebuilding their lives after addiction. She also brings years of expertise in business management, development, and administration, and holds an MBA.

    A proud mother herself, Jarena is inspired by her love for community and family, and believes deeply in the power of the village to uplift and restore.

  • Treasurer

    Founder | Tax Strategist
    Bookkeeping Advocatel
    Nomadic Financial Professional

    Arlene Henry brings over 40 years of experience in tax preparation.
    With a degree in Accounting, she is a Certified Bookkeeper and a licensed tax preparer registered with the IRS and the State of Maryland.

    She founded About-Face Tax Group LLC in 2019 with a mission to support
    freelancers, solopreneurs, and underserved communities. After the COVID pandemic, Alene began traveling and working out of her van, offering mobile financial services to fellow nomads and remote professionals. Her practice blends rigorous professionalism with empathy, equity, and real-world strategy. At About-Face, your pivot is your power.

    Balance, like nature, is both a science and an art.

  • Board Member

    Tony Antoine wears many hats, but they all point back to one thing: serving others. As a Board Member at Large with Community of Grace Organization, he supports programs that uplift women and children navigating the challenges of substance and alcohol abuse. With a strong background in graphic design, programming, and data analysis, Tony uses his tech skills to help build solutions that matter.

    He also serves as the audio-visual coordinator at his church, where he combines his creativity and faith to create meaningful worship experiences. Tony has a heart for education, mentorship, and community, striving every day to follow Christ’s example in service.

    In Tony’s own words (and echoing one of his favorite quotes by Muhammad Ali): "Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on Earth."

    Outside of work and ministry, you’ll find him baking, writing, dancing, making music, or gaming—usually with a smile and a playlist going.

  • Outreach Coordinator

    Anita Baker, now retired from federal service, serves as the Outreach Coordinator for the Community of Grace Organization. She brings to this role a heart for service, a deep commitment to uplifting others, and a lifetime of lived and professional experience that continues to inspire those around her.

    Originally from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Anita is a proud mother of three, grandmother of seven, and great-grandmother of two. She dedicated over 35 years to the federal government, beginning her career at the Naval Supply Center in Norfolk, Virginia, where she was one of the first ten women recruited as a forklift operator. Eager to grow professionally, she pursued a degree in Business Management and transitioned to roles in Washington, D.C., spending 12 years with the Harry Diamond Army Laboratory before retiring from the U.S. Department of Justice.

    An active member of Victory Christian Church International, Anita served in the media ministry and completed two years of ministry training. Her strong faith and love for community have guided her into her current role with the Community of Grace Organization, where she leads outreach efforts that connect women and families—especially those in transition—with healing resources, support, and empowerment.

    A passionate writer, Anita enjoys composing poetry and is currently seeking publication for a story she authored. She recently celebrated 35 years of marriage, living a life grounded in love, service, and resilience. In retirement, Anita continues to make a meaningful impact through her work with COGO, embodying the values of compassion, faith, and transformation.

  • Secretary

    Mwewa serves as Board Secretary for Community of Grace Organization. With a background in community organizing, Tech operations, and in service to others, Mwewa believes in putting people at the center.