Our Programs
COGO works alongside local agencies, providers, and community organizations to reduce gaps in access and expand opportunity for women, young women, and families throughout Frederick County.
COGO provides peer-led, non-clinical wellness education and support groups grounded in the Eight Dimensions of Wellness, along with resource referrals to trusted community and government agencies. We support women, youth, and families navigating challenging life circumstances by strengthening coping skills, connection, and day-to-day stability and by helping people get connected to the right services when professional help is needed.
Young Women’s Wellness Program (Ages 16–24) (Online)
COGO offers a safe, supportive online space where young women and young adults can connect, learn practical wellness skills, and build healthy routines and stability. This peer-led, non-clinical program supports participants navigating stress, transitions, and real-life pressures—who benefit from encouragement, community, and practical next steps.
Program highlights may include:
Peer-led wellness groups and guided discussions
Wellness education grounded in the Eight Dimensions of Wellness
Goal-setting, healthy routines, and confidence-building
Resource referrals and connections to trusted community and government supports (education, workforce pathways, and family resources)
To join or refer a young person, please complete our interest form.
Age note (under 16):
If the participant is under 16, a parent/guardian must complete the form. COGO can share general information and resource referrals and will provide safe next steps.
SistraHood Rising Circle is a supportive online space for women to exhale, be heard, and reconnect without judgment.
This is real Sistra Chat: healing, parenting, goals, stress, and next steps—held with care, respect, and community.
Designed for women who are carrying a lot and may not be able to attend in-person gatherings, this circle offers a steady place to show up as you are, speak your truth, and leave feeling lighter and more supported.
What to Expect (60-75 minutes)
SistraHood Rising Circle (Online)
Each circle may include:
A welcoming check-in and supportive listening
Guided discussion topics based on what women are navigating right now
Sharing affirmations, strengths, and encouragement
Space to name real needs and practical next steps
Resource sharing and community connection
Skill-sharing and sister support—women are encouraged to bring what they know (life skills, parenting wisdom, entrepreneurship, budgeting tips, job leads, wellness practices, creative gifts, etc.) so we can learn from one another and grow together
Every session closes with a calming 10-minute sound meditation to help you reset, ground, and carry peace into the rest of your day.
Dates & Access:
Dates and times will be announced. Access details are shared after registration.
Join the Circle:
To protect this as a safe and respectful space, registration is required. Please complete the form to receive updates and participation details.
Grief Peer Support (Open to All Types of Loss)
A peer-led, non-clinical space for anyone who is grieving. We welcome all forms of loss—including loss related to violence, illness, substance use, family separation, justice involvement, and major life transitions.
Each gathering is designed to feel calm and supportive. We begin with a brief sound bowl grounding practice (about 10 minutes) to help everyone settle, breathe, and feel present. After that, we move into a gentle, peer-led conversation at your own pace—because grief deserves community, not silence.
This is a 60–75 minute online session. Dates and times will be announced. Registration is required to receive access details.
Our work is rooted in lived experience and community partnership, including Moms Demand Action/EveryTown (Maryland). When someone needs professional or urgent support, we help connect them to appropriate community resources.
Founder Note
COGO’s grief support is informed by lived experience. Our Founder, Barbara Pinnock, understands grief personally as a parent who has experienced profound loss due to community violence. Her approach is grounded in compassion, dignity, and the belief that no one should have to grieve alone.
Mindfulness + Sound Bowl Wellness Sessions
Every gathering includes a 10-minute mindfulness practice (before or after the session) to help participants reset, breathe, and feel grounded. These are online sessions and may include sound bowls, guided breathing, gentle reflection, or other calming techniques.
If you have a mindfulness practice you’d like to lead, we welcome you to join our open sessions and share your energy with the group—this is a community space where we learn from one another.
We’re also committed to bringing mindfulness to children. When young children are present, we will set aside time to include them with simple, age-appropriate calming practices.
Disclaimer: COGO does not provide clinical counseling or treatment. We connect participants to licensed providers and agencies when needed.
Online Access:
Most support groups are held online to make participation easier and more consistent.
*COGO is not a crisis service. If you are in danger, call 911. If you need immediate emotional support, call or text 988.
