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.

  • Community Advocate

    Erica brings over 19 years of experience in the medical field and a deep, personal commitment to empowering women in recovery. She holds an Associate’s Degree of Applied Business as a Medical Assistant and currently works as a Clinical Liaison for a company specializing in lymphatic compression therapy. Her professional background reflects a lifelong dedication to healing, wellness, and advocacy.

    A proud mother of three, Erica has been living in long-term recovery since November 1, 2022. Her journey has shaped her mission: to support and uplift other women—especially mothers—who are navigating the challenges of addiction and rebuilding their lives. She is especially passionate about expanding access to safe, supportive, and affordable housing for women and children in recovery, particularly in the Frederick, Maryland area. Having experienced firsthand the lack of resources during her own transition, Erica is driven to be part of the solution for others still seeking stability.

    Erica’s advocacy is rooted in gratitude for those who supported her along the way. Her desire to give back is what led her to reconnect with Barbara Pinnock, the founder of the Community of Grace Organization. A longtime mentor and guide in her recovery journey, Barbara invited Erica to join COGO’s mission—and she accepted with honor and purpose.

    Earlier this year, Erica participated in COGO‘s  second annual fundraiser at the Delaplaine Arts Center in Frederick, sharing her story and creativity as part of her healing journey. She is excited to be an active voice and presence within the Community of Grace Organization, working to ensure that every mother and child in recovery has the chance to heal, grow, and thrive.

  • 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.

  • Board Member , Outreach Coordinator

    Sherry Travis: A Journey of Resilience and Renewal

    Sherry Travis is a remarkable individual whose life story exemplifies courage, resilience, and dedication to

    helping others. She has been involved with public service since back in the late 80’s, Girl Scout Leader of

    Brownie Girl Scouts for 4 years, working with Baltimore County Public School System for 23 years, and

    assisting individuals that may be down on their luck by letting them stay at her home. Sherry has overcome

    personal challenges and has transformed them into a powerful source of inspiration, and has become a

    beacon of hope and support for many in their journey towards recovery.

    Recognizing the value of her experiences and the potential to make a difference in the lives of others, Sherry

    pursued professional credentials in peer recovery. Through rigorous coursework and meeting numerous

    prerequisites, she achieved certification as a Maryland Certified Peer Recovery Specialist (CPRS). This

    accomplishment not only validated her expertise but also solidified her commitment to supporting others on

    their paths to recovery. Sherry passed the Maryland Addictions Professional Certification Program (MAPCP)

    exam on February 23, 2024. With this achievement, she further cemented her credentials as a Certified Peer

    Recovery Specialist, bringing added value and credibility to her role.

    Continuing her professional development, Born and raised in Maryland, Sherry faced significant battles with

    addiction. However, her determination to reclaim her life led her to embark on a path of recovery. On June 20,

    2021, Sherry entered a recovery program as a client, a pivotal moment that marked the beginning of her

    transformation to a new way of life. With steadfast commitment and unwavering resolve, Sherry embraced the

    recovery process, dedicating herself to personal growth and healing. Over the course of her recovery journey,

    which spanned from June 20, 2021, to January 7, 2024, Sherry demonstrated extraordinary perseverance,

    remaining clean and sober for four and a half years.

    On January 8, 2024, Sherry's dedication to the cause took a significant step forward as she joined Hilda's

    Foundation as a Peer Specialist. In this role, she has been instrumental in providing guidance, empathy, and

    encouragement to individuals navigating their recovery journeys. Her story is a testament to the power of

    resilience and the transformative potential of recovery. Her journey from addiction to certified peer recovery

    specialist reflects not only her personal triumphs but also her unwavering dedication to helping others find their

    way to healing and hope. As well, Sherry became a Certified Medication Technician in order to be more of an

    asset also.

    With her compassion, expertise, and lived experience, Sherry Travis stands as a symbol of strength and

    empowerment, making a meaningful impact on the lives of those she serves at Community of Grace

    Organization and beyond.

    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.