Our Story

The Personal Care Foundation (PCF) was founded by Carol, a survivor of abuse, who rebuilt her life after fleeing her abuser. While navigating the challenges of starting over, she discovered a critical gap because essential hygiene items, which are vital for health and dignity, are not covered by government assistance programs and there were no organizations in her area providing them.

Determined to address this need, Carol created PCF in 2019 to supply full size hygiene essentials to survivors of domestic violence, their children, and others in need. Her daughter Maria, also a survivor, designed the foundation’s first logo, a powerful symbol of unity, strength and hope.

What began as a grassroots effort has grown into a mission to serve vulnerable individuals across communities. Through Care Packages, PCF restores dignity, promotes health, and provides hope—one package at a time.

What started as a grassroots effort has grown into a mission dedicated to serving vulnerable individuals within Montgomery County, MD. Through Care Packages, PCF restores dignity, promotes health, and provides hope—one package at a time.

Leadership

Carol Freitas, Founder & Executive Director

Carolina Freitas is a veteran educator and proud mother of two children. She has dedicated many hours of her life volunteering for different organizations and helping improve the community in which she lives. Carolina is also a member of Batala – an all women Afro-Brazilian percussion band, and loves to dance and attend live jazz performances. 

Raquel Tucker, President

Raquel Tucker is an Air Force veteran, educator, and community leader committed to supporting children, families, and the broader community. She teaches middle school with Montgomery County Public Schools and serves as President of the Board of the Personal Care Foundation. With extensive experience in school leadership, PTSA leadership, and student programming, she brings a strong commitment to service and community impact.

Donna Vincent Roa, Vice-President

Donna Vincent is the founder of MicDots Global and the creator of VoiceQR®, a communication platform focused on accountability in high-consequence environments. With more than 30 years of experience in international communications, she has worked with organizations including USIA/VOA, the World Bank, the United Nations, EPA, and USAID. She is also a proud mother of two MCPS graduates. Her work centers on helping organizations ensure critical information reaches people clearly, effectively, and at the right moment.

Katherine Rodgers, Secretary

Kat Rodgers is also a veteran educator and proud mom of one son. She has spent all of her career working with highly impacted communities and has volunteered and dedicated her time and effort to raise awareness of the inequities in our systems. She is proud to be a part of The Personal Care Foundation and hopes to continue to help raise awareness of the needs in this community. 

Elizabeth Vito 

Elizabeth brings a fundraising and science-based patient advocacy background to the Personal Care Foundation. She hopes to help the organization grow financially in order to reach its necessary potential.

Member-At-Large

Laura  Starr Ramos

Laura, a Montgomery County native, is the Office Manager & Marketing Specialist with The Monitor Group, LLC, a financial management firm located in Rockville, MD and runs her own wedding officiant business Meet You at the Altar. Laura has worked with many nonprofits in the community and logs 100s of service hours each year.  As a serial entrepreneur, with a history of local leadership positions, she has many years of expertise in working with businesses to help them run more effectively and grow exponentially.    Working with The Personal Care Foundation is a wonderful opportunity to help others in need.

Nadean Ajilogba, Treasurer 

Nadean is currently employed by Kaiser Permanente, where she has worked for more than 25 years.  Her professional skills are in Human Resources, specifically Labor Relations and Process Improvement.  Nadean’s past community involvement includes various positions within Montgomery County PTA, involvement in the Montgomery County Swim League and community involvement through various church activities.  Nadean currently resides in Montgomery County with her husband, and three children, two of whom are in college.  Working with the Personal Care Foundation is a wonderful opportunity to continue to serve the community in such an impactful way.