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ABOUT BARIKIA FOUNDATION

Our Mission

The Barikia Foundation is a charitable 501(C)(3) non-profit organization that provides food baskets, clothing, school supplies, holiday gifts and other resources to less fortunate residents of Baltimore City and County. Barikia is Swahili, meaning, “To Bless Someone.”

The Barikia Foundation believes in giving back to the community – “if we help one family, hopefully it will inspire that family to help another.” The Barikia Foundation believes that helping those in need will improve the quality of life for all.  

Our Dedicated Team

Barikia Foundation sponsors fun-filled events and collects donations to purchase food, clothing, school supplies and toys for less fortunate families.  They also provided emergency assistance to a family displaced by a home fire. Food, warm clothing and toiletries were distributed on the streets of Baltimore City to homeless men, women and children. Barikia Foundation is Blessed with several volunteers and supporters who donate their time, skills and talents to our mission. Meet the hardworking and dedicated team that forms Barikia Foundation's Board:


Charlette Cornish, President and Founder
Reginald Cornish, Jr., Vice President
Jerome Bennett, Treasurer
Felicia Pate, Secretary
Reginald Cornish, Sr., Fundraiser Coordinator
Paula Johnson
Lynn Merritt-Nixon
Lori Nauden
Tridena Thomas
Trina Fair

Jeanne Hawkins
Arnechia Cornish

Charlette Cornish, President and Founder

Charlette Cornish started working to serve less fortunate families in 2002 using her own funds. She donated to local food banks and volunteered at Bea Gaddy’s Family Center. Realizing the great need to help less fortunate families and her passion to help others, Charlette set out in 2010 with the support of her husband, Reginald Cornish, and formed the Barikia Foundation. She is surrounded by a great team of family and friends willing to do what it takes to support the mission of the Barikia Foundation.

Reginald Cornish, Jr., Vice President

Reginald Cornish, Jr., is the Vice President of Barikia Foundation. He works side by side his wife and CEO, Charlette Cornish as they plan, develop and implement the mission of the corporation. Responsibilities include promoting fundraising activities,  and providing outreach to the communities surrounding Baltimore City and County.

Jerome Bennett, Treasurer

Jerome Bennett is Barikia's Treasurer and has been with us since the conception of the corporation. Jerome wears many hats as he steps up to the plate to lend a helping hand with coordinating, planning, and hosting events.  

Felicia Pate, Secretary

Felicia Pate is Barikia's Secretary. As our Secretary, Felicia helps maintain the daily operations of Barikia as well as assisting with fundraising activities, planning and hosting events. Felicia also heads us in prayer before, during and after each event and venture. 

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