Meet the Founders
Da’Cota Allen
Founder & Executive DirectorDa’Cota Allen is the Co-Founder and Executive Director of Allen’s Outreach. Da’Cota’s drive for community engagement and giving back has always been apart of his DNA. As a child, his family was always involved in their community as his grandfather, Richard Allen Sr. was heavily involved in Anne Arundel County’s political scene. Da’Cota helped his grandfather at various fundraising and networking events, and even volunteered at Habitat for Humanity, along with the Boys and Girls club of Maryland.
While working as a Police Officer in Anne Arundel County, Da’Cota spent three years working directly with people from all walks of life. Through those experiences, he saw first hand how many families struggle to access basic resources such as clothing, food, education, and every day necessities.
Motived by faith, lived experiences, and a desire to make a direct impact, he along with Isabella Small, founded Allen’s Outreach to bring others together and provide meaningful support where it’s needed the most. The organization focuses on initiatives such as clothing drives, food distribution, hygiene support, and community education programs designed to positively impact others.
Isabella Small
Founder & Vice PresidentIsabella Small is the Co-Founder & Vice President of Allen’s Outreach. Just like Da’Cota, Isabella’s passion for giving back has been instilled in her from a young age through previous life experiences.
She has volunteered with local homeless shelters and residential treatment facilities, experiences that have strengthened her commitment to serving diverse and underserved communities.
Isabella is a Master’s Student in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program at Walden University and is on track to graduate in August, 2026. Her graduate training emphasizes ethical practice, cultural responsiveness, and developing strong clinical skills to support individuals across the lifespan. All important qualities to support our mission.
In addition to being driven by faith, Isabella aims to be a strong role model for her children, and hopes to inspire and positively impact those that we serve.