Start With One Step (SOS) is a dedicated community-focused organization committed to supporting single parents. Founded by Rachel Loback, a single mom who turned her personal challenges into a mission to help others, we believe in the power of community to uplift and encourage those in need. Every member of our board has been directly impacted by single parenting, whether they were single parents themselves, raised by single parents, or have been affected in some way. This personal connection drives our commitment and passion for the cause.
Rachel’s Story
In 2010, as a single mother, Rachel experienced an extreme act of kindness that changed the trajectory of her life. Her journey began when she was given a vehicle, ultimately allowing her the freedom to launch what is now Rachel’s Floors.
After experiencing success, Rachel realized it was time to pursue another dream: starting a nonprofit. The drive to create this nonprofit came from a deeply personal place—the loss of a friend to postpartum depression. As someone who has faced the challenges of being a single mom, Rachel understands the struggle and she has experienced postpartum depression firsthand.
Start With One Step (SOS) provides essential large ticket items to parents in need. Rachel feels truly blessed to have overcome her own hardships and is committed to sharing these blessings with others.
Rachel’s journey is a testament to how an act of kindness can place someone on a trajectory of independence, confidence, and success. Her story is a powerful reminder that with determination and a heart for helping others, one person can make a significant impact on the lives of many.
What Sets Us Apart
What makes Start With One Step different from other organizations is our focus on one-time, often emergency assistance. This is not about ongoing handouts contributing to generational vulnerability; rather, it’s about providing the first step in the right direction. We aim to offer personalized and timely support to single parents, ensuring they receive the help they need when they need it most.
Start with One Step does not discriminate with regard to age, race, color, ancestry, national origin, citizenship status, military or veteran status, religion, creed, disability, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, medical condition as defined by state law (cancer or genetic characteristics), gender, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local laws and ordinances.
President, Executive Director
Rachel Loback is a passionate advocate for empowering families and children. As a single mother for 14 years, she faced significant challenges, but in 2019, with just $10 in her account, she boldly started her own business.
Through determination and the support of key individuals along the way, Rachel's business has flourished, now providing employment for a team of seven, all of whom rely on its success to support their families.
Today, Rachel is happily married and a proud mother of five. Motivated by her own experiences, she is driven by a deep desire to help others navigate the difficulties she once faced.
Her mission is to empower parents and families in challenging circumstances, equipping them with the tools and resources they need to raise confident and successful children who will lead the next generation.
Rachel is committed to making a meaningful difference in the lives of struggling families.
Vice President, Director
Kaitlyn Faile, a native Virginian, is a self-proclaimed data nerd by profession with a rich background shaped by her upbringing, passions, and experiences.
Raised by a single mother, she learned the values of resilience and commitment early on.
Prior to her current career in HR Tech Consulting and owning a drone solutions business with her husband, Kaitlyn dedicated nearly a decade to teaching high school English and spent several years working in RecOps.
With a seven-year-old son who brings joy to her life, she cherishes motherhood above all else. Her love for her family, animals, and reading fuels her spare time. She has multiple degrees in Education and Writing. She lives in Fauquier County with her husband, son, and a small zoo.
With a blend of empathy and integrity, she strives to make a positive impact in her community.
Secretary
Krista’s resolve to be a lifelong champion of change began abroad, immersed in communities of abject poverty. This experience enlightened her to the deleterious effects of the wealth divide on issues of justice, and the necessity of equity. She focused her career on non-profit work to combat generational
poverty, disenfranchisement and exploitation of vulnerable populations through education, empowerment,
conservation, and advocacy. She previously served as the Sponsorship Coordinator and Deputy Executive Director at Children of Uganda, charged with cultivating donor relationships, fundraising and modernization of digital integrations. She has extensive experience in non-profit operations and
regulations and played major roles in founding Jefferson County Vision, the Jefferson County Chapter of West Virginia Food ER, and Conservation WV. Krista holds a bachelor’s in political science and English from Allegheny College and a Master of Public Policy and International Affairs from the University of Pittsburgh. Krista lives in Gainesville, Virginia with her husband, five children and an ever-evolving cast of pets. She
enjoys gardening, cooking, presidential history, politics and impromptu adventures with her family. She remains focused on building a legacy of a civic-minded family and stronger communities necessary to leave America better for future generations.
Treasurer
Angela has been involved in accounting, tax, and advisory services since 2002. She started her own firm in 2008 (Hollins Associates CPAs), and merged to form Hollins and Hur CPAs in 2022.
Licensed as a Certified Public Accountant since 2006, she holds licenses in the Commonwealth of Virginia and the State of Georgia, and is a member of the AICPA and VSCPA.
Throughout her career, she has been exposed to a diverse range of clients, including both small and medium-size businesses in many different industries, high net worth individual clients, and foundations and trusts.
With a focus on genuinely listening to the client, she strives to provide common sense guidance, establish trust, and build long term relationships.
Angela actively reinforces that focus on genuine client concern throughout the entire firm.
Member-at-Large
Born in Pittsburgh, PA, Jennifer Wahlberg grew up riding horses and caring for animals. She studied English and Fine Art at Westminster College and the College of Charleston before moving to Northern Virginia for a career opportunity.
Jennifer has over 20 years of experience in financial services, including 10+ years as a Mortgage Loan Originator. She is passionate about helping families, particularly first-time homebuyers, achieve homeownership while addressing their unique challenges.
In 2008, Jennifer adopted two boys from Haiti and experienced a dramatic shift shortly after they arrived home, an experience that shaped her journey as a single mother. Navigating the challenges of raising children in a new community without a safety net, she deeply understands the resilience and love it takes to build a family.