ABOUT COMMUNITY ARTS EXPERIENCE
VISION STATEMENT
CAE envisions a world where creativity, empowerment, and opportunity intersect to transform lives. Through arts-infused experiences, innovative technology, and holistic support, we aim to cultivate resilient individuals, foster thriving communities, and create a future where mental well-being, economic independence, and social equity are accessible to all.
MISSION STATEMENT
CAE empowers individuals and communities through arts-infused experiences that enhance mental health, support recovery, foster economic empowerment, and strengthen social well-being.
AGENCY OVERVIEW
At CAE, we harness the transformative power of the arts to empower individuals and serve communities. Through arts-infused experiences, we improve mental health, support recovery, promote economic empowerment, and strengthen social well-being. Our approach nurtures creativity, inspires growth, and cultivates a sense of shared purpose, helping individuals of all ages unlock their full potential and build a brighter, more resilient future.
At the core of our work is a dedicated network of trauma-informed mentors—our Team Ambassadors. This diverse group of artists, musicians, entrepreneurs, educators, behavioral health professionals, and community leaders guides participants on a transformative journey of personal growth and leadership. Through their expertise, encouragement, and lived experience, they foster resilience, self-discovery, and collaboration, empowering individuals to become leaders who drive meaningful change in their communities.
We recognize that healing and empowerment require access to the right tools and support systems. That’s why we created the CAE Network™—a cutting-edge technology platform that streamlines access to essential resources, fosters connection and enhances communication. This platform serves as a hub for social equity, ensuring that marginalized and underserved communities have equal access to mental health services, economic opportunities, and vital support networks. By breaking down systemic barriers, the CAE Network™ fosters a more just and equitable society, ensuring that no one is alone in their journey toward well-being and success.
Our holistic approach includes personalized case management and on-site therapy, providing the compassionate, trauma-informed care necessary for sustained healing, growth, and resilience-building. Whether through creative expression, mentorship, or direct support services, CAE is committed to inspiring hope and opening doors to new possibilities, ensuring that every individual we serve has the opportunity to thrive.
OUR SERVICE DIVISIONS
At CAE, we believe empowerment is achieved through creativity, connection, and opportunity. Our four service divisions—Arts & Culture, Mental Health & Recovery, Media & Entertainment, and Economic Empowerment—collaborate to foster personal growth, well-being, and professional success. Through innovative programs, trauma-informed mentorship, and strategic partnerships, we assist individuals in building resilience, developing skills, and creating lasting change in their lives and communities.
ARTS & CULTURE: Fostering creativity, connection, and community through visual arts, music, theater, and dance. Our programs bring people together, encouraging self-expression and cultural appreciation. By integrating technology, we enhance artistic learning, creative production, and public engagement.
MENTAL HEALTH & RECOVERY: As a Recovery Community Organization (RCO), CAE supports individuals facing OUD, SUD, and co-occurring mental health challenges by building recovery capital through peer support, counseling, relapse prevention, and holistic wellness programs. CAE’s Recovery Connector™ expands access to essential mental health and recovery resources.
MEDIA & ENTERTAINMENT: Training individuals for careers in media, film, and music production through CAE TV Production, LLC and Prime Universal Mercer County Digital Streaming Network. Programs integrate S.T.E.M. education and hands-on experience in digital media, broadcasting, and emerging technologies.
ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT: Through CAE’s Prep4Work™, we provide job readiness, career certifications, and entrepreneurship training. Financial literacy programs teach budgeting, credit, investments, and wealth-building. The CAE Café offers hands-on training, ServSafe certification, and employment in the hospitality industry, fostering economic resilience and generational wealth.
OUR HISTORY
Founded in 2008 by B.J. Pleasant, Community Arts Experience, Inc. (CAE) was created to address the lack of alternative learning programs, declining academic performance, and rising violence in Stark County, Ohio. What began as a performing arts and business management program for youth has become a comprehensive initiative serving children, adults, and seniors through arts-infused education, workforce development, mental health support, and recovery services.
CAE’s data-driven approach has led to proven success:
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34% average increase in Science, Reading, and Math scores
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5% rise in school attendance rates
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11.4% improvement in positive student behavior
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15% enrollment growth in behavioral health and recovery programs in 2023
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17,000+ digital views of CAE’s Opioid Docuseries, raising awareness and reducing stigma
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92% of participants in Friday Night LIVE Music & Art Exhibitions reported stronger community connections and recovery support
Expanding Our Impact
Key milestones include the launch of S.T.O.M.P., an anti-violence mentoring program (2012), expansion into Mercer County, Pennsylvania (2014), the development of four global service divisions (2015), and the introduction of The Divergent Project, a cognitive-behavioral change system for justice-involved individuals (2017).
In 2023, CAE secured a 112,000-square-foot facility, strengthening its ability to deliver arts-infused mental health services, workforce development, and trauma-informed recovery programs. In 2025, the Holistic Growth and Development Assessment Tool (HGDA) for Youth will launch, offering an innovative framework for measuring and supporting trauma-informed youth development.
Discover More
To explore CAE’s history, outcomes, and the milestones that have shaped our journey, click HERE.
OUR CORE VALUES:
At CAE, our core values guide our actions and shape our organizational culture. These values help us remain focused on our mission and ensure that we consistently provide a positive impact on the communities we serve.
Passion for the Arts
We champion the transformative power of creative expression for personal and community growth.
Integrity
We uphold transparency, accountability, and ethical excellence in all we do.
Collaboration
We build strong partnerships to enhance our programs and impact.
Empowerment
We equip individuals with the skills and confidence to create meaningful change.
Holistic Well-being
We prioritize our community's physical, emotional, social, and economic well-being.
Compassion
We approach our work empathetically, providing tailored support to overcome barriers.
Innovation
We continually evolve our programs to meet the needs of those we serve.
Fairness & Belonging
We cultivate an inclusive environment where everyone has equitable access to opportunities and feels genuinely valued as part of the community.
Commitment to Excellence
We strive for the highest quality in all aspects of our work and measure success by the lives we uplift.