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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

Learn more about our history here.

In 2008, B.J. Pleasant founded CAE as a response to the growing concerns regarding the lack of arts-infused learning programs, poor academic performance in schools, and rising violence in Stark County, Ohio. C.A.E. was established to focus primarily on underserved children disproportionately affected by these issues. The organization aimed to create a performing arts after-school program that employed a three-pronged approach, emphasizing family, school, and community engagement.

 

In 2009, CAE achieved its 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status from the I.R.S. By 2010, the organization began offering arts-integrated programs to the public. That summer, CAE launched a theatre arts program for 50 underserved youth, culminating in successfully producing "The Wiz." The play sold out both performances, attracting 2,200 attendees and sparking multiple requests for CAE to provide arts enrichment and media and technology programming to local schools and community organizations.

 

As the organization grew and developed, it continually assessed the effectiveness of its programs by analyzing student performance data. Through this evaluation, CAE identified crucial skill gaps that the organization was uniquely positioned to address. Consequently, the organization observed significant improvements in student outcomes, including a 34% average increase in Science, Reading, and Math testing results, a 5% rise in attendance rates, and an 11.4% improvement in positive student behavior.

 

Encouraged by the success of its initial programs, CAE expanded its reach from young individuals aged 13 to 18 to impact a broader demographic, offering services for children and adults between the ages of 7 and 55+ - with a focus on providing individuals with the necessary skills and training to compete in a technology-driven work environment, including vocational rehabilitation services to help persons with disabilities. This expansion signaled a commitment to the holistic development of participants across various age groups, ensuring they would be well-equipped to face the challenges of an ever-evolving job market.

 

In 2014, CAE recognized the need to address the high prevalence of opioid and substance abuse in Mercer County, Pennsylvania. Mercer County has been grappling with the long-term effects of significant industrial closures due to the great depression of 2007. In response to this critical need, CAE extended its services to Mercer County and began implementing trauma-informed practices and workforce development training opportunities. By building participants' strengths and addressing the community's specific needs, CAE demonstrated its commitment to fostering resilience and healing among its constituents.

 

As a result of its diligent work in this area, CAE became a certified trauma-informed organization in 2020. This certification solidified the organization's capacity to provide adequate support and services for individuals and families impacted by trauma, substance use disorder, and other mental health issues. With this achievement, CAE further established itself as a leader in holistic care and support, ensuring the well-being of its participants and the communities they served.

 

CAE's experience and success in alternative learning led the organization to explore new avenues for collaboration with community professionals. Recognizing the potential for more significant impact through collective action, CAE sought to create an education and support hub for developing non-traditional strategies that would best benefit individuals needing training and support services. Over the past decade, CAE has refined its coalition-based approach, mobilizing community professionals to engage in public action and volunteering to address many issues, including high crime rates, high unemployment rates, high drop-out rates, chronic disease, mental health, and substance use disorders.

 

Today, CAE provides its participants with various arts-infused online and on-demand services delivered in a flexible schedule and small group setting. The organization's commitment to personalized learning experiences ensures that each participant has the opportunity to thrive and succeed at their own pace. Experienced and professional instructors within the communities CAE serves work closely with youth and adult learners, helping them make informed educational decisions that align with their academic and career goals.

 

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 the arts, encouraging innovation and creative expression as essential tools for personal development and community enrichment.

 

Inclusivity and Diversity
We are committed to creating a welcoming and supportive environment that embraces diversity and fosters a sense of belonging for all learners, regardless of their background or abilities.

 

Empowerment
We believe in equipping individuals with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to reach their full potential and create positive change in their communities.

 

Holistic Well-being
We prioritize the physical, emotional, social, psychological, and economic well-being of our students, staff, and community, recognizing that success depends on a healthy balance across all aspects of life.

 

Compassion
We approach our work with empathy and understanding, recognizing the unique challenges faced by each individual and providing tailored support to help them overcome barriers to success.

 

Collaboration
We value strong partnerships with families, schools, and community organizations. Together, we create a supportive network for our students and enhance the positive impact of our programs.

 

Integrity
We hold ourselves to the highest ethical standards, ensuring transparency, accountability, and honesty in all our actions and decisions.

 

Innovation
We continuously strive to improve and adapt our programs, services, and teaching methods to meet the evolving needs of our students and communities.

 

Commitment to Excellence
We are dedicated to delivering high-quality programs and services, continuously striving for improvement, and measuring our success by the positive impact we make in the lives of our learners and their communities.

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CORPORATE MAILING ADDRESS

P.O. Box 50

Wheatland, Pennsylvania 16161

Toll-Free: (866) 961.2239

E-Mail: info@caeww.com

CAE OF PENNSYLVANIA BRANCH

75 Mercer Ave., Suite A

Wheatland, Pennsylvania 16161

Toll-Free: (866) 961.2239

Office: (724) 279.5093

Student Call-Off: (866) 961.2239 x 8

E-Mail: caeofpa@caeww.com

CAE OF NORTHEAST OHIO BRANCH 

P.O. Box 8124

Canton, Ohio  44711

Toll-Free: (866) 961.2239 x 9

Student Call-Off: (866) 961.2239 x 8

E-MAIL: caeofneoh@caeww.com

CAE OF CENTRAL OHIO BRANCH 

P.O. Box 71

Westerville, Ohio  43086

Toll-Free: (866) 961.2239 x 9

Local Tel: (614) 600.2285

Student Call-Off: (866) 961.2239 x 8

E-Mail: caeofceoh@caeww.com

C.A.E. Logo - B.J. Pleasant, Founder & CEO

© 2008-2025 Community Arts Experience, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

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