​COMMUNITY ARTS EXPERIENCE WORLDWIDE

 "As a woman of faith, I recognize God's important role in the foundation of C.A.E. The organization is a

manifestation of divine inspiration ordained by God, led by His guidance and built on a foundation of love.

I am merely the instrument God chose to gather like-minded individuals to implement His vision and create positive change in the culture."

 

– B.J. Pleasant, Founding President & CEO

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Founding and Early Years (2008-2013)

Community Arts Experience, Inc. (CAE) was founded in 2008 by B.J. Pleasant in response to the lack of alternative learning programs, declining academic performance, and rising violence in Stark County, Ohio. Recognizing that these challenges disproportionately affected underserved children, CAE pioneered a three-pronged approach—engaging family, school, and community to provide arts-infused education and mentorship.

 

In 2009, CAE obtained its 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status, officially launching performing arts and business management programs for youth aged 13-18. By 2010, the organization gained momentum with its first theatre arts program, producing The Wiz. The event’s 2,200 attendees demonstrated a high demand for arts enrichment, leading CAE to expand its offerings to media, technology, and career development programs.

 

2011 CAE partnered with Garfield Academy, establishing a daily enrichment and in-school support program. By analyzing student performance data, CAE identified key skill gaps, resulting in a 34% increase in Science, Reading, and Math scores, a 5% improvement in school attendance, and an 11.4% rise in positive student behavior.

 

In 2012, after a series of youth homicides in Stark County, CAE launched the Students Taking Ownership Mentoring Project (S.T.O.M.P.), an anti-violence initiative in collaboration with Canton City Schools, the Canton Police Department, and 46 community organizations. S.T.O.M.P. remains CAE’s flagship youth leadership program.

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Expansion and Diversification (2014-2019)

As CAE grew, it expanded into workforce training, mental health support, and economic empowerment, establishing key initiatives:

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• 2014: Opened a Farrell, Pennsylvania location and formed One Kingdom Heart House, Inc., a transitional housing program for women and children.

• 2015: Developed four global service divisions—Performing Arts, Media & Technology, Health & Wellness, and Education & Development—providing a structured framework for curriculum design and community impact.

• 2016: Launched satellite offices in Washington, D.C., and New York, partnering with Community College Preparatory Academy for workforce development courses and the Buffalo Soldiers Association at West Point Academy for S.T.E.M. summer camps.

• 2017: Introduced The Divergent Project, a cognitive-behavioral change system for juveniles and adults in or at risk of entering the justice system.

• 2019: Moved corporate headquarters to Farrell, Pennsylvania, formed CAE TV Productions, LLC, and launched Arts-N-Motion, a web docuseries showcasing arts as a vehicle for personal growth.

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A Leader in Virtual Learning, Recovery, and Community Impact (2020-Present)

CAE continued to evolve, integrating technology, faith-based trauma recovery, and economic empowerment into its mission:

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• 2020: Launched Virtual Learning Academy, expanding online, arts-infused education.

• 2021: Developed CAE Marketplace™ Network, a digital platform connecting entrepreneurs, artists, and professionals. Introduced Resilient Church Equipping Solution™, a trauma-informed leadership course for faith communities.

• 2023: Acquired a 12,000 sq. ft. facility at 75 Mercer Avenue, Wheatland, PA, providing expanded service capacity and long-term sustainability.

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Recent Innovations and Future Vision

CAE remains committed to advancing education, social well-being, and recovery services through innovation and community engagement:

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• Holistic Growth and Development Assessment Tool (HGDA) for Youth
  In 2024, CAE finalized the Holistic Growth and Development Assessment Tool (HGDA) for Youth, a trauma-informed evaluation framework designed to support historically underserved youth aged 7–17.  ​The HGDA provides educators, behavioral health professionals, and community mentors with actionable insights, ensuring a holistic approach to self-expression, resilience, and leadership development. 

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• Technology & Recovery Expansion
  CAE introduced CAE Network™ and Recovery Connector™, streamlining service tracking, financial management, and mental health referrals, reinforcing its role in recovery and behavioral health services.

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• Media & Storytelling for Social Change
  CAE produced its first Opioid Docuseries, funded by the Mercer County Opioid Settlement Fund. Engaging youth ambassadors from S.T.O.M.P., the series has amassed over 17,000 views, using storytelling to combat stigma and promote recovery.

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• Health & Wellness Programming
  Community wellness programs, such as the weekly Line Dance Program and Friday Night LIVE Music & Art Exhibition, foster physical activity, artistic expression, and social connection—92% of attendees reported strengthened community engagement and recovery journeys.

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Looking Ahead

CAE’s strategic priorities include:

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• Integrating the HGDA tool into educational and mentorship programming.

• Expanding trauma-informed recovery services and faith-based leadership initiatives.

• Leveraging technology and media to amplify community impact.

• Strengthening youth and adult workforce development pathways.

 

As CAE continues to empower, serve, and promote well-being, it remains dedicated to fostering resilience, economic opportunity, and social equity—ensuring creativity and empowerment transform lives for future generations.