Community Building Art Works Becomes Mission Belonging, Launches “A Day of Belonging” on September 13, 2025
Rockville, MD (August 26, 2025) — Community Building Art Works (CBAW), a nonprofit that connects veterans, service members, military families, and civilians through professionally facilitated arts programs, is proud to announce its new name: Mission Belonging.
Mission Belonging carries on the powerful legacy of CBAW — building connected communities where veterans and civilians of all backgrounds and identities share creative expression, mutual understanding, and support.
Mission Belonging’s online and in-person art and poetry workshops have reached tens of thousands of service members, veterans, military family members, caregivers, and healthcare workers. Mission Belonging utilizes the arts as a tool for narration, self-care and socialization for those struggling with emotional and physical injuries caused by trauma.
In celebration of the new name and ongoing dedication to its community, Mission Belonging is thrilled to announce A Day of Belonging on Saturday, September 13, 2025, from 9 AM to 4 PM at Rockwood Manor in Potomac, MD.
Presented in partnership with Strathmore, A Day of Belonging is an immersive celebration of art, resilience, and community. The day features professionally facilitated expressive arts workshops — including visual art, poetry, improv, ukelele, and songwriting. Highlights include keynote speaker Captain Adam K. Saperstein, MD, FAAFP, and a performance by acclaimed composer and cellist Wytold.
The event is open to all community members. Registration is required at a $5 fee, with all proceeds supporting travel costs for facilitators and veteran participants.
In addition, Mission Belonging and Strathmore will host a United Against Silence community showcase on Friday, September 12th, 2025 at 7 PM at The Strathmore Mansion in Rockville, MD. Hosted by Mission Belonging founder Seema Reza, the evening of poetry and music highlights compelling performances by community members. Separate registration is required.
With its new identity as Mission Belonging, the organization reaffirms its commitment to ensuring that no veteran bears the burden alone — and extends an invitation to all who seek healing, connection, and purpose through creative expression.
About Mission Belonging (formerly Community Building Art Works)
Mission Belonging connects veterans, service members, military families, and civilians through professionally facilitated arts programs. Their faculty include award-winning writers, artists, and musicians who have lectured and taught at institutions from Columbia University to Stanford and have toured and performed worldwide.
Media Contact:
Victoria Kelly
Mission Belonging
victoriakelly1@gmail.com | 201-317-5358
Website: missionbelonging.org
CBAW Marketing & Communications Manager
Rob Haney is an artist, writer, and graphic designer with a passion for making slick-looking and fun images that catch the eye and draw viewers in. Rob worked for over 10 years in retail banking and management in their previous life, before returning to school and earning an Associates of Arts with Honors from Rock Valley College in 2012. An early addict to Twitter, Rob enjoys liking and resharing cool stuff and interacting with people who hold similar interests on the internet. When not online, Rob writes and reads poetry, creates both physical and digital artwork, and watches British mystery shows.