After five wonderful years with Mission Belonging, I'm writing to share some bittersweet news: I'll be moving on to a new role at another organization closer to home in Kingsport, TN. Before anything else, I want to say what an honor it has been to do this work alongside all of you. Being part of a community where people feel less alone, where art saves lives, and where belonging is built one relationship at a time — that has been one of the great privileges of my career, and I'll carry it with me wherever I go.
The mission doesn't pause, and neither does the care behind it. I'm leaving Mission Belonging in wonderful hands. Becca Keaty, our Chief Operations Officer, will be stepping in to continue building on the relationships we've cultivated together. Becca is a 20-year Army veteran, a seasoned nonprofit development professional, and — for those who love a good surprise — a mighty saxophone player. She brings heart, humor, and deep commitment to this work, and I couldn't be more confident handing things off to her. She's already looking forward to connecting with our community directly.
I also want to take a moment to celebrate our programs team — Ashy, Rob, and Haley — whose dedication has shaped so much of what makes Mission Belonging special. Together they've brought over 200 workshops to life, offering a wealth of artistic experiences to our community. Their time, heart, and attention to detail are the reason this organization feels like such a welcoming and inclusive space, and their work behind the scenes deserves every bit of recognition.
None of this would exist without our founder, and my dear friend Seema Reza. Her vision brought Mission Belonging into being, and her tireless fight to keep it alive and thriving has carried it through every season since. As we head into our 10th anniversary, it's worth pausing to recognize what it takes to sustain a mission like this one — and to say thank you, Seema, for never giving up on it.
Thank you to everyone who has trusted us, supported us, and believed alongside us that art saves lives and belonging is worth building. It has been the honor of my career to do this work with you, and I hope our paths cross again soon.
Ben Weakley spent fourteen years in the U.S. Army, beginning with deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan and finishing at a desk inside the Pentagon. He writes poetry and prose about the enduring nature of war and the human experience for veterans, their families, and anyone who would help them bear witness to war and its aftermath.
A believer in the power of words to empower and heal, Ben leads writing workshops for Active Duty Military, Veterans, their families and caregivers, as well as Frontline Health Care Workers and other communities of ordinary people bearing witness to a difficult world.
Ben lives in the Tri-Cities of Northeast Tennessee with his wife, two children, and a well-meaning but poorly behaved hound-dog.
