NBA Welcomes Two Social Entrepreneur Cohort Members as Incubate Partners

The National Benevolent Association’s Social Entrepreneurship program is pleased to announce the addition of two new social enterprises to our Incubate Partners, the Creative Spaces Cultural Arts Center (CSCA) and Rooted in Dignity.

Incubate Partners are Disciples-related health and social service organizations that have entered a partnership with the NBA through a Memorandum of Understanding. They receive up to four years of access to professional consultants, opportunities for learning, peer support, and grant funding. With the addition of CSCA and Rooted in Dignity, there are now nine organizations who are participating in the Incubate Partners initiative spanning focuses such as mental health and wellness, education and resources, support and community building. 

Meet our new partners below!

Creative Spaces Cultural Arts Center

Creative Spaces Cultural Arts Center (CSCA) is led by Rev. Jason Bricker-Thompson, Senior Pastor at Disciples Christian Church in Cleveland Heights, OH and member of the 2024 SENT Cohort. CSCA partners with the Cultural Arts Center at Disciples Christian Church to support youth arts organizations in their building that make art accessible to area youth. CSCA’s mission is to cultivate lifelong creativity and advocate for broad and diverse community engagement in quality arts programming for youth by providing a safe, accessible place to nonprofit organizations and artists.

“Art is often overlooked and undervalued in our society, yet Creative Spaces Cultural Arts Center offers a bold counter-narrative,” says Rev. Darnell Fennell, NBA’s Director of Social Entrepreneurship. “Here is a congregation birthing an organization that extends a radical and inclusive welcome to artists of all backgrounds—a space to gather, create, and be seen. With Jason serving as both Pastor and current Executive Director, he is leading the team into the next level of the organization’s development with vision, creativity, and deep community commitment.”

Rooted in Dignity

Rooted in Dignity is a non-profit organization committed to infusing the journey of end-of-life planning and care with compassion and understanding. Their central focus revolves around guiding individuals and families through this profound process. Recognizing the intricacies of life’s delicate tapestry, Rooted in Dignity emphasizes the significance of approaching this chapter with unwavering compassion and support. The organization was founded by Darthula Young, a member of the 2024 SENT Cohort who brings extensive experience in leadership roles at multiple companies in the private sector.

“I am honored and inspired to welcome Rooted in Dignity as our newest Incubate Partner,” says Rev. Fennell. “The work surrounding death and dying is often ignored or overlooked, yet it is vital to our collective well-being. I’m grateful for Darthula and her team’s bold commitment to raising awareness and offering care in this sacred space. In retirement, Darthula is not slowing down—she is living fruitfully and faithfully into a powerful, Bold vision.”