Wellness Resources
Supportive resources and restorative experiences that encourage healthier lives.
Maryland nonprofit organization
Make room to heal, create and connect.
The Break Room Inc. provides a safe, restorative and empowering environment where wellness, community support, creative expression and youth development come together.
Our purpose
A space for restoration and possibility
Organized exclusively for charitable and educational purposes, The Break Room Inc. works to strengthen mental health and community connection through accessible, people-centered programming.
Our mission is to provide a safe, restorative and empowering environment offering wellness resources, community support, creative expression, youth development and programs that strengthen mental health and community connection.
The Break Room Inc. operates in alignment with the requirements of Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.
What we center
Five connected areas of impact
Our work recognizes that personal wellness, belonging, creativity and opportunity reinforce one another. Each area supports stronger individuals and a more connected community.
Community Support
A welcoming environment designed to build trust, belonging and mutual care.
Creative Expression
Space for voices, stories and artistic practices that shape culture and identity.
Youth Development
Opportunities that help young people learn, lead, create and grow.
Mental Health
Programs that reduce isolation and strengthen resilience and connection.
How we serve
Community care shaped by creativity
The Break Room is designed as a bridge between wellness and culture. Our charitable and educational work creates room for people to be supported, heard and empowered.
SafeRespectful environments where people can participate with dignity.
RestorativeExperiences that support renewal, reflection and resilience.
EmpoweringPrograms that build voice, agency, skills and confidence.
ConnectedPartnerships and relationships that strengthen the wider community.
Founding leadership
Executive Board
The Board of Directors governs the corporation and provides oversight of its affairs, property, policies and funds in accordance with applicable law and the bylaws.
Shawn Caesar
Chair / PresidentLeads governance, strategy and mission fulfillment and serves as a primary representative of the organization.
Esther Corbett
Vice ChairSupports the Chair’s leadership responsibilities and presides when the Chair is absent.
Tiffany Lavette
SecretaryMaintains official records, meeting minutes and required state and federal compliance documentation.
Edwin T. Johnson
Community & Communications ChairOversees outreach, public relations, community partnerships and communications strategy.
Eric Cheatham
Programs & Partnership ChairOversees program development and builds collaborative partnerships aligned with the mission.
Kimberly Castle Royster
TreasurerOversees financial records, budgets, reporting, internal controls and fiscal accountability.
Article I — Name and Purpose
Name
The name of the organization is The Break Room Inc. (the “Corporation”).
Purpose
The Corporation is organized exclusively for charitable and educational purposes within the meaning of Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.
The mission is to provide a safe, restorative and empowering environment offering wellness resources, community support, creative expression, youth development and programs that strengthen mental health and community connection.
The Corporation shall not engage in activities not permitted to organizations exempt under Section 501(c)(3).
Article II — Offices
Principal Office
The principal office shall be located in the State of Maryland.
Registered Agent
The Corporation shall continuously maintain a registered agent and registered office as required by Maryland law.
Article III — Board of Directors
Authority & Responsibility
The Board is the governing body with authority to manage and control the Corporation’s affairs, property, policies and funds.
Composition
The Board shall consist of no fewer than six directors and may be increased by majority vote.
Initial Executive Board
- Shawn Ceasar — Chair / President
- Ester Corbett — Vice Chair
- Tiffany Lavette — Secretary
- Edwin T. Johnson — Community & Communications Chair
- Eric Cheatham — Programs & Partnerships Chair
- Kimberly Royster — Treasurer
Terms, Resignation & Removal
Directors serve two-year terms and may be re-elected without limitation. A director may resign in writing. A director may be removed by a two-thirds vote for misconduct, failure to perform assigned duties, three consecutive unexcused absences or violation of the Conflict of Interest Policy.
Vacancies
Vacancies shall be filled by majority vote of the remaining directors.
Article IV — Meetings of the Board
Regular & Special Meetings
The Board shall meet at least quarterly. The Chair or any two directors may call a special meeting.
Notice
Regular meetings require at least seven days’ notice. Special meetings require at least 48 hours’ notice.
Quorum & Voting
A majority of directors in office constitutes a quorum. Board action requires a majority vote of directors present unless the bylaws specify otherwise.
Action Without Meeting
The Board may act without a meeting when all directors consent in writing or electronically.
Article V — Officers
Officers
Officers include the Chair / President, Vice Chair, Secretary, Treasurer and established Committee Chairs.
Chair / President
- Presides over Board meetings
- Leads governance, strategy and mission fulfillment
- Serves as a primary representative and spokesperson
Vice Chair
- Assists the Chair
- Presides in the Chair’s absence
Secretary
- Maintains official corporate records
- Records and distributes meeting minutes
- Supports required state and federal filings
Treasurer
- Oversees funds, financial records and reports
- Leads annual budget development with the Board
- Supports required financial reporting, including Form 990
- Works with external accountants or auditors when necessary
- Maintains sound financial policies, controls and accountability
Committee Chairs
The Community & Communications Chair oversees outreach, public relations, partnerships and communications. The Programs & Partnerships Chair oversees program development, implementation and mission-aligned collaborations.
Election & Terms
Officers are elected annually and serve renewable one-year terms.
Article VI — Committees
Standing Committees
- Development & Fundraising Committee
- Community & Communications Committee
- Programs & Partnerships Committee
Each committee shall be chaired by a Board member. The Board may establish additional standing or ad hoc committees as needed.
Article VII — Financial Administration
Fiscal Year
The fiscal year is January 1 through December 31 unless otherwise determined by the Board.
Checks & Contracts
The Board authorizes officers to sign checks and contracts and may establish spending limits requiring approval.
Compensation
Directors receive no compensation for Board service except reimbursement of reasonable and authorized expenses.
Financial Oversight
The Board approves the annual budget and ensures responsible financial management and transparency.
Article VIII — Conflict of Interest
The Corporation shall maintain a Conflict of Interest Policy consistent with IRS 501(c)(3) requirements. Directors and officers disclose potential conflicts annually and as they arise.
Article IX — Nondiscrimination
The Corporation shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability or socioeconomic status.
Article X — Amendments
The bylaws may be amended by a two-thirds vote of the Board when written notice of the proposed amendment is provided at least 14 days in advance.
Article XI — Dissolution
Upon dissolution, all assets shall be distributed for charitable purposes consistent with Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.
The work ahead
Help create more room for wellness, culture and connection.
The Break Room Inc. welcomes mission-aligned community relationships and collaborative partnerships across Maryland.
Meet our leadership