History

Mission

Aban's mission is to reclaim our children, rebuild our families and, revive our communities through comprehensive programs and economic development. Aban is an African sybol for safety, security, and fool proof. It is our desire and commitment to live up to this mean through achievement of the mission in our programs.

We were established in 1998 by three native Washingtonians who saw a need to change the way institutions (community based organizations, government agencies,and businesses) think, behave, and interacted with at-risk communities.

We provide high quality programs and services to fulfill our mission. Too often residents living in fragile communities are at greatest risk of obesity and other chronic diseases, lack appropriate healthcare, lack decent education and educational opportunities, experience high incidents of community violence, have high rates of unemployment and underemployement, and high rates of single female headed households.

These factors combined, and others, place many residents at-risk from ever fulfilling their innate talents and abilities and, to become contributive members of society. We believe it is possible to eliminate these risk factors so all residents can live, grow and thrive in communities that support and nurture their needs.

Aban is moving in that direction and we recognize that it can not be done by our organization alone. With the task so great and the stakes so high, it will require sustained and collaborative effort from a cross section of individuals, organizations, agencies, and businesess who share a similiar belief and mission. Through partnerships with like minded individuals and organizations, we are able to collectively have a greater impact to reducing these risk factors, achieving our mission, and helping community members fulfill their dreams.

Purpose

• To increase resiliency factors that protect individuals from engaging in self-destructive behaviors
• To support families and communities experiencing difficulty
• To promote live-enhancing activities

Projects

The following are our signature programs. You can go directly to their webpages to learn more about the activities and services provided. If you are on know someone that can benefit from our programs please contact us. You can download our enrollment form.

• Healthy Activities Promotion Project for You (HAPPY)
• People Engaged in Activities to resolve Conflict in their Environment (PEACE)
• Family Literacy Activities for East of the River (FLIER)

Meet the Executive Director

Aban is proud to have as it's executive director Dr. Nura Green. Dr. Green is a co-founder of the organization and brings with her over 17 years of experience managing nonprofit organizations. She is proud fifth generation Washingtonian and was educated in DC Public Schools. She received advanced education and degrees from the following institutions:

• Bernelli University
• Georgetown University
• University of the District of Columbia