Wishing You and Yours Happy Holidays!

Aban wishes you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! We look forward to continuing to build partnerships and collaborations throughout the year of 2014!  

It's not too late to make a year-end contribution to us through Razoo. Contributions are tax-deductible.  If you give more than $25, we will send you a 2014 calendar highlighting our activities from the past year! Ciick on link on the right under Razoo.

Thank you for being great supporters of Aban Institute and Associates, Inc. 

Irwin Royster named 2013 Williams-Clear Community Engagement Award Recipient

Irwin Royster (left) receives the Williams-Clear Community Engagement Award

In 2009, Aban Institute established the Ramina Williams and Yvonne Clear Community Engagement Award. This award honors the life of Ramina Williams and Yvonne Clear who were community activists in the Washington Metropolitan Area committed to social change. Although Ramina and Yvonne’s life ended too soon, their enthusiasm for life, their love for their family and community, and their belief that one person can change the world is a testament to their enduring legacy. 

The establishment of the Williams-Clear Community Engagement Award is an affirmation to the nobility of their lives for "making this world a bit better." The purpose of this award is to recognize annually one of our community partners, either an individual or organization, for their effort toward social change as embodied in the lives of Ramina and Yvonne. 

Past award recipients include Family Medical Counseling Services (2009), Far Southeast Family Strengthening Collaborative (2010), National Park Service (2011), and Calvert Asset Management (2012). This year‘s honor goes to S. Irwin Royster, Program Director, Teen Program Center, Planned Parenthood of Metropolitan Washington (PPMW).

Mr. Royster has been an advocate for health issues for over thirty year. In a recent article by Personhood Movie online, they noted as “a community leader in one of D.C.’s most challenged neighborhoods, [Mr. Royster ] takes his message of reproductive healthcare straight to the youth in his community [of Ward 7]. He firmly believes that empowering young men and women with a no nonsense approach to sexual education and healthy lifestyles is the most effective way to reduce STD’s, HIV, unplanned pregnancies and ultimately abortion. His successful outreach programs have earned him the nickname “the Pied Piper of Ward 7.” He is well respected in the community and has received recognition and accolades for his tireless work.

For the past several years, Aban has worked with Mr. Royster through PPMW to co-host community initiatives, including our most recent Wealth and Wellness Project a financial and health literacy initiative. Aban's engagement  with Mr. Royster is true reflection of what a collaborative partnership is and how we can collectively leverage our resources, services, and talents to ensure residents can live, grow and thrive in communities that support and nurture their needs. We are more than honored to bestow upon Mr. Royster the Williams-Clear Community Engagement Award who truly embodies the spirit of this award. 

Join Us for a Holiday Celebration and FUNdraiser on Sunday, December 13, 2013 at the HIVE 2.0

Aban's Annual Fundraiser 2013 Holiday Celebration

You are invited to our Annual Fundraiser.  Come visit our now home at HIVE.20 at and enjoy holiday merriment with friends and family of Aban Institute on Sunday, December 15, 2013 at 2PM 1231-B Good Hope Rd SE, Washington, DC 20020 next to the Anacostia Arts Center. 

By the way, you can support economic development in Ward 8 by visiting the shops at the Anacostia Arts Center and find wonderful gifts for the holidays while, supporting local businesses.

It is our annual fundraiser so we would love for you to give a tax-deductible contribution. You can donate online by clicking here!  Be Bold! Be Dashing! But most of all have FUN!  Wear your favorite holiday sweater or hat and enjoy holiday refreshments too.  It's not call a FUNd-raiser for nothing. See you there!!

from http://www.chicagotribune.com/sns-holiday-christmas-ugly-sweaters,0,30335.photogallery

HAPPY Thanks - Given!!

While we were unable to host our Annual Community Wellness Fair at Anacostia Park Roller Skating Rink (a National Park Service park) this year due to the government shutdown; we do appreciate everyone's support of our endeavor.  Many thanks are given to each of you for your many years of support! However, all is not lost!!

We are excited about our upcoming event on Monday, November 25, 2013. We have partnered with the Community of Potomac Garden and Daddy's Corner to host a health event called Thanks - Given,  Health and Happiness: A Community Celebration of Wellness.

Daddy's Corner will provide FREE FRESH PRODUCE for your Thanksgiving Meal.  Aban will be providing you with health and wellness information to enjoy the holiday while staying healthy.  Check out the flyer.

Enjoy Thanksgiving and Stay Healthy and Happy

Aban's Annual Community Wellness Fair @ Anacostia Park Saturday, 10.5.13

Aban is proud to introduce our newest initiative.  Join us every Thursday until September 19 for our Wealth & Wellness Café©.  These are free wealth building and healthy living classes to get you physically and financially fit. Our focus  throughout this month and next is on wealth building strategies.

So if your mind is always on money, and money is on your mind, it is time to stop worrying and get financially fit.

Classes are free and held in Ward 7 at the Ophelia Egypt Program Center (PPMW) at 3933 Minnesota Ave, NE Washington, DC 20019.

We are grateful for the support provided by East River Family Strengthening Collaborative, Inc. Mini-grant.

Aban and Youth Kick Butts to Prevent Youth Tobacco Use March 2013