AEN was officially incorporated in the summer of 1997. However, five years prior 

AEN existed as a loosely knit organization of a handful of abstinence educators. In the early 90's, gatherings would take place to express frustration, encourage one another and share resources. Then, as momentum began building, the dream of a state-wide vision with goals came to life. In March, 2003, AEN began again quarterly coalition meetings, message board and emails for Ohio Abstinence Education Providers to support and share with one another their expertise and stay current on state and national issues.

AEN was Lillie Carraway's vision. Lillie is currently serving in Nigeria to establish AEN there. Lillie saw the administrative gifts of Melanie Howell and asked her to step in as President of the organization. It became very clear that this vision had vivid purpose. Within three weeks, AEN was incorporated and submitted a grant to the Ohio Department of Health to secure its first grant, a Title V abstinence only grant entitled "Stronger Communities/Stronger Youth." This grant was followed by another federal grant under HRSA, called Ohio Abstinence Campaign and a second opportunity with Title V funding became available with "Project ECHO". On January 1, 2005, Melanie Howell moved on to new endeavors.  AEN's leadship is currently led by Debbie Friece, RN, an experienced abstinence educator and long time colleague and collaborator with Melanie Howell and the AEN team..  Debbie will be a strong leader to further the mission of AEN.

AEN has a data base of approximately 4000 Ohioans, and hundreds of national and global networking colleagues particularly in Africa and the Ukraine.

The lending library is used several times a week making it possible to share resources with those who are in need.

AEN, Inc. is honored to help serve Ohio in this way. The team is gifted and shares a wealth of expertise and passion with the truth of abstinence until marriage and character development to anyone who will listen -- students, parents, professionals, agencies, and legislators.

The mission is to improve the health of children, families, and the institution of marriage. Each year more and more schools and communities request the services of AEN.

If you would like more information, click on the "contact us" portion of this website.