The History of N.E.A.S.O.

The National Endowment for the Advancement of Soap Operas, though a recent undertaking, has decades of experience building it into a steady foundation for the dramatic television arts.

The solid walls of our historic headquarters offer the stability our organization thrives on. Located in Salem, Oregon, the lack of local culture gives us an opportunity to focus on the artistic merit and achievement of soap operas that are broadcast today.

N.E.A.S.O. originated in a basement in Tualatin, Oregon by three die-hard enthusiasts of the "soaps" genre in the summer of 1992. Jennifer Monnahan, Grace Cornelius, and Patrick Ingells; three well-educated, thoughtful citizens of the suburbs knew that soap operas were a trend-setting aspect of television that were being unfairly mocked and disregarded. Hoping to increase public awareness of the artistic integrity infused within every actor's articulation, this group started what would today be known as the "National Endowment for the Advancement of Soap Operas."

Today, nine years later, occupying a set of spacious suites within the historic Wade building, N.E.A.S.O. employs over two hundred individuals passionate about the creative merit of daytime television. Not only do we work for the advancement of soap operas, we watch them as well.

For over twenty years Patrick worked in Hollywood and New York as a playwright being subjected to trite nuances and vague "artsy" references that made no real impact on the general population of the United States. Disgusted by the emptiness and plasticene nature of this so-called "art," he retired to Oregon. Once there, he met two fellow closet addicts to his favorite show, "All That She Left Behind." Realising the startling impact this show had on not only their schedules, but their conversations, dreams, and thoughts, Patrick knew that the advocacy of soap operas was a necessary step in television.

Grace and Jennifer, long time chums from grade school, have been fans of such popular day time series as, "The Clock Ticks," "Soulful Embraces," and "A Reckoning," since their friendship began. Growing up, Grace obtained her art history degree, and Jennifer became a celebrated author of children's books. They chose to turn their childhood passion into their life's work when they met Patrick.