
About Narratives
Our Purpose
We exist to champion the mental health of young adults by providing a supportive environment that embraces who they are, encourages authentic expression, and empowers them to write a better story with their lives.
Our Mission
We live out our Purpose through three mission pillars:
Embrace
- Deliver one-on-one and group life coaching sessions that foster personal growth, mental well-being, and confidence.
Express
- Offer creative arts opportunities—such as spoken word events and art therapy sessions—that encourage authentic self-expression and healing.
Empower
- Provide life skills and job training, equipping young adults with practical tools and experiences for a thriving future.
Our Values
Excellence
Definition: We strive for the highest standard in everything we do, ensuring our work consistently reflects dedication to quality, continuous improvement, and intentional outcomes.
Key Behaviors:
Proactive Communication
- We share information openly, listen actively, and offer timely feedback to keep everyone aligned and informed.
Effective Time Management
- We prioritize our tasks, respect deadlines, and demonstrate reliability by following through on commitments.
Intentionality in Action
- We set clear goals, focus on meaningful outcomes, and regularly review our processes to deliver top-quality results.
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Organizational Health
Definition: We believe a thriving organization is one in which both individuals and the collective team flourish—physically, mentally, and professionally—creating a supportive environment for everyone.
Key Behaviors:
Personal Well-Being / Mental Health
- We maintain self-care practices, seek resources when needed, and encourage a culture where it’s safe to ask for help.
Organizational Well-Being / Work Ethic
- We collaborate effectively, uphold professional standards, and hold one another accountable, fostering a positive workplace culture.
Modeling a Safe Environment
- We demonstrate respectful communication, empathy, and confidentiality, setting an example for the young adults and community members we serve.
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Fiscal Responsibility
Definition: We steward our financial resources with integrity and transparency, ensuring every dollar supports our mission and builds trust with our stakeholders.
Key Behaviors:
Awareness of Funds / Public-Facing Transparency
- We track and report financial activities openly, making budgeting decisions accessible and understandable to all relevant parties.
Adherence to the Approved Budget
- We respect the annual budget, regularly review expenditures, and make prudent adjustments to ensure the long-term sustainability of our programs.
Maintaining a Rainy Day / Emergency Fund
- We proactively plan and save for unforeseen challenges, preserving vital services even in difficult times.
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Acceptance
Definition: We foster a culture of inclusion where each individual is valued, differences are respected, and personal authenticity is embraced.
Key Behaviors:
Do No Harm
- We treat everyone with compassion and care, ensuring that our words, actions, and decisions never intentionally undermine another’s well-being.
Respect Differences
- We acknowledge and celebrate the diversity of backgrounds, identities, and perspectives, recognizing that these differences enrich our community.
Freedom to Be Yourself / Write Your Own Story
- We encourage each person’s unique journey, offering a safe space for genuine self-expression and personal growth.
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Impact
Definition: We measure success by the meaningful, sustainable outcomes we achieve for the young adults we serve and by how we positively transform our community.
Key Behaviors:
Goal Setting & Measurement
- We establish clear, measurable objectives and consistently evaluate our progress, adjusting programs to maximize effectiveness.
Data-Driven Decision-Making
- We gather and analyze feedback, using evidence to refine strategies and ensure our work aligns with genuine community needs.
Celebration & Communication of Results
- We recognize milestones and publicly share success stories, demonstrating how each contribution leads to tangible growth for our young adults.
Meet the Team
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Dr. Annette Sundfor Clevenger
FOUNDER/EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR/LIFE COACH
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Chris Britton
Creative Arts Specialist
Board of Directors
Steve Gottcent, Quad City Community Foundation, BOARD PRESIDENT
Heather Upton, Midland Information Services, TREASURER
Dr. Annette Clevenger, Narratives QC, FOUNDER
Cory Holloway, Eastern Iowa Community College (EICC), VICE-CHAIR
Silvia Salinas, Goodwill of the Heartland, SECRETARY
Rita Ledbetter, Ideal Health and Wellness
Mason Parks, John Deere Harvester Works & New Journey AME Church
Joseph Perez, Wheelan-Pressly Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc.