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

  • Dr. Annette Sundfor Clevenger

    FOUNDER/EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR/LIFE COACH

  • 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.