Dr. Annette Clevenger, Narratives QC founder, is the recipient of a 2024 Nation of Neighbors℠ empowerment award and a $10,000 grant.
Dr. Clevenger began Narratives QC with a dear friend and colleague, Jessica McCracken. After attending a conference, they realized a great need to serve young adults during their most significant developmental periods. “Our goal of establishing a nonprofit was to empower young adults to thrive and create a healthy organization where our employees could flourish – two things lacking greatly in our community,” said Dr. Clevenger.
At a critical time when young adults are navigating the complexities of education, employment, and mental health, Narratives QC is stepping in to provide the tools and support they need to thrive. The organization empowers young adults (ages 17-25) to find their path to success through free one-on-one coaching, mental health support groups, life skills classes, and fun activities. “We’re increasing their social capital by providing trusted peer relationships, mentorship, and healthy environments to become interdependent,” said Dr. Clevenger.
In 2023, Narratives QC served 85 young adults in the Quad Cities community. “We are rapidly growing as more of the community learns about our free services for young adults and, most importantly, as our young adults find a safe, trusted place to learn and grow,” said Dr. Clevenger.
Narratives QC will use its Nation of Neighbors grant to increase programming and serve more community members as they transition from youth to adulthood. “With this grant, more young adults can set and obtain their own goals, which include getting their GEDs, beginning post-secondary education, entering the trades, obtaining gainful employment, securing safe housing, developing life skills, overcoming trauma, adopting healthy coping skills, finding support, and so much more,” shared Dr. Clevenger.
“Dr. Annette Clevenger’s work through Narratives QC perfectly aligns with the spirit of our Nation of Neighbors program,” said Royal Neighbors CEO and President Zarifa Reynolds. “By providing young adults with the tools, mentorship, and support they need to rewrite their stories, she is creating a lasting ripple effect of positive change throughout our community for generations to come.”
“Narratives QC is privileged to walk alongside some of the most extraordinary people as they set and achieve their life goals,” said Dr. Clevenger. “When they succeed, our entire community succeeds.”
As Narratives QC grows, it continues to pave the way for young adults to rewrite their futures—one success story at a time. The ripple effect of this work will undoubtedly shape a stronger, more resilient Quad Cities community.
