Narratives QC
Remember back when you had to transition from a child to an adult? As much as you wanted the adult freedoms, the responsibilities and choices often felt overwhelming. Now imagine navigating that difficult time without the support of caring adults or without role models who could show you the way. Narratives helps these types of young adults have a more successful transition to adulthood. Founded in 2020 by Dr. Annette Clevenger who worked as a clinical psychologist for 17 years, Narratives helps young adults (aged 17-24) in underserved populations rewrite their life stories.
Narratives believes that young adults want to be productive and contribute to society, but may not always know how. Trained life coaches connect with young adults for individualized support based on their strengths, weaknesses, and life goals, giving them access to resources to support their journey to adulthood and reach their full potential. Members of the community can nominate a young adult to receive a trained life coach and community mentor who teach them life skills and show them how to foster lifelong healthy relationships with peers. Narratives supports young adults who have mental health issues, addiction and trauma find the most adaptive ways to function with their mental illness and not let that hinder their success in life. Narratives develops a safe community space with group classes on topics such as money management, cooking, employment coaching, study skills, and basic daily living skills.
Early results show success in Narratives’ approach. One young adult has enrolled in a GED program and studies daily to maximize his chances of successfully passing those tests. A second enrolled in college classes at Black Hawk College and is working on developing healthy relationships. A third has begun to seek suitable, gainful employment rather than support himself by selling drugs. With new paths for themselves and supportive relationships, these three young people have begun to rewrite their stories.
Wastyn & Associates has had the pleasure of writing grants for Narratives since 2021 to support their programs and launch their exponential growth. Thanks to the Wastyn & Associates’ team, Narratives has received nearly $200,000 in grants thus far to help the young adults rewrite their stories. Executive Director Dr. Annette Clevenger also meets regularly with Ron Wastyn, Vice President and Senior Leadership Consultant, for leadership and organizational development consulting to assure that the organization remains on track and grows responsibly.
Narratives is always looking for men and women in the community to join them in mentoring the young adults they serve. Apply to be a mentor on their website here.