About | Clock, Inc

Our Team

About: Inner_about

OUR MISSION

Clock, Inc is dedicated to creating a safe and supportive community center, offering vital resources, mental health programs, empowerment, and advocacy for the LGBT+ community to thrive without fear of discrimination.

OUR STORY

While our Executive Director, Chase Norris, was completing his Master’s in Counselor Education, he started an LGBT+ Youth group at his internship site. As time went on, Chase’s LGBT+ youth group was becoming more populated. Each week he worked with these young adults who were struggling with so much, but yet, so brave. As graduation was getting closer and Chase’s time with these kids was coming to end, he could not fathom the idea of “abandoning” them. In one of their remaining groups he asked the kids, “If you could have any resource available to you, what would you want?” In unison, they replied, “A safe place for us to go.”

At that next group meeting, Chase told the kids that he would try to open an LGBT+ Community Center and they spent the entire group talking about resources they would want offered at their center. Every idea, plan, event was suggested by one of these group kids. Chase graduated with his Master’s in December 2018, he moved his weekly group to a friend’s mental health private practice, which was now a free support group. This allowed him to keep his group going until he was able to provide these kids with a community center of their own.

December 26, 2018: Clock, Inc was officially Founded in the State of Illinois.

March 8, 2019: Chase and the Board of Directors opened the doors to Clock, Inc: LGBT+ Community Center in the Quad Cities.

May 9, 2019: Clock, Inc became an official 501c3 nonprofit organization.

June 10, 2019: Clock, Inc held our official Grand Opening Ceremony!

February 12, 2021: Clock, Inc moved into our current 4700 square foot facility in Rock Valley Plaza.

April 28th, 2022: Clock, Inc cuts the ribbon on the new facility at our Grand Re-Opening Ceremony!

Our Team!

Our Board!

OUR IMPACT

Laurel Williams / Professional Faculty/Clinical Supervisor
Communication Sciences and Disorders

Since the 2022 academic year, Augustana College has partnered with Clock, Inc. to provide gender-affirming voice and communication services to the Quad Cities community. The weekly group averages 4-6 participants per semester, allowing 2-3 Augustana students to gain professional and clinical experience working with a diverse population on voice and communication objectives. Aside from the direct impact on clients' well-being and students' educational experiences, this partnership has facilitated a strong relationship between these two organizations and has encouraged more trans and gender-diverse members of the Quad Cities Community to pursue voice services individually. Each semester, we see approximately 8-12 individuals for gender-affirming voice work in our campus clinic due to the partnership with Clock, Inc. This ensures more professional experience for our graduate students, which means that we will be graduating classes of culturally and clinically competent practitioners, as almost all of our students have had experience and exposure to this type of treatment during their time at Augustana. The partnership with Clock, Inc. also provides professional education opportunities. Clock's executive director has presented to every cohort of students each semester to ensure that our students learn culturally sensitive information for working with members of the LGBTQ+ community.

Local LGBT+ Youth

I am a local LGBT+ youth and want to share with you how Clock has positively impacted my life.

I am 18 years old and about to graduate high school in a couple of weeks. I am transgender MTF and bisexual. Without Clock, my life would be deeply depressing and unfathomably worse. Before I started coming to Clock, I was an anxious mess, my grades were slipping incredibly fast and quickly failing and had 3 friends in total. I did not have a support system, I couldn’t talk to my family because I was afraid I’d be judged. Depression and anxiety increased as I struggled with eye contact and I am unable to read social cues. Essentially, everything sucked.

Then, I began going to Clock in 2021. I was profoundly anxious and struggled to talk to anyone despite that I managed to become friends with people. Clock has allowed me to meet other queer youth who helped me learn to be more social. I have been given the opportunity to present as myself gain confidence and become more open with my family.

Now, I am an honors student, a part of the National Honors Society, and earned the seal of biliteracy for Spanish. My friends and the people from Clock have helped me a lot with self-confidence, being more self-assured, and having much better grades. Because of Clock, I am genuinely happy. In the vaguest possible terms, I am not 100% sure I would be here without Clock and their support and love and help.

What is Clock, Inc?"

Clock, Inc’s purpose is to provide a non-judgmental, safe, and reliable community center for LGBT+ individuals to reduce any feelings of discrimination or isolation. In fulfilling our mission, Clock, Inc offers various services, including free peer-led community support groups, private and affordable counseling, community events, workshops, LGBT+ & Transgender training, a chest binder program, name change assistance, a computer lab, a Transgender Clothing Closet, and an LGBT+ mentorship program.
What is the reasoning behind the name 'Clock'?

It is TIME FOR CHANGE! LGBT+ individuals deserve a safe and non-judgemental environment to embrace their truth without fear or isolation. The Stonewall Uprising was a tipping point for the Gay Liberation Movement in the United States, which began June 28, 1969. We have incorporated where LGBT+ history began and where we are at in today’s society moving forward. You will notice that on Clock, Inc’s logo and every clock inside our center, the hands of time are always set to 6:28!
Is Clock, Inc a 501c3 nonprofit?"

Yes! May 9, 2019 we received our determination, claiming that Clock, Inc is an official 501c3 nonprofit.
Where is Clock, Inc located?"

Our address is 4102 46th Ave, Rock Island, IL 61201. We are located right off of Blackhawk Rd, in the Rock Valley Plaza!
What are the different groups offered?

We currently offer groups: LGBT+ Middle School, LGBT+ High School, Adult Transgender/Nonbinary, Youth Transgender/Nonbinary, Parents of Trans Individuals, LGBT+ Young Adults, and QC Pot Luck.
What if I am interested in a group that you do not offer?

You’re in luck! The purpose of Clock, Inc is that, this is YOUR center, so if we do not offer a group that you are interested in, our job is to make that resource happen! Contact us today to suggest a group/resource!
What ages do you serve?

Clock, Inc is for all ages! There are certain groups that are targeted for specific ages, but we serve all individuals who are interested in our services regardless of age!
What resources do you offer to educate about the LGBT+ community?

Clock, Inc strives to advance the community and advocate on the well-being of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Questioning, (LGBTQ+) individuals in the Quad City area. Clock, Inc provides educational trainings to help strengthen the knowledge about the individuals identifying in this community. Our trainings are intended to be judgment free and supportive spaces. Clock, Inc’s LGBT+ Training and Transgender Focused allows individuals who are interested in learning more about the LGBT+ population whether that be parents, school educators, or mental health professionals. Our mission is to promote LGBT+ awareness to others, and do not have a set fee established, we ask you to consider a SUGGESTED DONATION to allow Clock, Inc to continue offering services to the Quad Cities area.
Do I need to be in the LGBT+ community to get involved with Clock?

No! Clock, Inc is for everyone who is interested in our services! We have several Allies who attend groups, counseling, events, and drop in hours!
Can I just show up to a group?

Yes! There is no registration or prior check in before groups! If you are experiencing anxious symptoms about attending a group, CONTACT US today to set up a time to meet with someone on our staff to learn more about the group before hand to lessen those symptoms.
Can I be a volunteer at Clock, Inc?"

Yes! We are always looking for individuals/groups to get involved in helping us continue our mission! You can drop the center and pick up a volunteer application or visit the “get involved” portion on our website and download your application today!
How do I know what pronouns someone prefers?

Never assume someone’s pronouns! In a respectful manner, simply ask someone what their pronouns are.
What is the Clock Circle?

Clock, Inc thrives because of the people and businesses that offer their time, talents, and treasures to promote and empower the LGBT+ community and its allies. Learn more about the benefits of The Clock Circle. By enrolling in The Clock Circle, you are pledging your commitment to the continuation of these critical programs. Not only does your engagement pay for itself quickly, but also supports so many of the life-saving and life-affirming programs at Clock, Inc's community center. Each Clock Circle level brings additional benefits. To learn more and lend your support and enroll, contact us today to learn more! Or check out “Clock Circle” under the “Get Involved” page on our website!
Can make a donation to Clock, Inc?"

To help support Clock, Inc, you can give electronically by hitting “Donate Now” on our website. You are able to drop by the center and make a personal donation (cash, check, or credit/debit card), or you can mail your gift to our LGBT+ community center located at 321 24th St. Rock Island, IL 61201. Your generosity helps provide vital programs and services to support our evolving the LGBT+ community. Clock, Inc is a registered 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization and therefore donations are tax deductible to the full extent of the law.

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