Celebrating Clayton Youth Enrichment's Legacy

For 50 years, Clayton Youth Enrichment has been dedicated to nurturing and empowering the children of our community through innovative programs and unwavering support. As we celebrate this incredible milestone, we invite you to join us in honoring the countless memories, achievements, and bright futures shaped by Clayton. Throughout the year, we’ll be sharing stories from Clayton alumni and hosting fun family events. Here’s to 50 years of enriching young lives and building a stronger, more vibrant community together!

A Message from our CEO

As we mark this special anniversary, I am filled with immense pride and gratitude. Over the years, our organization has provided programs that inspire and empower children in our community. Clayton Youth Enrichment began when parents and teachers at Lily B. Clayton Elementary collaborated with Fort Worth ISD to create an after-school program that addressed childcare needs and fostered community support. Maintaining our commitment to nurturing school communities, we actively encourage parents to serve on our Board of Directors.

Today, Clayton Youth Enrichment serves over 70 schools in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Reaching this milestone of 50 years is a testament to the hard work, passion, and dedication of our staff, volunteers, and supporters, as well as the ongoing need for safe and enriching environments for kids after school, during the summer, and over the holidays.

We invite you to share your memories and stories of how Clayton has impacted your family. Were you a Clayton kid? Is your child a Clayton kid? Let’s celebrate these incredible memories and create opportunities for the next generation of Clayton kids.

Thank you for being part of our story. Together, we will continue to make a lasting impact and shape brighter futures for generations to come.

Celebrate With Us!

Exciting Events for Our 50th Anniversary

Join us in celebrating Clayton Youth Enrichment’s 50th Anniversary with a series of special events throughout the year! From a fun-filled family festival to an exclusive adult-only event, our celebrations are designed to honor our rich history, connect with our Clayton family, and create new memories together.  Check out our events below and make plans to join us for these special celebrations!

Our Journey Through the Years

Clayton Youth Enrichment was founded in 1975 in response to the need for after school care in the changing neighborhood around Lily B. Clayton Elementary. What began as a small program quickly grew into a nonprofit that now serves over 70 schools in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Our programs have supported countless children and families, creating a lasting impact in our community.

Calling all Clayton alumni!

Share your Clayton history and tell us your story! We’d love to know where you are now and how Clayton impacted your life. Share your journey with us and allow us to celebrate you. Your story can inspire the next generation of Clayton kids!

Learn more about our mission and history

Moments and Memories Captured Over 50 Years

Explore our gallery to see cherished moments from Clayton Youth Enrichment’s history. These photos showcase the people, events, and memories that have defined our community over the past 50 years.

1975
1990
1993
2000
2002
2003
2006
2011
2014
2016
2016
2017
2017
2017
2018
2020
2020
2021
2021
2023
2025

1975

Lily B. Clayton Child Care Center opens in Ft. Worth ISD with 27 students

1990

Services expand to Birdville ISD

1993

Services expand to Keller ISD

 

2000

Partners with the Ft. Worth After School initiative

2002

"Clayton Child Care" rebrands to "Clayton YES!" (Youth Enrichment Services)

2003

Partners with Ft. Worth ISD to launch 21st Century Community Learning Centers

2006

Became child care partner with Colonial PGA tournament

2011

Receives 21st Century Learning Center grant to provide free programs at 10 Ft. Worth ISD schools

2014

Founding Partner with One Safe Place for early learning initiatives

2016

Receives second 21st Century Learning Center grant to provide free programs at 10 Ft. Worth ISD schools

2016

Services expand to Crowley ISD

2017

"Clayton Yes!" rebrands to Clayton Youth Enrichment

2017

Pilots a Social Emotional Learning Initiative

2017

Begins offering school-day enrichment programs

2018

Services expand to Dallas County through a partnership with Trinity Basin Preparatory Schools

2020

CEO Jason Ray co-chairs the Tarrant County School-Age Child Care Task Force

2020

Provides child care for essential workers during critical times

2021

Receives third 21st Century Learning Center grant to provide free programs at 9 Ft. Worth ISD schools

2021

Clayton Community Center opens in Ft. Worth's Meadowbrook neighborhood

2023

Expands early learning program with second location in Near Southside neighborhood

2025

Celebrates 50 years of Preparing Children for Great Lives

Support Our Mission

Join us in celebrating Clayton Youth Enrichment’s 50th Anniversary by becoming a sponsor or making a donation. Your support will help us continue to provide vital programs that empower and inspire children in our community. Together, we can create a brighter future for the next generation.

Become a Sponsor

Make a Donation

Get Involved

Our Generous Sponsors

We deeply appreciate the support of our sponsors. Your generosity allows us to maintain and expand our programs, positively impacting the lives of countless children and families. Thank you for being an essential part of our community.