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As we celebrate Clayton Youth Enrichment’s 50th Anniversary, we’re excited to share the inspiring stories of those impacted by Clayton over the years. These stories highlight the lasting effect Clayton has had on their lives and how our programs have helped shape their futures. We are thrilled to honor the remarkable life journeys of our Clayton family.
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Vice President of Outreach at AMM Political
There’s something special about Clayton Youth Enrichment board member Jarrett “Jay” Jackson that sets him apart from his fellow board members. “I was a Clayton kid myself,” he shared.
Clayton Board Member
When Lyn Willis moved back to Fort Worth in 1973, she quickly became part of a community that would shape both her personal and professional life.
Clayton YMLA Graduate and Staff Member
For many young men, the transition from middle school to adulthood is a journey filled with challenges and opportunities. For Isaac Tate, this journey was deeply shaped by his experiences at Clayton’s onsite after-school program.
Community Member
While David Howard is originally from Long Beach, California, he has been a transformational force in the Stop 6 community of Fort Worth since he arrived.
Clayton Mom and Staff Member
We often hear stories of the lasting impact our programs have on the children and families we serve. For Gail Lockwood, that impact is deeply personal.
There’s something special about Clayton Youth Enrichment board member Jarrett “Jay” Jackson that sets him apart from his fellow board members. “I was a Clayton kid myself,” he shared. The only child of a single mom, Jay grew up in Fort Worth’s historic Como neighborhood, attending Como Elementary and Como Montessori schools where he was in Clayton’s afterschool program. He remembers his mother dropping him off at Clayton early in the morning and picking him up there at the end of the day. “As an adult, I realized that it would have been really tough for my mom if it hadn’t been for Clayton,” he said. “When she headed to work each day, she was able to rest easy knowing that I was safe and being cared for.”
It’s been quite a while, but Jay still has fond memories of his days at Clayton. “That’s where I learned to play mancala,” he recalled. Mancala is a two-player strategy board game with roots in Asia and Africa. “I actually have that board game at home!” he said with a smile. He also remembers the team activities from Clayton summer camp, making ‘spirit sticks’ and competing for ‘best chant’. “Clayton afterschool really was my ‘neighborhood’ back then,” he said.
At only 31, Jay has already had an impressive career. After graduating from Stephen F. Austin University with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Government, he served five years as Field Director for Congressman Marc Veasey, and four years as Precinct Administrator for Tarrant County Commissioner Devan Allen. He currently serves as a consultant for AMM Political, a Fort Worth-based company that helps campaigns, businesses and nonprofits connect with their constituents. Back in 2017, as a rising young professional in Fort Worth, he was chosen for Leadership Fort Worth’s LeadingEdge program and given the opportunity to “shadow” a local nonprofit board. “Clayton was at the top of my list and I ended up getting matched with them.” After finishing his board shadowing, Jay was invited to become a board member and continues to serve today.
“My career is in the political sector, but my heart really is with children and youth,” Jay told us. “Kids are my passion.” That’s one of the things that he and his wife Katie, an elementary school teacher, have in common. His own experience as the child of a single mom has given him unique insight into the importance of quality afterschool and summer programs for children. “I feel a connection with Clayton. It’s all about helping kids grow. That’s what drew me here, and that’s what keeps me here.”
When Lyn Willis moved back to Fort Worth in 1973, she quickly became part of a community that would shape both her personal and professional life. Her children began attending Lily B. Clayton Elementary in 1986, Clayton’s first after-school site, where she first heard about its innovative approach to childcare. Founded to support working parents, Clayton not only kept kids engaged but also played a crucial role in stabilizing the school’s enrollment. Decades later, Lyn’s deep commitment to youth development led her to join the Clayton board, where she has served since 2015.
With nearly 40 years of experience at the Department of Juvenile Services, Lyn dedicated her career to helping children thrive. She saw firsthand how community support and enrichment programs could change lives, making Clayton’s mission a perfect fit for her passion. “Helping develop good people aligns with my own vision for the world,” she shares. When the interim Executive Director asked her to be on the board back in 2015, she joked, ‘My maiden name is Clayton, my father-in-law’s first name was Clayton, my son’s middle name is Clayton, and my kids went to school at Clayton. So, I thought it was sort of foreordained that I would be involved with something named Clayton.”
Lyn joined the board during a challenging period for Clayton, as the organization faced leadership transitions and uncertainty. However, she witnessed firsthand the transformative leadership of newly appointed CEO Jason Ray soon after. Under his guidance, Clayton regained stability, expanded its impact, and strengthened its board with fresh perspectives. “It was remarkable what he was able to accomplish in a short period of time,” Lyn says. “He brought vision and energy to the board and has developed it by bringing on people with varied skills to give them the opportunity to make the best contribution.”
Throughout her time with Clayton, Lyn has been part of many milestone moments, including the organization’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. As schools shut down and childcare programs faced closures, Clayton found creative ways to stay connected with families. “While other providers went silent, Clayton kept engaging kids, offering resources, and supporting parents,” she recalls.
Another highlight of Lyn’s tenure was the launch of Clayton’s Child Development Center at Broadway Baptist Church in 2023. She describes it as an “exciting collaboration” that filled a critical need for quality early childhood education in Fort Worth.
Beyond board meetings and strategic decisions, Lyn has also experienced Clayton’s impact on a personal level. Her own grandchildren attended a Clayton summer program at Lily B. Clayton, where they were welcomed with open arms. “It was a great experience for them,” she says.
Looking back on nearly a decade with Clayton, Lyn believes the organization stands apart because of its investment in the whole child—not just academics but also social and emotional growth. “You can’t achieve academic success without addressing a child’s full development,” she explains. “Clayton walks that line, ensuring kids receive support in ways that schools often can’t.”
As a board member, Lyn has gained valuable leadership experience and deepened her connections within the community. “I’m delighted to be associated with an organization that is truly making a difference for children and families.”
For many young men, the transition from middle school to adulthood is a journey filled with challenges and opportunities. For one Clayton Youth Enrichment staff member, Isaac Tate, this journey was deeply shaped by his experiences at Young Men’s Leadership Academy (YMLA) and Clayton’s onsite after-school program. Watching his teachers and mentors reach students in different ways—yet join hands to make a lasting difference in the lives of young men in an underserved community—solidified his decision to become an educator.
A proud graduate of YMLA’s first graduating class in 2018, Isaac went on to earn his Bachelor’s degree in History, with a minor in African American Studies and Religion, from Texas Christian University (TCU) in May 2024. Today, he has stepped fully into his passion as a 5th grade Science and Social Studies teacher at Poynter Elementary in Crowley ISD. His story is a testament to the power of mentorship, community, and the lasting impact of Clayton’s programs in shaping young leaders.
Isaac’s journey with Clayton began in seventh grade when YMLA first opened its doors. As one of the oldest students in a new school, he found a strong foundation in Clayton’s after-school program. Under the leadership of mentors like Mr. Carter, Clayton’s YMLA Program Director, the program offered more than just activities—it provided a sense of belonging, structure, and encouragement. Through speaker events, holiday celebrations, and community outreach, Clayton fostered an environment where young men could grow academically, socially, and emotionally.
“I realized I wanted to be an educator, so I talked to Mr. Carter,” Isaac shared. “I told him I wanted to find a way to give back to YMLA for all it had given to me. He said, ‘Okay, well, I’m going to hire you.’” And that’s exactly what happened. In August 2018, just months after his high school graduation, Issac became the first YMLA graduate to return as a Clayton staff member.
For the next six years, Isaac worked at YMLA while pursuing his degree at TCU, watching students grow, graduate, and pursue their own dreams—just as he had. His experience extended beyond after-school activities—he became part of the school’s coaching staff and continued serving as a role model for these young men.
YMLA, located in the Stop 6 community of Fort Worth, provides students—predominantly young men of color—with mentorship, guidance, and exposure to opportunities they might not otherwise encounter. Clayton’s programming fosters relationships between students and community leaders, including local police officers, fraternity and sorority members, and professionals from various fields. These connections help bridge gaps, build trust, and expand the students’ perspectives on what is possible for their futures.
“Mr. Carter does a great job of not just making everything educational. Yes, we want our students to learn, but we also have to be realistic,” Isaac explained. “Young men have been sitting in classrooms all day—they need experiences that engage them in different ways.” While YMLA has an athletics program, My Brother’s Keeper initiative, and other onsite programs, Clayton also brings in outside community activists who give students a voice and an opportunity to share their stories.
Isaac saw first-hand the struggles some students faced, from food insecurity to unstable home environments. Over the years, he saw students linger after school not because they had to, but because Clayton provided a space where they felt safe, valued, and supported.
“I had every access to go home, my mom could have picked me up, and my dad worked there, so he could have taken me home, but I wanted to stay,” he said. “That speaks volumes to the program itself. Students are knocking down doors to be here. They feel the impact, just like I did.”
One of the most significant aspects of Clayton at YMLA is the sense of family it creates. Faculty and staff work together to ensure that students feel supported and guided—not just as learners but as individuals navigating life’s challenges.
“Family is the word that comes to mind,” Isaac shared. “The staff here made sure everyone was accepted, regardless of their background. They didn’t just discipline us; they guided us, like an uncle or a grandfather pulling you to the side and having a real conversation.”
While working at YMLA, Isaac became deeply passionate about teaching the importance of giving back and believed it was essential for students to see the value in lifting up their communities. Clayton helped instill this mindset by offering students opportunities to engage in service projects and mentorship programs, reinforcing the idea that success isn’t just about personal achievements—it’s about reaching back to help others. This commitment extended beyond Clayton when Isaac joined Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. in the Spring of 2021 through the Eta Psi Chapter at TCU. The fraternity’s emphasis on scholarship, leadership, and service aligned with his dedication to uplifting others, further shaping the values he brought into his work with Clayton.
Now, as a full-time educator, Isaac carries with him the lessons, mentorship, and experiences that Clayton, YMLA, and TCU provided. His goal is clear: to be the same guiding light for future students that his mentors were for him and his friends.
“The Clayton program influenced my career path. I am an educator because I’ve seen the impact great educators have,” he reflected. “It’s about more than academics—it’s about giving back, being a presence students can rely on, and helping them see a future they might not have imagined for themselves.”
While David Howard is originally from Long Beach, California, he has been a transformational force in the Stop 6 community of Fort Worth since he arrived. His story reflects the strength of collaboration with Clayton Youth Enrichment and the profound impact a partnership can have in shaping lives, fostering growth, and building stronger communities.
After a successful NFL career, David and his wife moved to Fort Worth. When she asked why he wanted to live in Stop 6 when they could afford to live anywhere, his answer was simple: he wanted to give back to a community like the one he originally came from. That passion for service set the foundation for his work in addressing food insecurity, youth development, and community empowerment.
In 2000, David embarked on his entrepreneurial journey with the founding of Empower Me, an initiative aimed at addressing food insecurity through after-school nutrition programs. As he sought to establish his services within Fort Worth ISD, the district introduced him to Clayton Youth Enrichment. A meeting with Clayton’s executive team proved to be a turning point. “We met, and it changed my whole business life,” David recalls. The validation and support he received gave him the confidence to scale his services, and over the next 11 years, he partnered with Clayton to provide meals, mentorship, and enriching programs to students across Tarrant County.
Through his collaboration with Clayton, David developed a sustainable model for after-school programming, eventually expanding his services to four programs a day at the peak of his operations. Clayton’s support extended beyond referrals, as the organization also endorsed his business to financial institutions, helping him secure vital resources such as transportation and staff. This backing not only enabled the growth of his business but also ensured financial stability for his family.
The impact of David’s work, fueled by his collaboration with Clayton, has extended deeply into the Stop 6 community. His efforts in combating food insecurity, providing high-quality youth programming, and fostering local talent have enriched countless lives. Clayton’s focus on underserved communities inspired David to invest in Stop 6, leading to the creation of Urban Village Family Services in 2002, which offers affordable housing and essential support services. Over 23 years, he has reinvested in the community, using resources initially gained through Clayton to establish a long-term foundation for local families. Two of his earliest employees, hired during his first years with Clayton, have remained with him for over two decades.
Beyond professional advancement, David’s partnership with Clayton fostered personal growth. His work introduced him to students with autism and cognitive developmental challenges—an area he had not previously engaged with. Inspired by this experience, he established a specialized branch dedicated to serving individuals with learning differences. He credits Clayton with helping him develop patience, emotional intelligence, and strategic decision-making skills. “Sometimes you have to make a lateral move to make a vertical move,” he reflects, acknowledging how Clayton’s mentorship guided him through challenges and growth as a leader.
Reflecting on his journey, David recognizes Clayton Youth Enrichment as one of the cornerstones of his success. The organization’s commitment to community engagement and sustainable growth provided him with the tools to create lasting change. “Clayton has made a difference in so many lives across Tarrant County,” David says, expressing gratitude for the partnership that transformed not only his own future but also that of the community he serves.
At Clayton Youth Enrichment, we often hear stories of the lasting impact our programs have on the children and families we serve. For Gail Lockwood, our Manager of Institutional Giving, that impact is deeply personal. Many years ago, before she became part of the Clayton team, she was a single mother seeking a safe, enriching environment for her two children during the summer months. She found that—and so much more—at Clayton.
In the summer of 2003, Gail enrolled her children, then ages 10 and 6, in Clayton’s summer camp at Lily B. Clayton Elementary. She was searching for more than just childcare; she wanted an experience that would enrich their growth and complement the quality education they received at Daggett Montessori. Clayton delivered on that promise, offering a summer filled with friendships, adventure, and engaging activities.
Each day, her children came home with happy, tired smiles, sharing stories of field trips to places like Hurricane Harbor, the Fort Worth Zoo, and the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History. They made new friends, gained confidence in social settings, and developed valuable skills that would serve them well as they transitioned into middle school and beyond. “My children learned that meeting new kids and experiencing new environments wasn’t so scary,” Gail recalls. “Clayton helped create a wider community of friends and neighbors outside of the school they attended every day.”
As a single mom working two jobs, financial barriers often stood in the way of providing opportunities like summer camp. Although she qualified for financial aid through an assistance program, an administrative error left her without that support. Clayton stepped in, offering tuition assistance that made it possible for her children to attend. “Without Clayton’s support, I do not know how I would have continued working. I needed that financial assistance, and Clayton lifted several barriers for me and my children.”
Gail’s children learned the importance of kindness, teamwork, and fair play- values that shaped them and are now known as Clayton’s CLIMB tools and part of the Clayton Quest Curriculum. These tools helped shape her kids into the successful adults they are today. Now, her son works in IT for a company in Southlake, and her daughter is an HR specialist. Their summer at Clayton played a part in that journey.
Looking back, Gail vividly remembers the warmth and enthusiasm of the Clayton staff. “Each day, my kids were greeted with a smile and excitement for the new day, and that same energy was there when I picked them up in the evening. It gave me peace of mind knowing they were in a safe, engaging environment while I worked.”
Today, Gail has come full circle—no longer just a Clayton parent but a dedicated Clayton employee. She now works to ensure other families have access to the same life-changing opportunities that made a difference for her own family. “The values that Clayton upholds for its staff and the children in its care are why I am so proud to be part of this organization,” she said. “Clayton isn’t just a place for kids to spend their summers—it’s a place where futures are shaped, friendships are formed, and families are supported.”
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