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As we near the celebration of Clayton Youth Enrichment’s 50th Anniversary, we’re excited to share the inspiring stories of the success and growth of our Clayton alumni. These stories will highlight the lasting impact Clayton has had on their lives and how our programs have helped shape their futures. Please share your “Clayton Kid” story with us. We’d love to hear about your unique experience at Clayton and how it impacted your life.
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.
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.”
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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.
Lily B. Clayton Child Care Center opens in Ft. Worth ISD with 27 students
Services expand to Birdville ISD
Services expand to Keller ISD
Partners with the Ft. Worth After School initiative
"Clayton Child Care" rebrands to "Clayton YES!" (Youth Enrichment Services)
Partners with Ft. Worth ISD to launch 21st Century Community Learning Centers
Became child care partner with Colonial PGA tournament
Receives 21st Century Learning Center grant to provide free programs at 10 Ft. Worth ISD schools
Founding Partner with One Safe Place for early learning initiatives
Receives second 21st Century Learning Center grant to provide free programs at 10 Ft. Worth ISD schools
Services expand to Crowley ISD
"Clayton Yes!" rebrands to Clayton Youth Enrichment
Pilots a Social Emotional Learning Initiative
Begins offering school-day enrichment programs
Services expand to Dallas County through a partnership with Trinity Basin Preparatory Schools
CEO Jason Ray co-chairs the Tarrant County School-Age Child Care Task Force
Provides child care for essential workers during critical times
Receives third 21st Century Learning Center grant to provide free programs at 9 Ft. Worth ISD schools
Clayton Community Center opens in Ft. Worth's Meadowbrook neighborhood
Expands early learning program with second location in Near Southside neighborhood
Celebrates 50 years of Preparing Children for Great Lives
Receives 21st Century Learning Center grant to provide free programs at 10 Ft. Worth ISD schools
2011
Receives second 21st Century Learning Center grant to provide free programs at 10 Ft. Worth ISD schools
2016
Services expand to Dallas County through a partnership with Trinity Basin Preparatory Schools
2018
Receives third 21st Century Learning Center grant to provide free programs at 9 Ft. Worth ISD schools
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