Q&A with Charles Clayton

What is important to you?

My kids are very important to me. I have three wonderful sons, Amir, Solomon and Malcolm Clayton. They are all young adults now, graduated high school and attending college, but to me they are still my three little boys.

My family, being my mom, stepfather and siblings. My sister, Jackie, passed away a year ago and that was very hard losing a sibling and younger one at that, so just being thankful that you have those around you that you do is very important and should be cherished more than I think we all may do.

My work with AFES and helping families and youth, however that may be, is something that I have dedicated my life to.

My culture. I’m a proud black man. I don’t consider myself African-American because that’s just the politically correct term that has come out the last decade. I grew up black and consider myself black and try to make sure I represent my culture to the best of my ability and express it in the right way!

How do you balance your work and family life?

Honestly I don’t balance it very well, but the beauty of running AFES was that I didn’t have to choose too often; after school programs and sports allowed me to be around my boys all the time, probably more than they ever wanted … lol. But the balancing act came more with Solomon and Malcolm, my youngest two, and not being their coach all the time and trying to remember to be dad also. This wasn’t always easy and I hope I did a good job. Trying now to do that since they are adults and that constant contact won’t be there is going to be tougher for me to give them the room they need to grow up, but also still be there when they need me or just reaching out and letting them know I love them.

What do you like best about Fort Dodge?

Fort Dodge has great people here, caring people; the community always comes through when things are needed, a family in need, etc. They pull together and forget about petty differences and come through. That has always been Fort Dodge, and I hope always will be. Because of this, Fort Dodge is a good place to raise your kids. I also like the location. We are close enough to get away and back in one day or a weekend to a bigger city if you want for concerts, entertainment, amusement parks, etc.

What are you building for our future?

Hopefully legacy and longevity for AFES. Right now, the biggest thing I want to build is just stability for AFES to be here helping youth and families in the community long after I am gone. It’s important that we start to think long-term and get those things in place. AFES would like to add another new building with both recreation options, but also with some classroom space so eventually we can move out of the old school building location, as that building is not going to last forever.

What are you working hardest on?

Myself, just to be a better man tomorrow than I was today. We live in a society today where everyone throws stones even though they live in a glass house. I try to make myself a better person, a better dad, a better businessman, a better coach, etc., every single day. I make mistakes, but I think I learn from them. I am willing to say sorry and move on in a positive direction.

Also just eating and living more healthy, taking care of myself better, balancing that personal side and work side better.