Monday's guest via Zoom was Charles Clayton, Director of the AFES program in Fort Dodge. The purpose of the program is to provide after school sports and mentoring to help youth "Be Successful in Life." Began in 2004 the core group of grade schoolers are now graduates of AFES are now entering college and the social fabric of their communities with great success. An ounce of mentoring and prevention at the youth level is substantially cheaper than the cost of incarceration and more intensive intervention later in life. The concept of AFES works.
CPOVID-19 has significantly affected AFES, but the program has continued with youth only attendance with deliveries and pick-ups at the door. No adult not directly involved with the staff in providing services are permitted. In addition, the program has cancelled all summer traveling sports but are still working on sport skills in the gym. Kids are using social distancing/spacing and assist in cleaning. All participants are subject to temperature tests twice during their stay. All prior staff members are still employed and/or volunteer services. Day care services have dropped from prior levels, but still averaged 15 to 30 kids. Over 50% of client parents were put out of work by COVID-19. The number is increasing to 50 as parents are beginning to return to work. In addition to the regular sports and mentoring program, COVID-19 related new projects are:
- Assisting with the Back Pack Buddies (they are now the primary delivery system for 25-50 units) with the schools no longer involved;
- On-line and phone mentoring for youth getting in minor trouble with authorities and to work with crisis moments to prevent more severe issues;
- Wash hands regularly and use sanitation stations around the gym;
- Delivery of food to elderly shut-ins.
This coming school year AFES will work with local law enforcement authorities (plus assistant in Butler Elementary School) in a Redirection Program initiative. Kids who get in limited trouble with authorities will be directed to AFES where the staff will counsel, redirect, and assign community service punishments. This program, in preliminary trials is successful in keeping the child's name out of the legal system as well as avoiding future issues.
In response to the recent national scene with protests, looting, burning, etc., Charles said AFES with partner with community leaders and the Fort Dodge Police Department to begin:
- Outreach to troubled youth having issues with processing what is happening;
- Development Focus Groups of parents, youth, and law enforcement personnel to sit in round tables to discuss issues;
- Development of on-line discussion forums for youth to use.
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