Clinton Windom named Kiwanis citizen of month

He engages young men from drug world in cleaning yards of older people in town
By MARION SOFTKY

Clinton Windom of Menlo Park, a former drug addict and dealer, is beginning to get recognition for his recent work in linking what he calls society's "throwaways" -- young drug dealers and the elderly poor.

Through his Close Up/Clean Up program, Mr. Windom involves young drug dealers in cleaning up the yards of senior citizens, who too often cower behind barred windows, afraid of young toughs who would hang out and deal drugs in front of their homes.

"I've moved 102 kids from the drug corners. I reconnect them with senior citizens," he told the Menlo Park Kiwanis Club March 26. "The seniors need to know that somebody cares."

The Kiwanis Club presented Mr. Windom its Citizen of the Month Award -- and a check to keep his work going.

"He does very important work -- both what he personally does, and how he influences others," said Kiwanian Ed Mintz.

Mr. Windom may also soon appear on national television. Bryant Gumbel of the CBS show, "Public Eye," brought his team to East Palo Alto and Belle Haven recently to interview Mr. Windom on his life in the drug world, his religious conversion four years ago in the county jail, and his recent work reforming young men and re-connecting them with elderly neighbors through cleanup projects.

Mr. Windom is optimistic the episode will appear locally on KPIX, Channel 5, on Monday, April 13, at 8 p.m., but CBS cannot confirm the time. "Public Eye is a live news magazine; we can't predict what will be on it," cautioned spokeswoman Kelly Edwards.

Meanwhile, Mr. Windom and his crew are helping Kiwanis Club members with cleaning the yard of a Belle Haven home they will be fixing up for Christmas in April on Saturday, April 25.

Since he last got out of jail and finished treatment for his drug addiction, Mr. Windom has worked through the Community Development Institute in East Palo Alto, and its Black Male Rebirth Program.

Because he's been there himself, he can communicate with young people lured into selling and using drugs. And he knows how much older people in the community are terrorized. "These are people who are helpless, trapped, alone and scared," he said. "And a lot of the kids need a lot of understanding."

Mr. Windom also told the Kiwanis he needs money to continue his project, which was launched with a Neighborhood Grant from the Peninsula Community Foundation. "I need a bigger truck, and tools," he said.

For information, contact Mr. Windom and the Close Up/Clean Up program at the Community Development Institute, 321 Bell St., P.O. BOX 50099, East Palo Alto, CA 94303. Donations should be made out to CDI/Close Up. For information, call 327-5846.