An inspring afternoon at the Emily K Center

From the streets of Chicago.. to Durham... It had been a while since I had visited the Emily K Center in Durham. A long overdue visit it was, since I drive by this beautiful building almost daily on my way home. It stands proud by my church (Immaculata) and on the edge of a neighborhood full of promise, conflict, changes, hope..

Lori, Justin and I from the Foundation spent several hours there late last week and came away energized. Inspired by its leader, Marleah Rogers, who has taken this organization by storm and applied an aggressive, outcome-based, strategic plan to its work and who is getting results with a small staff, and a load of volunteers. They are getting impressive results as they are turning the lives of youth around. African American and Latino youth from all over Durham. And they are wanting to replicate this model (which they should). It is rare for us to see an agency with this level of sophistication so early in its development (they have been around only since 2006). Much of this is due to its beginnings, and the influence of Duke's Coach K, who wanted to bring what he thinks gave him a leg up in life to our city of Durham. He credits the influence of his mother, Emily, and the support of a strong and ethnically diverse neighborhood and its community center in Chicago as a reason why he was able to overcome many obstacles in life.

And listen to these boys, can't you see this already happening?

NC Arts in Action performs at annual Leadership Council meeting

We held our annual Foundation Leadership Council last Thursday at the Carolina Inn (also to give the Tar Heels some good luck for their Saturday football game.) What a treat it was to have some of the kids and staff from the NC Arts in Action with us. Gave us all a chance to sit back, admire the great work they are doing, and enjoy a great show.. During these times of tight budgets for arts groups- this is one that is doing a lot with not so much.. Check out the video clips for more..and I think you'll agree.

FLC Chair Carol Bilbro greeting the kids

In the clip above, you can hear Lisa Van Deman, the Executive Director, explain what the organization is all about.

And here are the kids...

BUT. It wasn't all about dancing at the meeting.. We on staff cherish the opportunity to sit and work with the members of the Foundation Leadership Council anytime. And these annual meetings are very important to us. Most of the members of the Council served on the Board for years, were founders of the Foundation, and served in many leadership roles. To have them still involved with us, giving us guidance and feedback, is truly an 'asset.'

We had some beginning discussions about the work that the TCF Futures Task Force is undertaking, our unrestricted assets, our revenue model, and the fees we charge for our services. Of course, the discussion left my head spinning with ideas and a list of follow up to-do's that is too long...