In his candid book about Geoffrey Canada's Harlem Children's Zone, Paul Tough follows several families through the first years of school, inviting us to take a hard and honest look at the work, the hope and the possibility of change for at-risk youth and families.

It was this book, "Whatever It Takes," that inspired Durham County Commissioner Ellen Reckhow to pull together groups of community stakeholders, agencies and advocates to do whatever it takes in East Durham, through the East Durham Children's Initiative (EDCI).

The Harlem Children's Zone has 10 years of experience under its belt. We had the opportunity to visit Harlem and sit with Geoffrey Canada and his staff and to learn from his experiences. EDCI is our chance to enable all children in East Durham to be ready for college and/or career. Community members, government and school leaders, and several child serving agencies have been meeting to help ensure that this vision becomes reality. EDCI continues to work to create an environment that supports families and children. This effort involves the development of high quality, comprehensive, coordinated, neighborhood-based programs for children, youth, young adults and parents.

As I continue the EDCI conversation with the community, I see the momentum and level of enthusiasm growing.

The EDCI Celebrating Community event is a recent example. The event was attended by approximately 300 neighbors and friends who learned of and experienced the programs afforded them through EDCI agency partners: academic, cultural enrichment, athletic, and more. As another example, I was invited by Geraldine Thompson Robinson, Durham County Social Services director to address her 60-plus department heads. I am not sure who was more enthused or inspired when at the end of my presentation Ms Robinson spoke of hercommitment to partner with us.

Unfortunately, there is a steep contrast between our vision and current reality.

There is not enough quality child care in the community for our youngest children so that they can be ready for school. Our schools need to do a better job of supporting our children so thatthey can learn, stay in school and graduate. Our families and our community have to expect more of our youngsters. Too many children and young adults fall through the cracks, never graduate from high school, and are not prepared to earn a livable wage.

Yet, even in the midst of these opportunities for change, the answer is still doing whatever it takes, one child, one family and one block at a time.

To those who still say it is impossible, I invite you to come and hear Paul Tough at 3 p.m. today at the Holton Career and Resource Center, 401 N. Driver St.