I was totally into your post until this part, "(pretty unusual skill for a white girl who grew up in suburbia huh?)". I'm thinking you might want to reword it. It could have been written without your race being mentioned.

Being black OR white, after growing up in suburbia, then being exposed to crime plagued, crack infested housing would be shocking.

I work with addicts every day and in my 'hood - most of them are caucasian.

It's a sensitive topic. I just want to make sure people are aware of the issue.

Slippers