Lovely building on lovely grounds and, incidentally, in one of the wealthier and more exclusive (Wilmette, Kenilworth, Glencoe, Winnetka) areas on the North Shore. Average home prices are about $1.3 million in Wilmette, $2 million in Kenilworth.

Yup. That’s the place. Unfortunately, soft music, beautiful architecture and the message of “peace and love” doesn’t play well in Rogers Park or Ravenswood.

They’re too busy just trying to keep their heads above water.

Interesting sidenote: During seminary, I spent a year working with high school youth in Winnetka- one of the posh suburbs you mentioned above.

I spent an interesting afternoon talking to a social worker who worked with the Winnetka Police Department.

He told me they routinely see some of the same problems most often associated with the ghetto- absent fathers (out of town on business, or working 8-6 in the Loop and taking the IC back home late at night).

You don’t have to skip town to be an absent father. All you have to do is be emotionally unavailable to your children.