Homicides against youth are, as noted in your Aug. 30 article "Spike in Raleigh killings," a fact of life in poorer minority communities and neighborhoods in Raleigh and Wake County. But Raleigh Police Chief Harry Dolan is right, and his words deserve repeating: Saving these young people is doable. All of us must be willing to promise to make the necessary changes and provide the resources to those with the expertise to make a difference.

Stories about gang violence, homicides and drugs overshadow the fact that children and youth growing up in these communities must cope with alarmingly high levels of stress, depression and impoverishment every day. Fact: Children must pass by drug dealers on their way to the school bus stop. Fact: Children sit on the floor when they hear gun fire outside their apartment windows. Fact: Youths pass by gangs just 50 yards away from the door to the neighborhood afterschool learning center.

As educators, we know what it takes to save these children. It takes commitment of caring adults.

It is imperative that we make sure every child is well-fed, every child is well-educated and every child has a real chance to contribute to his well being and to the well-being of our city and county.

Susan Hansell, Raleigh

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