Lindsey Meyer Teen Institute

The Lindsey Meyer Teen Institute (LMTI) is a statewide leadership training program for high school students in New Jersey. The program has a distinct focus on alcohol, tobacco, and other drug prevention but also stresses the importance of diversity appreciation, healthy choices, and making a positive change in participants' schools and communities. LMTI is a program of the Lindsey Meyer Memorial Foundation, a non profit, 501(c)(3) organization, and is based in Rutherford, New Jersey. Both the Foundation and the Teen Institute were established in honor of Lindsey Meyer.

History

Lindsey Meyer

Lindsey Rose Meyer was a New Jersey student who attended St. Mary High School in Rutherford, NJ. Lindsey suffered from the chronic disease, Cystic Fibrosis. She first attended Teen Institute in 1998. She was accepted as a Youth Staff member in 1999 and again in 2000. Lindsey was also President of her high school prevention group, Students Helping Other Students (SHOS). Lindsey was passionate about helping others and also led discussion/support groups for younger patients coping with Cystic Fibrosis, drawing on her own experiences to provide insight and comfort for those she worked with.

On February 8, 2001 Lindsey passed away.

Lindsey Meyer Memorial Foundation

In 2001, the Lindsey Meyer Memorial Foundation was formed by Lindsey's family members and friends. Each year since its initiation, the Foundation hosts their "Pumpkin Run," which features a 1 and 3 Mile Run, a 1 Mile Walk, and a Fun Run for children 7 and under. Annually, this event draws between 600 and 700 registrants and is LMMF's largest fundraiser. LMMF utilizes this income to support the work of the New Jersey Organization of Cystic Fibrosis and to provide educational scholarships to local high schools. The Foundation has also held events such as a Beefsteak Dinner (2006) and a Person of the Year Dinner (2007). Mission Statement:The Lindsey Meyer Memorial Foundation seeks to keep Lindsey's memory, her passion and her spirit alive through fun-loving activities, while generating funds to benefit she organizations that meant so much to her.

Lindsey Meyer Teen Institute

LMTI was formed in 2005 and it was immediately recognized by the National Association of Teen Institutes (NATI) as a program member. The program was developed by Teen Institute alumni and volunteers. The Lindsey Meyer Memorial Foundation welcomed the program as its first leadership training initiative. Upon its inception, LMTI became the largest Teen Institute in New Jersey, with over 350 high school and college students participating in the Summer Leadership Leadership Conference annually.

Mission Statement:The mission of the Lindsey Meyer Teen Institute is to reduce the frequency of teenage alcohol, tobacco, and other drug use and abuse by guiding students to realize their leadership abilities and guiding them to create positive changes in their schools and communities.

Links

* [http://www.lmteeninstitute.org LMTI Official Website]
* [http://www.lmmf.org LMMF Official Website]