3 Questions

with Lindsay Rose

Lindsay Rose, 33, is a licensed professional counselor who’s also working on a documentary about teenage drug addiction. As a way to raise money for that effort and because it’s a good project in its own right, she’s working with teens and local builders and artists to construct “free little libraries” that will be auctioned off later. Meet some of the project participants at Shake Foundation on Aug. 4 from 11 am-5 pm.

What's attractive to you about the little free libraries?
The little free library slogan is 'leave a book, take a book'...It promotes community because it builds trust among neighbors. Our free little libraries are going to have mission statements on them that say 'How to Build Community' and a few ideas. It's a way for morals and values of the community to be seen locally among neighbors. Turn off the TV. Leave your house. Know your neighbors. Look up when you are walking. Greet people. Plant flowers. Use your library. Play together. Buy from local merchants. Those are just a few. I can keep going.

Why did you choose this project as a fundraiser for your work with youth and addiction?
It gets the kids who are displaced or who are in the system or who are drinking and drugging involved in a project that teaches them life skills as well as promoting and inspiring them to do their art...It is a healthy way for them to get involved in themselves. And the contractors who are helping them build the libraries and the local artists are all people who live in the community and who believe in youth outreach and helping the over 2,800 displaced youth in our community. It is teaching them that they are important and that we believe in them.

What is it that made you personally want to get involved with this work?
I come from a family of addicts, and I have been through my own addiction, and I have always done my best work with teenagers...I am very passionate about what I have been through and what my family has been through and how successful we have been in facing our own shit.

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