Mother of Five Invites Lindbergh Community to StepUp!

Even though the and surrounding community isn't known for its drug use, there is no reason for a major problem to begin. A homecoming incident in October of 2010, when 51 kids were charged with minors and possessions at a residence, possibly was a warning sign for local parents. They decided to form a small group; applied to the state to form as a coalition; applied and received grant funding; and are now StepUp!, a youth-oriented drug and alcohol community coalition.

The coalition encompasses the same geographical borders as the Lindbergh School District, but includes all of the students, families and community members within the borders. The group started with five parents and has grown to 10 volunteers on the executive board and two members of the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse. Lori Krueger, a mother of five, was one of the original volunteer members and now serves as chairperson. Krueger is a Lindbergh graduate herself and has raised three graduates and two kids are still in high school. 

"With every single one of those kids, they have friends. And kids have come through my door for 25 years now," Krueger said. "You talk to any parent and you don't want any kids to be affected. Whether it's drinking on prom night or starting drugs in junior high—it's whatever we can do as parents to be aware and educated."

Krueger said that the coalition has now 155 parents, civic members, religious organizations and community leaders who want to be involved in some way. She also wants to pull in a youth aspect. 

The executive board currently is working on assessment to see where the needs and abuse in the community may be. A Missouri Student Survey, local hospitals and community surveys will be compiled to see where information and prevention needs to be stepped up. 

"From what we can tell right now, alcohol is pretty much in our community the drug of choice, but marijuana is right up there," Krueger said. "It's becoming the drug that's 'no big deal' or 'it's not as bad as smoking.' It's interesting the attitude that kids ahve about it. I think we've got to do some education there."

Krueger said that smokeless tobacco also is an increasing problem the coalition aims to address. 

"Sometimes the attitude (from parents) is 'We did it when we were young,' but we know so much more now and things are different now," she said. "We know more about how alcohol affects the teenage brain. If we can put them off and hold them off from drinking—every year we can hold them off is even better."

As a parent, Krueger said that they are all in this together, that it truly does take a village. She encourages parents who may have a problem with their teen to visit the coalition site, which is meant to serve as an umbrella to other resources. 

As for teens who may be feeling peer pressure? Krueger urges them not to stop talking. 

"There are parents and teachers and friends and counselors out there," she said. "Don't feel like you are alone in this. Reach out to somebody."